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Flower of the Night Lady (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum)

Scientific name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum Family: Cactaceae Morphological characteristics: This plant, almost a shrub, is no more than 3 meters high. And its famous flower, in general, reaches 20 centimeters in length. Origin: Southeast Mexico and Central America Natural Occurrence: In Brazil it occurs in the Northeast (more specifically in Bahia) and Southeast (São Paulo). But as it is neotropical, it appears from North America to Argentina. In Brazil, among native and exotic species, many plants are called lady-of-the-night. And the reason for this is simple: its flowers only open at night. But it is worth saying: this natural phenomenon of only giving the air of grace at sunset has to do with the insects that pollinate it and only leave this period in search of their nectar. In other words: there is a mutual need between them, almost a symbiosis. In the case of Epiphyllum oxypetalum, it is considered one of the most beautiful in this family, as it is almost a mixture of a cactus and an orchid. Detail: its daily and nightly "performance" only lasts a little over five hours. In the wake of his nod, of course, comes the unmistakable scent. Epiphytic plant (which grows on other plants without parasitizing the host), of moderate climate, it is easily grown in squares, houses and places.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2016
Date Uploaded: 09.2020
Photo Location: Itapetininga, Brazil
Copyright: © Priscila Lopes Fiuza