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The members of the subgenus Hatiora are all epiphytic. They have compact branches that are terete to clavate or flat. Individual segments branch from the ends of the small limbs. Moreover, the stem sections become woody with age. The flowers are small, ranging from yellow to orange-red or pink. Furthermore, they vary from bell to a funnel-shape, and appear from the ends of the branches. Following the flowers are berries that are mostly white, or occasionally flecked.
All grow successfully in hanging containers such as baskets or epi-logs. In addition, the potting mixture should be very open using organic substances such as sphagnum moss, peat, and old leaf mould. As they are drought, and frost tender plants, they need winter protection in cold climates.
In the area this subgenus grows, the clamatic conditions are marked by sharp seasonal variations, and cool nights. Also, the precipitation is usually less than 1016-millimetres (40-inches) per year.
Rhipsalis bambusoides
Mostly, this species grows erect, and is freely branching from the ends of the limbs in two's or three's. The joints look like elongated clubs, growing about 4 to 5-centimetres (19/16 to 2-inches) long. They have orange-red flowers that appearing from the ends of the branches. Sometimes confused with H. salicornioides, but the shape of the joint is a good method of identification.
They grow as epiphytes, and are endemic to subtropical Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Syn. Hatiora bambusiodes.
Rhipsalis cylindrica
This is a more robust species, which is upright growing, and bushy. It grows to 1-metre (39-inches) across, branching from the ends of the shoots in twos or in whorls. Each shoot grows to about 3-centimetres (11/4-inches) long, terete, and light green, sometimes red or flecked red. The minute flowers are light orange or yellow-orange, and solitary, larger than the other two species, followed by white fruit that has pale purple spots, and is translucent.
Their natural home is in the rainforests of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Syn. Hatiora cylindrica.
Rhipsalis epiphylloides
These well-branched, low shrubs are made of small stem segments. They are wedge-shaped, and grow to 2.5-centimetres (1-inch) long, and 1-centimetre (3/8-inch) broad at the apex. Also, these stems branch from the end, either solitary or in twos or threes. Single yellow flowers also appear from the tips of these stems.
This plant is indigenous to the Itatiaya Mountains, Brazil, at an elevation of 1,600-metres (5,250-feet) above sea level. At this altitude, cool days and cold nights are common.
Syns. Pseudozygocactus epiphylloides and Hatiora epiphylloides.
Rhipsalis herminiae
This species forms an upright growing plant that is sometimes arching. The terete shoots are mat green, and only slightly thickened at the top, where it branches in twos or in whorls, The flowers are usually single, or occasionally in pairs, and dark pink, followed by olive green fruit.
This plant was discovered near Campos in northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Syn. Hatiora herminiae.
Rhipsalis salicornioides
Branching liberally, these upright plants grow approximately 40-centimetres (16-inches) high. They have shoots that are in pairs or whorls. In addition, each shoot is terete or barrel shaped at first. Later, these segments grow together to form longer, distinct branches. One or two, sometime three yellow flowers appear at the end of the branches. Afterwards, top shaped fruits develop, if the flower was pollinated. This fruit is translucent white, with a reddish tip.
Its natural distribution is from Rio de Janeiro to Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Syn. Hatiora salicornioides.
Variety gracilis appears more slender than the variety salicornioides.
Syn. Hatiora salicornioides var. gracilis.
Variety stricta looks shorter, and stiffer than the variety salicornioides.
Syn. Hatiora salicornioides var. stricta.
Variety villigera has much more hair at the shoot tips.
Syn. Hatiora salicornioides var. villigera.
For convenience sake, the genus Rhipsalidopsis has now been reduced to a subgenus of Rhipsalis, and listed under Rhipsalis subgenus Rhipsalidopsis.
Rhipsalis Subgenus Rhipsalis.
