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Species

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum (Lem.) Britton & Rose is treated as an accepted taxon in Plants of the World Online.1

The current source-backed classification places it in Cactaceae within Epiphyllum.12

Its recorded native range/source remark is GUA, HONOO, SOUTHERNAMERICA, GUAOO, PANOO, PAN, HON, CENTRAL_AMERICA; C. America.1

POWO records the plant context as succulent subshrub, wet tropical.1

This is a source-populated draft intended for later Kaktus Doktoru editorial rewriting; care advice and morphology should be reviewed before publication.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online. "Epiphyllum macropterum (Lem.) Britton & Rose". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:92731-2 ↩
  2. GBIF Secretariat. "Epiphyllum macropterum". GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Accessed: 2026-06-10. https://www.gbif.org/species/5621089 ↩

Plants In This Group

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum

Epiphyllum macropterum is an epiphytic cactus species celebrated for its massive, nocturnal blooms and broad, leaf-like flattened stems 1. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in humid environments.

Taxonomy and naming

Classified under the tribe Hylocereeae within the Cactaceae family, this species showcases the typical epiphytic growth habit of the genus Epiphyllum 2. The specific epithet refers to its large, wing-like stem margins.

Natural distribution and habitat

It is native to wet tropical forests in Central and Southern America, specifically ranging across Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama 1. Here, it grows high in the canopy on host trees.

Appearance

The plant features long, pendant, flattened green branches that act as leaves. The flowers are stunningly large, white, highly fragrant, and adapted to open exclusively at night to attract nocturnal pollinators 2.

Cultivation and care

It requires a well-aerated, organic-rich substrate, frequent misting to maintain high humidity, and protection from direct midday sun. Water thoroughly but allow the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Common care mistakes

Overwatering in heavy soils leads to root rot, while placing the plant in dry, low-humidity rooms prevents flowering and causes stem tip dieback 1.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online (POWO), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ↩
  2. IPNI, International Plant Names Index. ↩

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Epiphyllum macropterum?
Epiphyllum macropterum is a species-level taxonomy entry identified by the scientific name Epiphyllum macropterum.
Which rank is Epiphyllum macropterum?
Epiphyllum macropterum is shown as a species in our botanical dictionary.
Which groups sit below Epiphyllum macropterum?
No lower taxonomy landing pages are currently shown for Epiphyllum macropterum.
Are there plants related to Epiphyllum macropterum?
Yes. Related dictionary entries include Epiphyllum macropterum.
Is this taxonomy page a care guide?
No. This page explains scientific classification; light, watering, and safety guidance belongs on individual plant pages.
Is Epiphyllum macropterum a product category?
No. This is a scientific taxonomy record. Product categories are organized separately around customer search intent.
Why is the Latin name shown?
The Latin scientific name reduces ambiguity between common names across languages and regions.
Where can I see the parent ranks?
The taxonomy card shows the parent ranks of Epiphyllum macropterum inside the scientific hierarchy.
Can this page change over time?
Yes. Taxonomy and dictionary content can be updated as botanical data, greenhouse observations, and collection records improve.
Why is this different from a plant detail page?
This page explains a classification node. Individual plant pages contain care notes, collection links, and practical growing information.