Disocactus biformis

(Lindl.) Lindl.

Cactaceae Edible: Fruit

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Description

A cactus. Plants branch freely. The stem in long and cylindrical. The stems are flat and leaflike. They are 20 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers occur singly and along the side. They are funnel shaped and curve upwards. They are red and 5-6 cm long. The fruit are bright red colour. They are flask shaped. There are many seeds in a soft pulp. The pulp is purple.

Edible Uses

The bright red fruits are eaten, containing soft purple pulp with edible seeds.

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Central America, Guatemala, Honduras,

Cultivation

The species is a strict epiphyte. It requires a high humidity, a position that is shaded during the hottest part of the day and a pH lower than 6.

Propagation

Seed - Cuttings

Notes

There are 19 Epiphyllum species.

Synonyms

Cereus biformis Pfeiff.Cereus biformis LindleyDisisocactus biformis Salm-DyckEpiphyllum biforme (Lindley) G. Don.Phyllocactus biformis Labour.

Also Known As

Paxte de palo

References (4)

Anderson, E.F., 2001, The Cactus Family, Timber Press p 223
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 490 (As Ephiphyllum biformis)
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 317
Martin, F. W., et al, 1987, Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics. USDA Handbook 642 p 89