''Cereus fernambucensis'' is a species of ''
Cereus'' found in Brazil.
Description
''Cereus fernambucensis'' grows shrubby, is richly branched and forms dense clumps up to 5 meters in diameter. The cylindrical, segmented, pale green shoots, which often appear almost white, are 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter. There are three to five thick, sharp-edged ribs that are somewhat wavy. The large
areoles
In botany, areoles are small light- to dark-colored bumps on cacti out of which grow clusters of spines. Areoles are important diagnostic features of cacti, and identify them as a family distinct from other succulent plants. Gordon Rowley - Wh ...
on it are initially brownish and later become whitish. The four to ten needle thorns are yellowish brown to bright yellow. They have a length of up to 5 centimeters.
The white flowers are up to 20 centimeters long. The 6 to 7 centimeters long, narrowly oblong fruits are crimson. They contain white flesh.
Distribution
''Cereus fernambucensis'' is distributed along the coast of northeastern
Brazil
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by area, fifth-largest country by area and the List of countries and dependencies by population ...
.
Taxonomy
The plant was first described and published in 1839 by
Charles Lemaire
Charles LeMaire (April 22, 1897 – June 8, 1985) was an American costume designer. He
was born in Chicago.
LeMaire's early career was as a vaudeville performer, but he became a costume designer for such Broadway productions as ''Ziegfeld Fol ...
.
Subspecies
There are two recognized subspecies:
References
External links
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{{Taxonbar, from=Q1055059
Flora of Brazil
fernambucensis
Cacti of South America
Plants described in 1839