Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of cacti: A genus (Cereus) of cacti characterized by a highly branched, tree-like or shrubby form. These plants typically have pronounced ribs, rounded needle-like spines, and produce large, often fragrant flowers that bloom at night and are usually white.

Usage

• The word "cereus" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this genus of plants within botanical contexts.
• It is often used in the full scientific name of a species (e.g., ).
• In common gardening or horticultural use, it may be used more loosely to describe columnar, night-blooming cacti.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The cereus in the botanical garden is over fifty years old.
  • We stayed up late to watch the night-blooming cereus open its flowers.
  • Cereus hildmannianus is a widely cultivated species.

Advanced Usage

• "Night-blooming cereus": This is a common name used for several species of cacti, including those in the genus, that flower exclusively at night. The term highlights the plant's most distinctive ornamental feature.
  • The night-blooming cereus is a spectacular sight, with flowers that wilt by dawn.

Variants and Related Words

• Cereoid (adj): Resembling or relating to plants of the genus .
• Note: Many plants formerly classified under have been reclassified into other genera (e.g., , ), but the common name "cereus" is still frequently used for them.

Synonyms

• Columnar cactus: A descriptive term for cacti with a tall, upright growth form, which includes many cereus species.
• Night-blooming cactus: A general term for cacti that flower at night.

Related Terms (Botanical Context)

• Cactus: The broader plant family (Cactaceae) to which cereus belongs.
• Rib: A vertical ridge on the stem of a cactus, a pronounced feature of cereus.
• Areole: The small, specialized area on a cactus from which spines, flowers, or branches grow.

Noun

1. genus of much-branched treelike or shrubby cacti with pronounced ribs and rounded needlelike spines and nocturnal flowers usually white