Species of the genus Rhipsalis are usually hanging epiphytes, but occasionally found sprawling over rocks, and sometimes climbing. This very variable genus has fibrous aerial roots. Flowers are usually single, but sometimes more than one flower develops to an areole. Two or more blooms developing together are more common on the types of Rhipsalis that have flat branches that resemble leaves. Further, the flowers are always small, and last for several days. Mostly, they are self-fertile. Later, small fruits develop in many colours. These fruits decorate the plant for long periods.
These plants are cold hardy if they are kept above 5o Celsius. (41o Fahrenheit) If they are not kept above these temperatures, they may lose stem segments, or areas in the stem may turn to a liquid below the skin. They usually need some protection from the sun as they normally grow in forested areas.
Most of the Rhipsalis species have a pendent nature, and are of easy culture, so they adapt easily to hanging containers such as baskets or epi-logs. They also mix successfully with most other types of broad or tall epiphytes, such as bromeliads, and many orchids or ferns. Usually, this genus is grown with other plants because of its pendant nature, and glossy stems, adding a cascading effect to a hanging container.
Rhipsalis aculeata
Coloured fresh green, the narrow stems are terete, and branching, forming abundant aerial roots, and climbing up tree trunks. Also, they posses closely set areoles that have plenty of wool, and many white bristles. The flowers are creamy-white or pinkish, later producing purplish-black fruit.
Keep this cactus in a frost free area always, and if grown in a cool climate, water moderately in winter. This species can be potted into any open potting mixture that drains quickly.
This rare species is from northern Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Rhipsalis angustissima
Shoots of two types are present on this rare species: the lower ones are terete, and woody, and the following ones are narrow, and elongated with flattened, hanging branches. These branches taper at the apex, and have widely spaced notches on the margins. Although usually coloured dark green, they are sometimes reddish-green at first. It is a unique species that is often wrongly considered synonymous with Rhipsalis coriacea, and Rhipsalis leiophloea. The flowers are whitish-pink, lighter on the inside, and having white fruits.
The natural distribution of this species is in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica.
Rhipsalis baccifera
This is the type species, and is similar to Rhipsalis prismatica. It has terete stems, but they are slender, and drooping. In its natural habitat the plants form huge clumps of pendulous, light green shoots that fork rather than spiral, and are often more than 2-metres (80-inches) long. The small flowers are significantly fleshy, and whitish to cream. Fruits that are usually white follow these blooms, but pink, and red fruited forms are known in cultivation.
These large plants grow in the tropical zones of both the new, and old world. They are often found growing on trees, and rocks in Mexico, South America, Central America, West Indies, Madagascar, tropical Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Syn. Rhipsalis cassutha.
Variety rhodocarpa has pendulous stems, and pinkish fruit, which makes this plant outstanding in both basket, and epi-log.
Rhipsalis burchellii
Profusely branched, club-shaped stems form a slender, and hanging plant. Each stem segment is from light green to reddish. New stems occur at the apex of mature ones, in whorls of three or four or forking. The main shoots grow to about 60-centimetres (24-inches) long, with small thread like shoots that are from 4 to 10-centimetres (15/8 to 4-inches) long. Many white flowers appear near the ends of the branches. These slowly change to pink fruit.
This cactus grows in an area from Serra de Mar to Cerras de Caldas, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Rhipsalis campos-portoana
Although this plant has long, pendent, and cylindrical branches, it also has small clusters of short stems at the terminal end. On the sides of the stems are glabrous areoles, and from these points the plant develops white flowers that later turn to light red fruits.
We can find this rare species growing on the Serra de Itatiaya, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis capilliformis
This shrubby species is similar to Rhipsalis prismatica. It has tubular hanging shoots that are very thin, and threadlike. A graceful species with many creamy-white flowers only 8 millimetres (1/4-inch) across. After the flowers have faded, they are followed by white fruit.
A subtropical species, first found near São Paulo City, Brazil.
