Status:
valid
Authors:
(Gürke) F.Ritter
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1968
Citation Micro:
in Kakteen And. Sukk. 19: 157. 1968.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001289766
Common Names
- Micranthocereus purpureus
- Purple Pitaya
- Purple Night-Blooming Cereus
Description
Micranthocereus purpureus (also called Purple Micranthocereus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to South America. It is a tall, columnar cactus with long, cylindrical stems that are covered in white spines. It is found in dry, rocky habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Micranthocereus purpureus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a source of food and medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Micranthocereus purpureus are purple and bell-shaped. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have white hairs.
Cultivation and Propagation
Micranthocereus purpureus is a small, evergreen, succulent shrub that grows up to 1 m tall. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings.
Where to Find Micranthocereus purpureus
Micranthocereus purpureus is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo and Querétaro and can be found in the wild in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. It is also available from specialty nurseries and online retailers.
Micranthocereus purpureus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Micranthocereus purpureus?
Micranthocereus purpureus
What is the natural habitat of Micranthocereus purpureus?
It is native to the dry forests of Mexico and Guatemala
What is the size of Micranthocereus purpureus?
It is a small cactus, usually reaching a height of up to 20 cm
Species in the Micranthocereus genus
Micranthocereus auri-azureus,
Micranthocereus streckeri,
Micranthocereus polyanthus,
Micranthocereus violaciflorus,
Micranthocereus hofackerianus,
Micranthocereus purpureus,
Micranthocereus albicephalus,
Micranthocereus flaviflorus,
Micranthocereus dolichospermaticus,
Micranthocereus estevesii,
Micranthocereus aureispinus,
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,