Most of the year The Queen of the Night, an orchid cactus in the genusepiphyllum, is a strange-looking cluster of “leaves” (which are actually just modified stems). It is called an “orchid” cactus because just like most orchids it is epiphytic (growing on other plants, like trees) or lithophytic (growing on rocks). Did you know that cacti grow all over the place, and not just in the desert? The Queen of the Night is native to moist forests and even the jungles of South and Central America! (llifle.com)
The Queen is cultivated around the world and is incredibly popular, but what makes this cactus so special?
The Queen of the Night is a night-blooming cactus which blooms once per year, reaching full bloom around midnight.
Why does this strange plant behave this way?
This behavior is what’s called a pollination syndrome. A pollination syndrome occurs when a plant co-evolves with its primary pollinators in a way that increases the likelihood of successful pollination (USDA/USFS 2006). The Queen of the Night’s main pollinators are bats, and for this reason, it makes sense that The Queen would only bloom at night, when its pollinators are active. The large, white, disc-shaped flowers are known to be more attractive to bats as well (USDA/USFS 2006). Interestingly, multiple individuals all bloom on the same night of each year. It is not known how this occurs (Tohono Chul, 2012).
Bibliography
Tohono Chul. 2012. Bloom Night. May 22. Accessed February 12, 2020. https://tohonochul.org/bloom-watch/.
USDA/USFS. 2006. Pollinator Syndromes. July 16. Accessed February 12, 2020. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/What_is_Pollination/syndromes.shtml.
“Epiphyllum oxypetalum” Text available under a CC-BY-SA Creative Commons Attribution License.www.llifle.com14 Nov. 2005. 25 Feb 2020. </Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/8223/Epiphyllum_oxypetalum>
VER made this webpage to increase plant appreciation as part of Wooster’s Field Botany course in Spring 2020
As an avid botanist with a deep passion for plant biology, particularly in the realm of epiphytic and lithophytic flora, I find the subject of the Queen of the Night orchid cactus, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, to be truly fascinating. My expertise in plant sciences has been honed through years of academic study, practical research, and a genuine love for exploring the intricate relationships between plants and their environments.
The Queen of the Night, a captivating member of the Epiphyllum genus, is indeed a peculiar yet mesmerizing specimen. Contrary to common misconceptions about cacti thriving only in arid deserts, this epiphytic marvel showcases the adaptability of cacti to diverse ecosystems. Native to the lush environments of South and Central American moist forests and jungles, the Queen of the Night defies the stereotypical image of a desert-dwelling cactus.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Epiphyllum Genus:
- The Queen of the Night belongs to the Epiphyllum genus, known for its epiphytic nature. This indicates that the cactus has a unique growth habit of latching onto other plants, such as trees, deriving support and nutrients while not being parasitic.
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Night-Blooming Behavior:
- One of the distinctive features of the Queen of the Night is its night-blooming behavior. This annual phenomenon, where the cactus reaches full bloom around midnight, is a result of what botanists refer to as a "pollination syndrome."
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Pollination Syndrome:
- A pollination syndrome is a fascinating adaptation where a plant evolves in conjunction with its primary pollinators, enhancing the chances of successful pollination. In the case of the Queen of the Night, the primary pollinators are bats. The timing of the bloom at night aligns with the activity of bats, showcasing a remarkable synchronization in their ecological relationship.
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Bats as Pollinators:
- The article highlights the crucial role of bats as the main pollinators for the Queen of the Night. The large, white, disc-shaped flowers are designed to attract bats, emphasizing the co-evolutionary process between the cactus and its pollinators.
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Synchronized Blooming:
- A particularly intriguing aspect is the simultaneous blooming of multiple Queen of the Night individuals on the same night each year. The article notes that the mechanism behind this synchronized blooming is currently unknown, adding an element of mystery to the plant's behavior.
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Cultivation and Global Popularity:
- Despite its natural habitat, the Queen of the Night is cultivated worldwide and enjoys immense popularity. This speaks to its aesthetic appeal and the fascination it evokes among plant enthusiasts globally.
In conclusion, the Queen of the Night orchid cactus stands as a testament to the marvels of plant evolution, showcasing how a cactus adapted to a specific ecological niche can capture the imagination of plant lovers around the world. The intricacies of its pollination strategy and the enigmatic synchronized blooming add layers of complexity to its already captivating story in the botanical world.
