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Glite Dictionary
Selenicereus grandiflorus

Selenicereus grandiflorus

9.9
A tropical climbing cactus with triangular stems and large fragrant flowers that open at night, often grown in gardens
  • noun
  • /səˌlɛnɪˈsɪəriəs ˌɡrændɪˈflɔrəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Selenicereus grandiflorus
  • The Selenicereus grandiflorus is prized for its spectacular blossoms that open only at night.

Examples

  • Many gardeners cultivate Selenicereus grandiflorus to enjoy its rare and fragrant midnight flowers.

  • The large, showy flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus attract many nocturnal pollinators.

  • The yellow, red-streaked fruit of Selenicereus grandiflorus add a splash of color to tropical gardens.

  • The Selenicereus grandiflorus blooms beautifully at night.

  • Have you ever seen a Selenicereus grandiflorus flower?

  • Many gardeners cultivate Selenicereus grandiflorus to enjoy its rare and fragrant midnight flowers.

  • The Selenicereus grandiflorus is prized for its spectacular blossoms that open only at night.

Synonyms

queen of the night
vsSelenicereus grandiflorus
1 8.3

A climbing cactus with large fragrant flowers that open at night

is the specific species noted for triangular branches and ornamental cultivation
night-blooming cereus
vsSelenicereus grandiflorus
9.8

A cactus with large, fragrant flowers that open at night and wilt by morning

emphasizes a cultivated species with triangular branches rather than fleeting blooms

Surface Forms

Selenicereus grandiflorus singular
Selenicereus grandiflorus plural

Morphology

Selenicereus + grandiflorus

This is a Latin binomial combining the genus name Selenicereus with the Latin adjective grandiflorus ('large-flowered'), so someone who recognises the Latin parts can infer it means a Selenicereus with large flowers. However, as a scientific name the pieces are morphological/Latin elements rather than everyday English words, and most B1 learners would not reliably parse these parts without prior exposure, so the transparency is partial.

Etymology

Selenicereus grandiflorus may come from the part Selene ('moon') and grandiflorus ('large flower'). So, because this cactus opens very large, scented flowers at night, the name creates a simple image: a moon plant with big night flowers.