Tribe Hylocereeae Scientific name Disocactus ackermannii | Genus Disocactus Higher classification Disocactus | |
 | ||
Similar cactus, Disocactus, Disocactus phyllanthoides, Epiphyllum, Epiphyllum crenatum | ||
My epiphyllum ackermannii orchid cactus in bloom disocactus ackermannii
Disocactus ackermannii is an epiphytic cactus from tropical forests in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. In cultivation, it has been confused with Disocactus ×hybridus, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus.
Contents
- My epiphyllum ackermannii orchid cactus in bloom disocactus ackermannii
- Description
- Taxonomy
- References
Description
The stems of Disocactus ackermannii consist of a short rounded base, about 10–18 cm (4–7 in) long, followed by longer flattened leaf-like portions, 10–75 cm (4–30 in) long and 5–7 cm (2–3 in) wide with wavy edges. The plant branches from the base and arches downwards, being altogether some 1 m (3 ft) long. The scarlet flowers have greenish throats and are funnel shaped, 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) long. Fertilized flowers are followed by green to brownish red fruits, 4 cm (1.6 in) long and 2–2.5 cm (0.8–1.0 in) wide.
Taxonomy
The species was originally named Epiphyllum ackermannii by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1829. There are three sets of Synonyms:
Two varieties are currently recognized. D. a. var. ackermannii has longer cladodes (flattened stem portions), 35–75 cm (14–30 in) long, and longer tepals, 7–10 cm (3–4 in) long. D. a. var. conzattianum has shorter cladodes, 10–50 cm (4–20 in) long, and shorter tepals, 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long.
In cultivation, Disocactus ×hybridus, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus, has been confused with D. ackermannii and is often distributed under the name "Phyllocactus ackermannii".