Rhipsalis cassuthopsis
Sometimes, we can find this plant listed under the wrong name of Rhipsalis cassythoides. It is closely related to Rhipsalis baccifera, differing by having more slender, weak, hanging stems that are greenish-yellow, and branching freely. It has many semi-bell-shaped flowers. These blooms are white, and small even for Rhipsalis. The fruit is translucent, and greenish-white.
They are from the tropical state of Para, in forests near Belem, Brazil. The sea winds cool the temperature, and improve the moisture content of the air.
Rhipsalis cereoides
The stems are invariably three angled, and the joints are usually short, but occasionally elongated. Margins of the three angled stems are firm, and precise. This species is of considerable interest with its whitish flowers, and the fruit that is olive green at first, then transparent light-pink. Similar in growth to Rhipsalis triangularis.
Its natural habitat is from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis cereuscula
Stems are mostly pendulous, narrow, and terete. They grow 20 to 40-centimetres (8 to 12-inches) long, with clusters of small branches, 1 to 3-centimetres (3/8 to 1-inch) long at the ends. The tips have soft, white, hairlike spines. These stem tips produce small flowers that are silver-white to creamy-pink, and bell shaped. Each flower has an abundance of stamens that protrude like a thick brush. These flowers appear at the tips of the short stems in spring. The fruit is white. Sometimes this species is confused with Rhipsalis cribrata.
Originally, this plant is from the state of São Paulo in Brazil, also in Entrerios in Uruguay, and in Paraguay. These are warm-temperate to subtropical areas.
Variety rubrodisca has flowers that are only about 1-centimetre (3/8-inch) across. The ovary, and the base of the anthers are red.
Its natural habitat is near Caldas in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a moist, subtropical climate.
Rhipsalis clavata
Elongated stems on this shrubby epiphyte are terete, narrow, and pendent. Each branch grows to 1-metre (40-inches) long. The ends of mature stems fork or branch in whorls of up to seven shoots. They are club-shaped, and 5-centimetres (2-inches) long. Although yellowish at first, they turn green, and sometimes reddish. Yellow flower buds open white. They appear near the tips of the shoots, and are bell-shaped, and 1-centimetre (3/8-inch) across. Then fruit that is greenish-white develops.
This species is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They live in a moist, subtropical climate.
Syn. Hatiora clavata.
Variety delicatula is more slender in all parts than the type variety. The flower buds, and blooms are white, and are very prolific.
These plants were found growing in trees along the coast, from the state of Rio de Janeiro down to Tijucas in Santa Catarina, Brazil. They enjoy a moist subtropical climate.
Rhipsalis coralloides
This is an interesting species with rounded stems. It is strong growing, and branches freely. Silvery-white bristles grow strongly in the areoles of new growth. On old growth the bristles die off. From the areoles near the apex of the stem, develop pinkish-cream flowers.
Natural distribution is between Fort Dauphin, and Manantenina, on the southeastern coast of Madagascar.
Rhipsalis saxicola is similar, and could be synonymous.
Rhipsalis coriacea
The strong, weeping branches are red at first, hanging from 4 to 8-metres (13 to 26-feet) with a woody trunk that is terete at the root end. Shoots are 20-centimetres (8-inches) long, and flat to 3.5-centimetres (13/8-inches) wide, narrowing towards the tip. They have weakly notch edges. The narrow, small flowers are greenish-white to pink followed by white fruit.
It occurs naturally on trees near Cartago in central Costa Rica.
Rhipsalis cribrata
Similar in growth to Rhipsalis prismatica, and Rhipsalis cereuscula. At first, the very thin stems are terete, bushy, and upright growing, then, spreading to weeping. The side-shoots are thin, and threadlike, growing to 20-centimetres (8-inches) long. From the ends of these side-shoots grow short, terminal branches in whorls, the smallest ones are yellowish-green, and very thin. They produce flowers from the tips. These flowers are up to 1.5-centimetres (5/8-inch) long, bell shaped, and white, they are slightly reddened above, their ovaries turning into purple fruit.
The natural habitats are in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais in Brazil.
