Leaf cactus (Pereskia aculeata, Gard. Dict., ed. 8. ed. 8. 1768)

Family: Cactaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict., ed. 8. ed. 8. 1768

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pereskia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Panama to S. Trop. America

Description

The Leaf Cactus, scientifically known as Pereskia aculeata, is a unique member of the Cactaceae family that stands out for its distinctive features, differing remarkably from the common perception of cacti. It was first described in the 8th edition of the Gardener’s Dictionary in 1768 by Philip Miller.

Native to a vast region stretching from Panama to the tropical zones of South America, Pereskia aculeata thrives in these warm, humid climates. Unlike the typical image of cacti with their succulent, spiny forms and arid habitats, the Leaf Cactus exhibits lush, broad leaves which are a stark contrast to its more prickly relatives.

The plant’s structure resembles that of other leafy shrubs rather than the conventional barrel or columnar form most associated with cacti. This unique morphology—featuring flat, green leaves—enables the Leaf Cactus to perform photosynthesis more effectively in the dimmer, forested environments it often inhabits. It usually climbs or sprawls over other vegetation, utilizing its stem spines to secure itself and spread across a larger area.

While Pereskia aculeata does have spines, they are typically found along its stems rather than distributed across the entire plant body. These spines act as a form of protection, deterring herbivores while the leaves carry out the primary function of photosynthesis. The ability of this cactus to thrive in more tropical and subtropical conditions without entirely relying on its succulent tissues marks an evolutionary divergence within the Cactaceae family.

This plant has gained attention not only for its botanical uniqueness but also for its utility. In some regions, the young leaves and fruits of the Leaf Cactus are consumed as a source of nutrition, and they are often used in traditional medicinal practices. Its aesthetic appeal also makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening, particularly in tropical and subtropical gardens where it can add a touch of verdant, leafy richness.

In summary, Pereskia aculeata is an exceptional representation of the diversity within the cactus family, demonstrating that even within a group as specialized as cacti, adaptive strategies to various environmental niches can lead to surprising and varied forms.

Common Names

Eng: barbados gooseberry, barbados-gooseberry, surinam-gooseberry, blade-apple cactus, leaf cactus, leafy cactus, lemonvine, pereskia, rose cactus, barbados shrub
Deu: barbadosstachelbeere
Por: azedinha, cipó-santo, espinho-de-santo-antônio, espinho-preto, lobolôbô, ora-pro-nobis, surucucú, cipó santo, espinho preto, espinho de santo antonio, lobolobo, ora pro nobis
Spa: bugambilia blanca, camelia blanca, grosellero, jasmín de uvas, ramo de novia
Fra: groseillier des barbades
Swe: trädkaktus
En: Leaf cactus, Leafy cactus, Pereskia, Lemonvine, Surinam-gooseberry, Rose cactus, Barbados-gooseberry, Blade-apple cactus, Barbados shrub, Barbados Gooseberry
Zh: 叶仙人掌
Fr: Groseillier des Barbades
De: Barbadosstachelbeere
Ko: 목기린선인장
Lt: Dygliuotoji pereskija
Fa: کاکتوس انگورفرنگی
Pt: Azedinha, Cipó-santo, Espinho-de-Santo-Antônio, Espinho-preto, Lobolôbô, Surucucú, Ora-pro-nobis, Cipó Santo, Espinho Preto, Espinho de Santo Antonio, Lobolobo, Ora pro nobis
Ru: Переския шиповатая
Es: Grosellero, Ramo de novia, Camelia blanca, Bugambilia blanca, Jasmín de uvas
Sv: Trädkaktus
Zh-tw: 葉仙人掌

Synonyms

• Pereskia rubescens ((Pfeiff.) Houghton)
• Pereskia undulata (Lem.)
• Pereskia aculeata var. brasiliensis ((Pfeiff.) Borg)
• Pereskia lanceolata ((Pfeiff.) C.F.Först.)
• Pereskia aculeata var. rotunda (Monach.)
• Pereskia plantaginea (Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia aculeata var. rotundifolia (Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia longissima (Voss)
• Pereskia aculeata var. latifolia (Salm-Dyck)
• Cactus lucidus (Salisb.)
• Pereskia brasiliensis (Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia longispina (Haw.)
• Pereskia pereskia ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Pereskia acardia (J.Parm. ex Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia peireskia (H.Karst.)
• Pereskia hortensis (Voss)
• Pereskia aculeata var. lanceolata (Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia godseffiana (Anon.)
• Cactus pereskia (L.)
• Pereskia aculeata var. longispina ((Haw.) DC.)
• Pereskia aculeata var. rubescens (Pfeiff.)
• Pereskia aculeata f. rubescens ((Pfeiff.) Krainz)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Calazans Lahis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by correa sidinei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2022 by BARBOSA Jackson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2019 by Andrew Cunha (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Thiago Feliciano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Everardo Rodrigues Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Gomez Candelario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Barbosa Diego (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by marcel.geleiras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Benitez Jesus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Benitez Jesus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2021 by Neis Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Gonzalez Sylvia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Nicholas Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 10, 2021 by cacau claudio andrade (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Paulo Nobre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Tamis Angel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2018 by maria alice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:137452-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384215)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pereskia aculeata Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub, Vine

Growth