Family: Cactaceae
Author: (L.) Hummelinck
Bibliography: Succulenta (Netherlands) 20: 165 (1938)
Year: 1938
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acanthocereus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: S. Florida to Caribbean, S. Texas to Venezuela
Description
The Barbed-wire cactus, scientifically named Acanthocereus tetragonus, is a striking member of the Cactaceae family known for its unique, angular stems and resilient nature. This plant thrives in various regions, most notably from Southern Florida through the Caribbean, extending its presence to Southern Texas and Venezuela. This geographical distribution underscores its adaptability to coastal and tropical climates.
Characterized by its distinctive, segmented stems that possess multiple sharp ridges or “barbs,” the Barbed-wire cactus presents an imposing yet fascinating appearance. These angular stems are typically light to dark green and can grow to impressive lengths, often resembling a tangle of barbed wire from which it earns its common name. The stems house clusters of spines that further enhance its rugged and defensive aesthetic.
During its blooming period, Acanthocereus tetragonus produces large, nocturnal flowers that are predominantly white, showcasing its beauty under the cover of night. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. Post-pollination, the cactus develops small, colorful fruits that add to its ornamental value and are a food source for various wildlife species.
The resilience of the Barbed-wire cactus is notable; it can withstand harsh sun exposure, minimal water, and poor soil conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and erosion control in suitable climates. Its robust nature requires minimal maintenance, which is why it is often favored by gardeners seeking a low-care yet striking addition to their plant collections.
The Barbed-wire cactus not only serves an ecological role by providing food and habitat for local fauna but also holds a distinct place in botanical studies and horticulture. Its unique morphology and adaptability continue to pique the interest of plant enthusiasts and researchers alike.
This detailed examination of Acanthocereus tetragonus underscores its botanical significance and aesthetic appeal, earning it a notable mention in the annals of plant documentation, particularly highlighted in works such as Succulenta (Netherlands) in 1938 by (L.) Hummelinck.
Common Names
Eng: triangle cactus, barbed-wire cactus, sword-pear, cactus
Por: cactus
Swe: snårpelarkaktus
Spa: órgano-alado de pitaya, bejunco, cruceta, nopal de cruz, nopal de tres lomos
En: Barbed-wire cactus, Triangle cactus, Sword-pear, Barbwire Apple-cactus, Cactus
Zh: 五棱角
Fr: Liane-raquette
Pt: Cactus
Es: Bejunco, Cardón, Cruceta, Nopal de Cruz, Nopal de tres lomos, Pitahaya anaranjada, Órgano-alado de Pitaya
Sv: Snårpelarkaktus
Zh-tw: 五棱角
Synonyms
- Cactus reptans (Salm-Dyck ex DC.)
- Cereus reptans (Haw. ex Steud.)
- Cereus tetragonus var. major (Salm-Dyck ex Walp.)
- Acanthocereus floridanus (Small ex Britton & Rose)
- Cereus tetragonus var. ramosior (Link & Otto)
- Acanthocereus colombianus (Britton & Rose)
- Cereus pitajaya var. variabilis (Weing.)
- Acanthocereus baxaniensis ((Karw. ex Pfeiff.) Borg)
- Cereus nitidus (Salm-Dyck)
- Cereus pitajaya (DC.)
- Cereus ramosus (Karw. ex Pfeiff.)
- Cactus pentagonus (L.)
- Cereus baxaniensis (Karw. ex Pfeiff.)
- Cactus tetragonus (L.)
- Cereus baxaniensis f. pellucidus ((Otto) Schelle)
- Cereus prismaticus ((Willd.) Haw. ex Steud.)
- Cereus baxaniensis var. ramosus (Salm-Dyck ex Walp.)
- Cactus pitajaya (Jacq.)
- Cereus vasmerii (Young)
- Acanthocereus subinermis (Britton & Rose)
- Acanthocereus tetragonus var. micracanthus (Dugand)
- Acanthocereus horridus (Britton & Rose)
- Cereus horribilis (A.Berger)
- Cereus tetragonus var. minor (Salm-Dyck)
- Acanthocereus princeps ((Pfeiff.) Backeb.)
- Cereus dussii (K.Schum.)
- Cereus tetragonus ((L.) Mill.)
- Acanthocereus pitajaya ((DC.) Dugand ex Croizat)
- Acanthocereus pentagonus ((L.) Britton & Rose)
- Acanthocereus occidentalis (Britton & Rose)
- Cereus princeps (Pfeiff.)
- Cereus variabilis (Engelm.)
- Cereus pentagonus ((L.) Haw.)
Distribution
- Aruba (native)
- Belize (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 11, 2019 by ferrari wendell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2020 by Vitor Irineu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Júlio César O Vital (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2020 by Veronez Matos Emanuela (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Ly Liliany (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jan 19, 2022 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Silva Barbosa Alexsandro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by lht guillaume (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2021 by MariiCarmen Zambrano (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2021 by Mateus Godoi (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 2, 2022 by aleksandar anicic (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2020 by LS Fabricio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Zambrano Alvarez Wilson Daniel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Thamiris Mi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Cristina Gosn (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Chaves Betina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2020 by Jordan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2020 by martinez eleazar (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 19, 2022 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2018 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Eliana lilialie (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2022 by Patrick Lemmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2020 by Santino Allan (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Omar Dlrosa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Teresita Arancana (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084455)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1646-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acanthocereus tetragonus (L.) Hummelinck)