''Cereus hildmannianus'' is a species of
cactus from southern
South America. Its distribution is uncertain but probably includes
Brazil,
Paraguay,
Uruguay and
Argentina.
[, pp. 144–145]
Description
''Cereus hildmannianus'' has a tree-like growth habit with a distinct trunk after which it branches freely up to high. Its stems are up to across, have 4–6 ribs and are divided into segments. The cylindrical, segmented, blue-green to cloudy green shoots are often blue-green in colour when young, becoming duller green with age. Stems are usually spineless (except in subspecies ''uruguayensis''). They have a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. There are four to six sharp-edged ribs that are up to 3.5 centimeters high. The areoles on it are small. Thorns are usually not formed.
The white flowers are very large, up to long, and are followed by fruits which are red when ripe. Flowering appears when the plant is around 4 to 5 years old and is abundant during summer nights. The spherical fruits are colored red to yellow. They contain a white pulp.
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Cultivation
It is necessary to water abundantly during the period of growth, and very little during the period of rest. The species can tolerate some cold, even a few degrees below zero, if the soil is dry. Young plants need shade, while adults need full sun.[Braun, PJ (2017): The cacti native to Mato Grosso do Sul. - cact. and. Sukk. 68 (3): 65-70.]
Distribution
''Cereus hildmannianus'' is thought to be widespread in Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul
Mato Grosso do Sul () is one of the Midwestern states of Brazil. Neighboring Brazilian states are (from north clockwise) Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná. It also borders the countries of Paraguay, to the southwest, and ...
, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia
, image_flag = Bandera de Bolivia (Estado).svg
, flag_alt = Horizontal tricolor (red, yellow, and green from top to bottom) with the coat of arms of Bolivia in the center
, flag_alt2 = 7 × 7 square p ...
and Argentina.
It is found in sandy, rocky soils, outcrops and on cliffs. It eventually occurs as an epiphyte
An epiphyte is an organism that grows on the surface of a plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it. The plants on which epiphytes grow are called phoroph ...
over trees and shrubs. It blooms from October to February. The flower is nocturnal
Nocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal", versus diurnal meaning the opposite.
Nocturnal creatures generally have highly developed sens ...
and closes in the morning. All parts of the plant are edible by the fauna. In Rio Grande do Sul
Rio Grande do Sul (, , ; "Great River of the South") is a Federative units of Brazil, state in the South Region, Brazil, southern region of Brazil. It is the Federative_units_of_Brazil#List, fifth-most-populous state and the List of Brazilian st ...
, it is used as an ornamental and the fruits are appreciated by the population. It is commonly used by birds to build nests.
Systematics
''Cereus hildmannianus'' was first named by Karl M. Schumann in 1890. Plants named as ''Cereus uruguayensis'' by Roberto Kiesling
The name Robert is an ancient Germanic given name, from Proto-Germanic "fame" and "bright" (''Hrōþiberhtaz''). Compare Old Dutch ''Robrecht'' and Old High German ''Hrodebert'' (a compound of '' Hruod'' ( non, Hróðr) "fame, glory, honou ...
in 1982 were reduced to ''C. hildmannianus'' subsp. ''uruguayensis'' by Nigel P. Taylor in 1998,[ thereby creating the autonym ''C. hildmannianus'' subsp. ''hildmannianus''. Subspecies ''hildmannianus'' has the same range as the species as a whole and is usually spineless, unlike subsp. ''uruguayensis'' which is only found in Uruguay.
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References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q6653247
hildmannianus
Cacti of South America
Plants described in 1890
es:Cereus hildmannianus