Rhipsalis crispata
Bushy, and freely branching, this species has leaf-like stems. In length, these stems grow to 40-centimetres (153/4-inches) long, but terete at the base. Side shoots usually grow from near the tips of older shoots. These side shoots are also flattened, and shaped between oblong, and elliptic, with crenate, and wavy margins. Flowers appearing on the sides of the stem grow to 1.5-centimetres (5/8-inch) long, and are creamy-yellow. Later, after the flowers have finished, they developing white fruit.
This species can be found growing in an area from Rio de Janeiro to São Paul, Brazil.
Rhipsalis crispimarginata
This is a hanging species with a terete woody trunk. Appearing from the tips of the mature stems are leaf-like stems with deeply undulating branch margins. These wavy margins have irregularly spaced notches, and the young shoots have pinkish-red, translucent borders. They produce white flowers singularly or in groups of two or three. Succeeding the white flowers are translucent, pink fruits.
Its natural habitat is Ilha Grande in the subtropical state of Parana, Brazil.
Rhipsalis densiareolata
Although the branches are erect at first, they will become pendulous, growing to 60-centimetres (24-inches) long. Near the ends of the branches, side shoots appear, stretching from 20 to 60-centimetres (8 to 24-inches) in length. These yellowish-green branches taper at the tips, and later turn grey, copiously blooming with minute, white flowers. The ovoid fruit is pinkish-red.
Originally, this plant was found growing as an epiphyte near Tijucain in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis elliptica
Strongly branching, this species hangs down more than 1.5-metres (5-feet). The leaf-like dark green shoots are 6 to 15-centimetres (23/8 to 6-inches) long. They appear from the notched edges of mature branches. These shoots grow in rows of three or four. Each is leaf-like, oblong-eliptic, and barely wavy. Small white flowers develop from the sides of the shoots. Later, these turn to spherical, pink fruit.
It was discovered growing near the coast in a warm temperate, and subtropical climate. Its natural home is in the states of Rio de Janeiro, and Santa Catarina, Brazil. This species extends inland for a short distance in Santa Catarina.
Variety helicoidea has smaller shoots than the variety elliptica, and is more terete, green at first, developing coppery-red later. Also, this variety is contorted around the joints.
Rhipsalis fasciculata
Abundantly branching, this is a weeping shrubby plant. New growth occurs in whorls from the ends of last years growth. The branches are terete with bristles at the areoles. These stems produce many small flowers that only partially open. Fruit from this species is translucent, and white to pale green.
We can find this species growing as an epiphyte in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Rhipsalis gonocarpa
Copiously branching to produce a hanging plant, this species has a flat or occasional three-ribbed main stem. These branches appear from the sides of the main stem, and are bordered with dark red. They grow to about 30-centimetres (12-inches) long, and 3-centimetres (11/4-inches) wide. Some of these stems grow longer, and much narrower, to around 60-centimetres (24-inches) long. One, and half-centimetres (5/8-inch) long, tubular, white flowers appear along the entire length of the stems. These flowers barely open. The blackish-purple fruit is globular, and has scant ribs.
The natural home of this epiphyte is in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Rhipsalis hadrosoma
These are shrubby plants that are freely branching. The main stem is terete 10 to 15-centimetres (4 to 6-inches) long. Terminal shoots are solitary or in twos or threes, growing 10-centimetres (4-inches) long, and 1.5 to 2-centimetres (5/8 to 3/4-inch) thick with the terminal ends truncated. These shoots are light green, and , at first, bristly. Areoles are slightly felt-like, and surrounded by a red ring. Appearing on the sides of the stems are many white flowers. Each developing to 2-centimetres (3/4-inch) across, and opening widely. Petals are recurved, and overlapping. Afterwards small, dark purple fruits develop.
