Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical American climbing cactus: Selenicereus grandiflorus is a species of cactus native to tropical regions of the Americas, characterized by its climbing or sprawling growth habit.
   • A plant with triangular branches: It is distinguished by stems that are typically three-angled or triangular in cross-section.
   • A cultivated ornamental plant: It is often grown for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and are considered highly showy.
   • The night-blooming cereus: This is a common name for this plant, referring to its characteristic nocturnal flowering.
   • A plant producing distinctive fruit: After flowering, it produces fruits that are yellow and streaked with red.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The botanical garden has a magnificent specimen of Selenicereus grandiflorus.
  • We stayed up late to watch the Selenicereus grandiflorus bloom, as its flowers only last for one night.
  • The Selenicereus grandiflorus is also popularly known as the queen of the night.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy: The name is used in scientific contexts to precisely identify this species within the genus and the family Cactaceae.
  • The study focused on the pollination biology of Selenicereus grandiflorus.

Variants and Related Words

• Night-blooming cereus: A common name for and some other cacti with similar flowering habits.
• Queen of the night: Another common name for this plant, emphasizing the beauty and timing of its bloom.
• Cereus: A related genus of cacti; the name is sometimes used loosely for columnar or night-blooming cacti.
• Epiphyte: While often terrestrial, can have epiphytic tendencies, meaning it sometimes grows on other plants for support.

Synonyms

• Queen of the night (common name)
• Night-blooming cereus (common name)
• Large-flowered moonlight cactus (descriptive name)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is as a specific botanical species. Its significance lies in its horticultural value due to its spectacular, ephemeral nocturnal flowers.
• The "grandiflorus" part of its scientific name means "large-flowered," directly describing its most notable feature.

Noun

1. tropical American climbing cactus having triangular branches; often cultivated for its large showy night-blooming flowers followed by yellow red-streaked fruits