Cactaceae

Harrisia species

Common Names: Harrisia cactus

Plant Form: Succulent perennial climbing shrubs. Size: Up to 3 m high. Stem: Long, thick, deep green, fleshy, covered in spines. Branched, often tangled. Has spots on stem segments (areoles) with 1-4 central spines 10-35 mm long. Leaves: Has flattened stems (pads) rather than leaves. These are thick, fleshy and spiny. Flowers: White with pinkish tinges. Funnel shaped with green base. Up to 20 cm long. Open at night and wither in the morning. Fruit and Seeds: Red, with white flesh and black seeds. 2-4 cm diameter and warty and spiny in some species. Habitat: Arid or semi-arid shrublands, cracking bare ground. Distinguishing Features: Areoles have fewer spines than Sword Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus), and longer spines than Moonlight cactus (Hylocereus undatus).