This epiphytic cactus grows on trees, and rocks in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Rhipsalis heptagona
The long, hanging, stems of this Rhipsalis are grey-green, and slender with seven fine ribs. Each stem is around 25-centimetres (10-inches) long. Usually, it is freely branching in whorls in tips. We can also see yellowish felt in the areoles. From these areoles, small, and solitary flowers grow. Each is yellowish-white, followed by small, spherical, red fruit that usually carries the flower remains on the end.
This rainforest cactus grows on trees in northern Peru.
Rhipsalis heteroclada
This plant has a body that is shrubby, rigid, and often upright growing. Cylindrical shoots grow in whirled clusters from the ends of older branches. These dark green terminal shoots are approximately 1.5 to 2 millimetres (1/16 to 3/32-inch) across, and reddish at the tips. Areoles are red, and occasionally with one bristle. On the sides of the stems, near the tips, small flowers that are greenish-white appear. The ovary is without scales, and the white fruit is spherical.
It is a species from the Ilha Grande (Island) north of the Seta Quedas Falls in the state of Parana, Brazil.
Rhipsalis horrida
At first, this species branches freely from the base, but as it matures, it also branches from the ends of mature growth. The pale green shoots are 10 to 50-centimetres (4 to 20-inches) long, with around eight ribs. One to three flowers sprout from each areole. Small groups of spherical fruit also develop to each areole after the flowers have perished.
This is another species that grows in Madagascar.
Rhipsalis incachacana
Pendent, bristly stems with flat tips develop on this species. These stems produce small, purplish-red flowers that are self-fertile, the small fruits promptly develop from these.
This epiphyte is found growing at an altitude of 2,200-metres (7,200-feet) in the department of Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Rhipsalis jamaicensis
Hanging down to 1-metre (39-inches) long, this pendulous species has glossy green shoots that grow to about 40-centimetres (16-inches) long, and 2.5-centimetres (1-inch) wide. Its terminal or main stems are flat, and leaf-like. At the base, the stem is terete. At first, these shoots are extremely bristly, but these fine spines are lost with age. On the edges of the flat stems are small, yellowish-green flowers, followed by a smooth, and round, white fruit.
This species can be found growing as an epiphyte near troy in Jamaica.
Rhipsalis leiophloea
This shrubby plant has branches that are terete below, then leaf-like to 2.5-centimetres (1-inch) across. The distinctly ribbed side shoots are arranged in spirals. Small white flowers appear on the half of each branch.
Its natural habitat is near San Jos in Costa Rica.
Rhipsalis leucorhaphis
A shrubby, and strongly branched plant of cylindrical growth. It grows to around 50-centimetres (20-inches) long. With hooked ribs that grip the host plant to enable it to creep along, and move from branch to branch or to hang on to rocks. They produce their pure white, hanging flowers near the tips of the stems. After the flowers have withered, they are followed by red, spherical fruit.
This plant grows on rocks, and trees in Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
Rhipsalis lindbergiana
This hanging species is freely branching. The branches develop in whorls, or are forking, cascading down around 2-metres (79-inches) long. Produced on the sides of the branches are small pinkish-white flowers that slowly turn into long lasting, light red fruit.
They are native to the national park of Serra dos Orgaos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis linearis
Cascading, this epiphyte grows from 60 to 80-centimetres (24 to 31-inches) long. The shoots are very narrow, and flattened, with a conspicuous notched edge, from 5 to 20-centimetres (2 to 8-inches) long, and a robust mid-rib. The funnel shaped flowers appearing from the sides of the stems are white to yellowish, followed by globular, translucent, white fruit.
Found growing on trees in southern Brazil, and the department of Caaguaz Paraguay, province of Misiones, Argentina.
Rhipsalis loefgrenii
Noticeable on this species, the body has long, thin, and tubular trunks that are freely rooting. Side shoots are very thin, pale green to purple. These 20-centimetres (8-inches) long shoots are unmistakably ribbed. Areoles first have bristles lying flat on the stems, but later without any bristles, also with conspicuous scales, these being oblong to three sided or often heart shaped. From these areoles, flowers appear. Each flower is 1.5-centimetres (5/8-inch) long, bell shaped, and white. The ovary is more or less three sided at first, turning to fruit that is approximately spherical, and carmine.
