Epiphyllum crenatum
Encyclopedia
Epiphyllum crenatum, the Crenate Orchid Cactus, is a species of cactus
and one of the most important parents in creating the Epiphyllum
-hybrids commonly cultivated
throughout the world. It is cultivated for its beautiful diurnal flowers.
cacti and Crassulaceae
, and for many years working at the University of California, Berkeley
and Huntington Gardens. Kimnach was director of the Huntington Botanical Gardens for 25 years and editor of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America
's Journal, and Managing Editor of its peer-reviewed, technical yearbook, Haseltonia for ten years.
's Garden in 1844 and won highest medal for a new introduction. It had been collected in Honduras
five years earlier by Georges Ule Skinner and sent to Sir Charles Lemon
who flowered it for the first time in 1843. Lindley
thought it to have originated in the island of Antigua
. E. crenatum is the only species of Epiphyllum that has been used in hybridization to any extent. Most of the colored hybrids have mainly Disocactus
genes and perhaps better referred to as Disocactus-hybrids rather than Epiphyllum hybrids.
(Oaxaca
& Chiapas
) to Honduras
. Epiphytic (grows upon another plant) or lithophytic
(grows on rocks) in moist or wet forests, sometimes in oak forests. 1.750 m alt. or less.
and Epiphyllum anguliger
. The flowers of Epiphyllum grandilobum are similar but the stem morphology
is very different. Epiphyllum macropterum probably belongs here, but due to lack of type material its identity will never be known, thus that name must be rejected.
. Needs compost
containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 12°C (53,5°F) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in late spring or early summer.
, primary stems terete (tapering at both ends) or 3-angled for a short portion at base, becoming ligneous
(woody), flat at most of their length, secondary stems flat, flattened portions to 60 cm long, to 6-10 cm wide, stiff and rather succulent
.
to long linear, acute
or obtuse
, median nerve rather thick, margins deeply or coarsely crenate, lobes oblique; areole
s at the bases of stems sometimes bearing hairs or small bristles, internodes
(plant stem part between nodes) narrow or broad.
(hypanthium) 5-angled, 3 cm long, 1,5-1,7 cm thick, with acute, long-decurrent
podaria
, bracteoles (small bracts) subtening 0-2 (-8) spines to 7 mm long, green.
s inserted within 2 cm of receptacle apex, (7-)10-12 cm long, broadly oblanceolate
-linear, greenish yellow to tawny yellow or reddish amber, the outermost sometimes margined red or streaked; inner tepals as long as outer, spathulate
to oblanceolate, acuminate to mucronate
, white, creamy white or greenish yellow.
s numerous, declinate, shorter than tepals, inserted in two zones the lower one ca 4 cm long, from a point ca 4 cm from the ovary chamber, the upper zone forming a throat circle ca 2 cm above, filament
s 5-7 cm long, pale yellow or pale greenish yellow; style 15-20 cm long, as long or longer than stamens, 2-3 mm thick, widest at base;
(globe-shaped), the podaria
long decurrent
, acute.
E. crenatum subsp. kimnachii
Differs from the typical variety by: stems 4-6 cm wide, lobes usually semicircular; pericarpel and receptacle subterete (tapering at the bottom) in cross-section; pericarpel with subconical (somewhat cone shaped at the bottom) or obtuse, shortly decurrent podaria and with bracteoles subtending ca 6 (0-20) spines to 12 mm long; outer tepals usually inserted within 4-8 cm of tube apex; fruit globose, the podaria shortly decurrent, obtuse.
, obtaining several plants identical with 'Cooperi', supporting the theory that it is in fact a hybrid. However, he never managed to present any plants. Clive Innes, unfortunately, did mix up facts on several occasions in the past making his reports somewhat doubtful.
Cactus
A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. Their distinctive appearance is a result of adaptations to conserve water in dry and/or hot environments. In most species, the stem has evolved to become photosynthetic and succulent, while the leaves have evolved into spines...
and one of the most important parents in creating the Epiphyllum
Epiphyllum
Epiphyllum is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family , native to Central America. Common names for these species include orchid cacti and leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Pereskia....
-hybrids commonly cultivated
Plant breeding
Plant breeding is the art and science of changing the genetics of plants in order to produce desired characteristics. Plant breeding can be accomplished through many different techniques ranging from simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics for propagation, to more complex molecular...
throughout the world. It is cultivated for its beautiful diurnal flowers.
Etymology
"Crenatum" (lat.) means with crenations (wavy-toothed) and refers to the crenated stem margins. The variety kimnachii honours Mr. Myron Kimnach (1922- ), well known botanist, mainly working with epiphyticEpiphyte
An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant non-parasitically or sometimes upon some other object , derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and sometimes from debris accumulating around it, and is found in the temperate zone and in the...
cacti and Crassulaceae
Crassulaceae
Crassulaceae, or the orpine family, are a family of dicotyledons. They store water in their succulent leaves. They are found worldwide, but mostly occur in the Northern Hemisphere and southern Africa, typically in dry and/or cold areas where water may be scarce...
