CactiGuide.com
cactus pictures




Cactus Family                                                                                                
CactiGuide.com Custom Nomenclature - System Default    About This | Login
Notes for the Genus:

Rhipsalis

Etymology -The name is derived from the Greek word rhips which means wickerwork and refers to the slender, flexible, reed-like stems.
Rhipsalis are primarily epiphytic -meaning they live in trees, but some are lithophytic -that is growing in the cracks of rocks. This bulk of the species feature cylindrical-pendant stems that branch frequently, however some are flattened or have angled stems. Spines are absent in most or if present, very fine and hair-like. Flowers are among the smallest of cactus flowers if not the smallest and predominantly white; some may have a yellow or red tinge. Fruits on all are spineless except R. pilocarpa and are mostly pea-sized berries. There are just under 40 species and most occur in Brazil. A few are found more widespread in South America up into Central America, the Caribbean, and one species as far as Madagascar and Sri Lanka making Rhipsalis the only member of the Cactus Family that occurs naturally in the "Old World". Although, some feel that this plant may have been carried over by people and therefore not actually a natural occurrence.

Several Rhipsalis are grown commercially and can be found in garden centers while other species are extremely rare. The plants are grown for their lush, green foliage in hanging pots and work well as houseplants in windows due to their lower light requirements.

Click on one of the species below for more info.

Rhipsalis agudoensis

Rhipsalis agudoensis


     No images

View Details

Rhipsalis baccifera

Rhipsalis baccifera


     12 images

Taxa Included:
   R. baccifera horrida -
4 images

   R. baccifera baccifera -
5 images

   R. baccifera shaferi -
2 images

   R. baccifera fasciculata -
1 image


View Details

Rhipsalis burchellii

Rhipsalis burchellii


     2 images

View Details

Rhipsalis campos-portoana

Rhipsalis campos-portoana


     1 image

View Details

Rhipsalis cereoides

Rhipsalis cereoides


     2 images

View Details

Rhipsalis cereuscula

Rhipsalis cereuscula


     4 images

View Details

Rhipsalis clavata

Rhipsalis clavata


     No images

View Details

Rhipsalis crispata

Rhipsalis crispata


     3 images

View Details

Rhipsalis cuneata

Rhipsalis cuneata


     No images

View Details

Rhipsalis dissimilis

Rhipsalis dissimilis


     5 images

View Details

*Currently 36 of 36 known species in this genus are represented on CactiGuide.com.
You are Viewing Page 1 of 4
Previous Page 1 2 3 4 Next Page
© 2002-2022, CactiGuide.com All rights reserved.