This species grows as an epiphyte. We can find it near the city of Campinas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Rhipsalis lorentziana
On this species, the branches are terete at the base, then flat, and leaf-like. All are fresh green with a mat finish. They grow 30-centimetres (12-inches) long, and 2 to 4-centimetres (3/4 to 15/8-inches) wide. New shoots branch laterally from the sides of older stems. These branches have crenate margins, and contain no aerial roots. The flowers are bell-shaped, and white, with only one bloom to an areole. Later the oval, black, and violet fruit appears. Usually, it carries the old flower remnant on the top.
If grown in a container, give it well-drained potting mixture, or an epi-log with some sphagnum moss. This plant is slow growing, so feed only slightly.
It can be found growing as an epiphyte in the far north of Argentina, near Oran in the provinces of Salta, and Tucuman.
Rhipsalis lumbricoides
An unusual species that creeps along, rooting as it goes by means of aerial roots. The thin, terete stems are angular, and covered by dense bristles, growing about 1-metre (40-inches) long, and greyish to yellowish-green. Flowers are produced laterally on these stems, growing to about 2.2-centimetres (7/8-inch) long, and 3.7-centimetres (13/8-inches) across. Furthermore, these blooms are orange scented. The green fruit turns deep purple with maturity.
Its habitat is near the town of Herradura in the department of Formosa, Argentina, and in Uruguay.
Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides
Although the compact, and freely branching body is erect at first, it later hangs down to around 40-centimetres (16-inches) in length. It has a terete, little trunk that becomes woody with age. Also, the shoots are of two different types: type one is very thin, terete, and 20-centimetres (8-inches) long; type two is spindle-shaped, very short, thick, and light green, arranged in dense spirals. The tiny flowers are white to pale pink, and produced from the sides of the short shoots, followed by white to reddish spherical fruit.
Found growing as an epiphyte in subtropical Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis minutiflora
This freely branching cactus is very slender, and branches by forking. Each light green stem grows to around 20-centimetres (8-inches) long, and is extremely slender. The tiny flowers are white, and circular, and are dispersed around the terminal ends of these stems.
It grows as an epiphyte in the tropical rainforests of Surinam. In this area, the rainfall is heaviest from December to April.
Rhipsalis oblonga
On this species, the branches grow from the terminal ends of mature shoots. These shoots hang in groups of one to five. They are leaf-like, flat stems that are 6 to 12-centimetres (23/8 to 43/4-inches) wide. The areoles are indented, forming a crenate or scalloped edge to the stem. These branches are light green at first, with a reddish border. White to yellow flowers are produced, one to an areole. After the flowers, the fruit is produced. This fruit is globular, and yellow-green.
We can find this species in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis pachyptera
Starting its life growing erect, this bushy plant later hangs downwards. It is freely branching. The shoots are flat, but occasionally three angled; they are coloured from dark green to purplish-red. The branch shape is oval to round with a crenate edge these branches grow to 20-centimetres (8-inches) long, and 12-centimetres (43/4-inches) across. A strong rib is prominent down the centre of each stem. Yellowish, and strongly perfumed flowers appear from the areoles on the branch sides. The fruits are sphere-shaped but slightly elongated.
Found growing as an epiphyte from the states of São Paulo to Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil.
Rhipsalis penduliflora
This hanging, bushy plant, growing to 15-centimetres (6-inches) long, has terete stems. Also, the terminal shoots grow to around 1.2-centimetres (1/2-inch) long, and are vivid green. Flower petals are a whitish colour, tipped reddish, and produced from the ends of the short shoots. Later oval, translucent white fruit develops.
This epiphyte is from the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Parana, and Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Rhipsalis pentaptera
Growing to about 48-centimetres (19-inches) long, this strongly branching species has dark green shoot. These grow around 7 to 12-centimetres (23/4 to 43/4-inches) long, with five to six ribs. The white flowers are on the upper parts of the shoots, followed by translucent, white fruit, coloured is pinkish on the top.
