(Photograph = Cereus hildmannianus, el Cajon Yacht Club)
Introduction
Cereus hildmannianus is another cactus that has many former names. This happens to plants when a species is discovered by two or more botanists, or when there is disagreement about which name is appropriate. Sometimes more information is learned over time and a particular name gains prominence, and that name predominates.
The Details
A few of the former names include Cactus peruvianus, Cereus peruvianus, Cereus alacriportanus, Piptanthocereus alacriportanus, Cereus xanthocarpus, Piptanthocereus xanthocarpus, Cereus milesimus, Piptanthocereus bageanus, Piptanthocereus neonesioticus, Cereus neonsioticus, Piptanthocereus uruguayensis, Cereus uruguayanus (cactiguide.com).
C. hildmannianus is large and branches freely. It reaches over 25-ft-tall and 12-ft-wide. The large white flowers open at night are are beautiful in shape and color and are strongly fragrant. Hence, Queen of the Night.
C. hildmannianus grows in arid areas of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It tolerates mild frosts and is widely grown in Mexico. There are spiny and spineless forms.
Additional Information: Cereus hildmannianus
