Epiphyllum anguliger

 

Epiphyllum anguliger  (Lem.) G.Don

 

Epiphyllum anguliger, commonly known as the fishbone cactus or zig zag cactus, is a cactus species native to Mexico. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental for its fragrant flowers in the fall.

The fruit is delicious and is said to taste like gooseberries. The interior of the fruit looks rather like a kiwifruit, with green pulp and small black seeds.

This epiphytic cactus has a smooth green skin and extensively branched stems. The primary stems are often woody. Secondary stems are flat and succulent, 20–30 cm long, 3–5 cm wide, and deeply lobed. The lobes are rectangular or slightly rounded. The white or pale yellow flowers bloom nocturnally, exuding a strong, sweet scent; they are 6–20 cm long and 6–7 cm wide. The fruit, 3–4 cm thick, are ovoid and brownish, greenish or yellowish.

Synonym

Phyllocactus anguliger Lem.Phyllocactus serratus BrongnartPhyllocactus angularis Labouret