Found in southern Brazil, and Uruguay.
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Rhipsalis pilocarpa
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Dark, greyish-green to purplish, terete stems on this species are mostly elongated, branching from the ends in whorls, then becoming pendulous with age. They have many bristles that give the plant a hairy look. The flowers open widely, and are usually solitary or in pairs. They are coloured pale yellow to pinkish-cream, and scented.
Of easy culture if the plant is allowed to hang down. It is a cool hardy plant but it is frost tender.
This is a subtropical species that grows in the states of São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Syn. Erythrorhipsalis pilocarpa.
Rhipsalis platycarpa
This freely branching species grows to about 80-centimetres (32-inches) high. The leaf-like shoots develop to 30-centimetres (113/4-inches) long, and 4 to 5-centimetres (15/8 to 2-inches) wide. They have crenate edges that have a reddish border. Down the centre, the strong mid-rib is conspicuously present. Near the tips of the branches, flowers of greenish-yellow to white appear, one to three to an areole, and 2-centimetres (3/4-inch) long. These flowers are tubular, and only slightly opening.
This species natural habitat is on the Organ Mountains in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis prismatica
Freely branching, this shrubby plant is arching to upright. Their main stem is 12 to 30-centimetres (43/4 to 113/4-inches) long, and terete. Clustered at the tip of this main stem are the side shoots. These are four to five angled, and around 1 to 2-centimetres (3/8 to 3/4-inches) long. Each is a reddish colour, with areoles set close together. The flowers have five white petals, followed by spherical, pink or white fruit.
Naturally occurring in Brazil, and is possibly synonymous with Rhipsalis suareziana, if so it also is found in Madagascar.
Rhipsalis pulchra
Hanging downwards, the long stems of this Rhipsalis branch only occasionally. Greyish-green, terete shoots grow to more than 20-centimetres (8-inches) long, and gradually taper towards the tips. From the sides of these branches grow the reddish flowers, which are 1.5-centimetres (5/8-inch) long, and very slender. These blooms are followed by reddish-brown fruit.
Found growing on trees in the Organ Mountains, Serra da Mantiqueira, and Serra da Cantareira, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Rhipsalis purpusii
This is a pendent species with a smooth surface. The main stem is terete, but with two types of side shoots. The first type is terete to start with, then flattens out. They have margins that are shallowly, and smoothly indented, wavy in a horizontal plane, having no distinctive teeth or lobes. The second type of shoot is terete at first, then flat, and resembles the shape of grass leaves. They are more leathery, and 8 to 20-centimetres (31/8 to 8-inches) long, and dark green. Notches on this species are spaced well apart, and have a reddish tinge. Greenish-white flowers appear from the sides of the stems, and are 1.1-centimetres (7/16-inches) long, followed by white spherical fruit.
Found growing on trees in southern Mexico, and Guatemala.
Rhipsalis quellebambensis
Large clusters of light green shoots form this slender, and drooping plant. Thin, terete stems grow to 2-metres (79-inches) long, branching by forking rather than in whorls. The tiny flowers are creamy-white, followed by intense red fruit.
These plants grow as epiphyte in Peruvian rainforests.
Rhipsalis rhombea
Although upright at first, this plant hangs down to 80-centimetres (32-inches) long, forming a shrubby plant. The main stem is terete, and sometimes with ribs. Side shoots are from ovate to lanceolate-rhombic. The broad-lanceolate, side shoots have straight margins near the tips, ending in a 90o angle. At the lower part of the stem it tapers to a terete base. These stems are 3 to 12-centimetres (13/16 to 43/4-inches) long, and 5-centimetres (2-inches) broad, and deeply notched. The stems are produced in groups of twos, threes or more. Developing on the sides of these stems are small flowers only 1-centimetre (3/8-inch) long, light yellow at first, turning to canary yellow with age. Later, after the flowers are finished, they develop dark red fruit.
