Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of cacti: Genus Cereus refers to a specific group within the cactus family (Cactaceae). These plants are characterized by their often tall, columnar, and much-branched growth habit, which can be treelike or shrubby. Key identifying features include pronounced ribs on their stems, rounded needle-like spines, and large flowers that typically bloom at night and are usually white.

Usage Notes

• This is a scientific, botanical term used in taxonomy (the science of classification) and horticulture.
• It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun denoting a genus name.
• In common usage, plants within this genus are often simply referred to as "cereus" cacti (with a lowercase 'c').

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The botanist classified the new cactus specimen under genus Cereus.
  • A key characteristic of genus Cereus is its nocturnal flowering habit.
• General/Horticultural Context:
  • Several species from genus Cereus, like the Queen of the Night, are popular with cactus collectors.
  • The genus Cereus includes some of the most iconic columnar cacti found in desert landscapes.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in discussions about plant evolution, adaptation to arid environments, and pollination biology (e.g., its association with nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats).

Variants and Related Words

• cereus (n., lowercase): Commonly used to refer to any cactus belonging to the genus .
  • The night-blooming cereus in the greenhouse is about to flower.
• Cereeae (n.): The name of the tribe within the cactus family to which genus belongs.
• columnar cactus (n.): A descriptive term for cacti with a tall, upright shape, which includes many species in genus .

Synonyms

• Night-blooming cereus (common name for many species within this genus, emphasizing their flowering trait).
• Columnar cereus (descriptive synonym).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "cereus" alone (lowercase) can sometimes be used loosely in horticulture for other cacti with similar night-blooming flowers, but in strict botanical terms, genus Cereus refers to a specific taxonomic group with the defined characteristics above.

Noun

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