, and for many years working at the University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
and Huntington Gardens. Kimnach was director of the Huntington Botanical Gardens for 25 years and editor of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America
Cactus and Succulent Society of America
The Cactus and Succulent Society of America was founded in 1929 in Pasadena, California and has grown to encompass over 80 affiliated clubs and thousands of members worldwide...
's Journal, and Managing Editor of its peer-reviewed, technical yearbook, Haseltonia for ten years.
History
This species was shown at an exhibition at the Royal Horticultural SocietyRoyal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 in London, England as the Horticultural Society of London, and gained its present name in a Royal Charter granted in 1861 by Prince Albert...
's Garden in 1844 and won highest medal for a new introduction. It had been collected in Honduras
Honduras
Honduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
five years earlier by Georges Ule Skinner and sent to Sir Charles Lemon
Charles Lemon
Sir Charles Lemon, 2nd Baronet Lemon of Carclew was a British Member of Parliament for several constituencies and a baronet.-Service in Parliament:...
who flowered it for the first time in 1843. Lindley
John Lindley
John Lindley FRS was an English botanist, gardener and orchidologist.-Early years:Born in Catton, near Norwich, England, John Lindley was one of four children of George and Mary Lindley. George Lindley was a nurseryman and pomologist and ran a commercial nursery garden...
thought it to have originated in the island of Antigua
Antigua
Antigua , also known as Waladli, is an island in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region, the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua means "ancient" in Spanish and was named by Christopher Columbus after an icon in Seville Cathedral, Santa Maria de la...
. E. crenatum is the only species of Epiphyllum that has been used in hybridization to any extent. Most of the colored hybrids have mainly Disocactus
Disocactus
Disocactus is genus of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus.-Synonymy:*Aporocactus Lem.*Aporocereus Fric & Kreuz....
genes and perhaps better referred to as Disocactus-hybrids rather than Epiphyllum hybrids.
Origin and habitat
From MexicoMexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
(Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Oaxaca , , officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Oaxaca is one of the 31 states which, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided into 571 municipalities; of which 418 are governed by the system of customs and traditions...
& Chiapas
Chiapas
Chiapas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Chiapas is one of the 31 states that, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 118 municipalities and its capital city is Tuxtla Gutierrez. Other important cites in Chiapas include San Cristóbal de las...
) to Honduras
Honduras
Honduras is a republic in Central America. It was previously known as Spanish Honduras to differentiate it from British Honduras, which became the modern-day state of Belize...
. Epiphytic (grows upon another plant) or lithophytic
Lithophyte
Lithophytes are a type of plant that grows in or on rocks. Lithophytes feed off moss, nutrients in rain water, litter, and even their own dead tissue....
(grows on rocks) in moist or wet forests, sometimes in oak forests. 1.750 m alt. or less.
Systematics
This species is very distinct and its nearest relatives are Epiphyllum lauiEpiphyllum laui
Epiphyllum laui is a cactus species native to Mexico. The species is grown as an ornamental. Unfortunately most stock in cultivation seems to be infected with virus.-History:...
and Epiphyllum anguliger
Epiphyllum anguliger
Epiphyllum anguliger, commonly known as the fishbone cactus, is a cactus species native to Mexico. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental for its beautiful, fragrant flowers in the fall.-Etymology:...
. The flowers of Epiphyllum grandilobum are similar but the stem morphology
Morphology (biology)
In biology, morphology is a branch of bioscience dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features....
is very different. Epiphyllum macropterum probably belongs here, but due to lack of type material its identity will never be known, thus that name must be rejected.
Cultivation
An easily cultivated, fast growing epiphyteEpiphyte
An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant non-parasitically or sometimes upon some other object , derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and sometimes from debris accumulating around it, and is found in the temperate zone and in the...
. Needs compost
Compost
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At its most essential, the process of composting requires simply piling up waste outdoors and waiting for the materials to break down from anywhere...
containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 12°C (53,5°F) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in late spring or early summer.
Stem
Stem erect to ascending, profusely brachedBract
In botany, a bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis, or cone scale. Bracts are often different from foliage leaves. They may be smaller, larger, or of a different color, shape, or texture...
, primary stems terete (tapering at both ends) or 3-angled for a short portion at base, becoming ligneous
Woody plant
A woody plant is a plant that uses wood as its structural tissue. These are typically perennial plants whose stems and larger roots are reinforced with wood produced adjacent to the vascular tissues. The main stem, larger branches, and roots of these plants are usually covered by a layer of...
(woody), flat at most of their length, secondary stems flat, flattened portions to 60 cm long, to 6-10 cm wide, stiff and rather succulent
Succulent plant
Succulent plants, also known as succulents or fat plants, are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climates or soil conditions. Succulent plants store water in their leaves, stems, and also in roots...
.