Their rainforest home is near the coast in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, Brazil.
Rhipsalis robusta
Growth is semi-pendulous on this species. Shoots are 20-centimetres (8-inches) long, and 10-centimetres (4-inches) broad at the centre. Also, the margins curve, narrowing to each end of the branch. On the sides of this branch are deep notches, and down the centre is a very thick mid-rib. Wide open, creamy-yellow flowers are produced, up to six to an areole. Following the flowers, white fruit appears. This fruit has a flat top with its floral remains still attached.
We can find this species from the states of Rio de Janeiro down to Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Rhipsalis roseana
Short, 10-centimetres (4-inches) long stems form a bushy, trailing plant. These stems are mostly flat but sometimes three to four angled. Branching is irregular, in similar fashion to species of Schlumbergera. Their margins are deeply notched, alternating down each side. Each areole is very slightly felt-like, and contains one bristle. Flowers are small, and yellowish-white, Later, they are replaced by a whitish fruit.
We can find this species at home in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica.
Rhipsalis russelli
This large, and bushy, hanging species has shoots that grow to around 15-centimetres (6-inches) long, and 5 to 6-centimetres (2 to 23/8-inches) broad. These closely, and strongly notched branches are wedge-shaped at the base, dark green, and occasionally with a purple border. Tiny cream flowers often appear in large groups from each areole. The fruit is globular, and purple.
Found near Tonca da Onca in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Rhipsalis shafery
When young, this plant is rigid, and upright, as it matures, it becomes spreading, later becoming prostrate. Terete, green shoots culminate in reddish tips. On the sides of these branches, a single greenish-white flower develops at each areole; these appear down the length of the shoot. The spherical fruit is whitish, but flushed with a reddish tinge.
An epiphyte that grows in the departments of Central, Paraguari, and Misiones, Paraguay, also found in Posadas, Argentina. All are heavy rainfall areas with a subtropical type climate.
Rhipsalis simmleri
The pendent body of this species has a small main stem that is terete, and strongly branching. It has many terminal branches that grow from 1 to 3-centimetres (3/8 to 11/4-inches) long; each has five weak ribs. Solitary flowers are produced near the ends of the shoots, with small white petals that have red tips, later turning into whitish fruit.
This epiphyte grows on rainforest trees in tropical, Costa Rica.
Rhipsalis teres
Although this plant becomes pendulous with age, it starts life growing upright. Abundantly branching, this species has terete stems growing to more than 50-centimetres (20-inches) long. Thick grey felt, that darkens with age, is found in the areoles. Wide-open flowers appear on the sides of the shoots. These are whitish on the inside, and yellowish on the outside. After the flowers have faded, the plant produces translucent white, spherical fruit.
Epiphytic plants of this species grow in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Where a subtropical climate prevails, but because of the altitude, the daily temperature variations are quite striking, and the nights are quite cool.
Rhipsalis tonduzii
Growing semi-erect, this plant is upright at first but the branches cascade with maturity. Shoots are arranged in twos or in whorls, which are 6 to 10-centimetres (23/8 to 4-inches) long, with four to seven ribs. Terminal shoots are green, and often have only three compressed ribs, but sometimes flattened. The small flowers are white, followed by glossy, white spherical fruit.
In the rainforests of Costa Rica is where this epiphyte was discovered.
Rhipsalis warmingiana
Freely branching, this species is upright growing at first then hanging. The notched branches are narrow, and flattened. In shape they are between linear, and oblanceolate. Each growing to around 30-centimetres (12-inches) long, and 2-centimetres (13/16-inch) wide, or terete. Appearing from the sides of these stems are 2-centimetres (3/4-inch) wide flowers that are white on the inside, and greenish on the outside. After the flowers fade, dark violet fruit appears.
Discovered growing as an epiphyte, this plant was found in the states of Minas Gerais, and São Paulo, Brazil.
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