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Glite Dictionary
Selenicereus

Selenicereus

9.9
A climbing cactus that grows on other plants and opens large, fragrant flowers at night
  • noun
  • /səˌlɛnɪˈsɪəriəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Selenicereus
  • The spectacular flowers of the Selenicereus cactus open only for a single night each year.

Examples

  • Gardeners often cultivate Selenicereus species for their impressive, fragrant blooms.

  • Many Selenicereus varieties are grown as houseplants due to their unique climbing habit.

  • The Selenicereus cactus blooms beautifully at night.

  • Have you seen a Selenicereus flower before?

  • Gardeners often cultivate Selenicereus species for their impressive, fragrant blooms.

  • Many Selenicereus varieties are grown as houseplants due to their unique climbing habit.

  • The spectacular flowers of the Selenicereus cactus open only for a single night each year.

Compounds

Selenicereus grandiflorus
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical climbing cactus with triangular stems and large fragrant flowers that open at night, often grown in gardens

Surface Forms

Selenicereus singular
Selenicereus plural

Morphology

Selenicereus = Selene + Cereus (opaque) = seleni + cereus

Although the components correspond to 'Selene' (moon) + 'Cereus' (a cactus genus), the Latinized scientific compound is specialized and not transparently meaningful to average learners.

Etymology

Selenicereus comes from the Greek word selene meaning 'moon' and the Latin word cereus meaning 'candle' or 'wax'. That's why Selenicereus cacti are known for flowers that open at night, like a bright candle in the moonlight.