Leaf
Leaf lanceolateLeaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
to long linear, acute
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
or obtuse
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
, median nerve rather thick, margins deeply or coarsely crenate, lobes oblique; areole
Areole
Areoles are an important diagnostic feature of cacti, and identify them as a family distinct from other succulent plants. The areoles on cacti are clearly visible; they generally appear as small light- to dark-colored bumps, out of which grow clusters of spines...
s at the bases of stems sometimes bearing hairs or small bristles, internodes
Plant stem
A stem is one of two main structural axes of a vascular plant. The stem is normally divided into nodes and internodes, the nodes hold buds which grow into one or more leaves, inflorescence , conifer cones, roots, other stems etc. The internodes distance one node from another...
(plant stem part between nodes) narrow or broad.
Flowers
Flowers to 18-29cm long and (10-)15--20 cm wide, nocturnal but remaining open for several days, fragrant.Hypanthium
PericarpelHypanthium
A hypanthium is a floral structure consisting of the bases of the sepals, petals, and stamens fused together. Its presence is diagnostic of many families, including the Rosaceae, Grossulariaceae, and Fabaceae...
(hypanthium) 5-angled, 3 cm long, 1,5-1,7 cm thick, with acute, long-decurrent
Decurrent
Decurrent is a term used in botany and mycology to describe plant or fungal parts that extend downward.In botany, the term is most often applied to leaf blades that partly wrap or have wings around the stem or petiole and extend down along the stem...
podaria
Tubercle
A tubercle is generally a wart-like projection, but it has slightly different meaning depending on which family of plants or animals it is used to refer to....
, bracteoles (small bracts) subtening 0-2 (-8) spines to 7 mm long, green.
Receptacle
Receptacle 10-12 cm long, ca 1,5 cm thick at middle, green often reddish at apex or reddish throughout, bearing numerous linear to oblong, obtuse, ± keeled bracleoles 2-3 cm long, ± spreading.Tepals
Outer tepalTepal
Tepals are elements of the perianth, or outer part of a flower, which include the petals or sepals. The term tepal is more often applied specifically when all segments of the perianth are of similar shape and color, or undifferentiated, which is called perigone...
s inserted within 2 cm of receptacle apex, (7-)10-12 cm long, broadly oblanceolate
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
-linear, greenish yellow to tawny yellow or reddish amber, the outermost sometimes margined red or streaked; inner tepals as long as outer, spathulate
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
to oblanceolate, acuminate to mucronate
Leaf shape
In botany, leaf shape is characterised with the following terms :* Acicular : Slender and pointed, needle-like* Acuminate : Tapering to a long point...
, white, creamy white or greenish yellow.
Stamens
Nectaries ca 3-4 cm long, stamenStamen
The stamen is the pollen producing reproductive organ of a flower...
s numerous, declinate, shorter than tepals, inserted in two zones the lower one ca 4 cm long, from a point ca 4 cm from the ovary chamber, the upper zone forming a throat circle ca 2 cm above, filament
Stamen
The stamen is the pollen producing reproductive organ of a flower...
s 5-7 cm long, pale yellow or pale greenish yellow; style 15-20 cm long, as long or longer than stamens, 2-3 mm thick, widest at base;
Fruit
Fruit oblong to globoseSphere
A sphere is a perfectly round geometrical object in three-dimensional space, such as the shape of a round ball. Like a circle in two dimensions, a perfect sphere is completely symmetrical around its center, with all points on the surface lying the same distance r from the center point...
(globe-shaped), the podaria
Tubercle
A tubercle is generally a wart-like projection, but it has slightly different meaning depending on which family of plants or animals it is used to refer to....
long decurrent
Decurrent
Decurrent is a term used in botany and mycology to describe plant or fungal parts that extend downward.In botany, the term is most often applied to leaf blades that partly wrap or have wings around the stem or petiole and extend down along the stem...
, acute.
E. crenatum subsp. kimnachii
Differs from the typical variety by: stems 4-6 cm wide, lobes usually semicircular; pericarpel and receptacle subterete (tapering at the bottom) in cross-section; pericarpel with subconical (somewhat cone shaped at the bottom) or obtuse, shortly decurrent podaria and with bracteoles subtending ca 6 (0-20) spines to 12 mm long; outer tepals usually inserted within 4-8 cm of tube apex; fruit globose, the podaria shortly decurrent, obtuse.
Comments by Myron Kimnach, Los Angeles
Clive Innes stated that he "re-made" the cross between E. crenatum and Selenicereus grandiflorusSelenicereus grandiflorus
Selenicereus grandiflorus is a cactus species originating from the Antilles, Mexico and Central America. The species is commonly referred to as Nightblooming Cereus, Queen of the Night , Large-flowered Cactus, Sweet-Scented Cactus or Vanilla Cactus. The true species is extremely rare in cultivation...
, obtaining several plants identical with 'Cooperi', supporting the theory that it is in fact a hybrid. However, he never managed to present any plants. Clive Innes, unfortunately, did mix up facts on several occasions in the past making his reports somewhat doubtful.