Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera, Cact. J. (Croydon) 7: 107 (1939))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (J.S.Muell.) Stearn

Bibliography: Cact. J. (Croydon) 7: 107 (1939)

Year: 1939

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhipsalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America, Trop. Africa, Madagascar

Description

The Mistletoe Cactus, scientifically known as Rhipsalis baccifera, is a unique member of the Cactaceae family. Distinguished by its distinctive, trailing stems that resemble the lush greenery of traditional mistletoe, this intriguing cactus brings a touch of greenery and exotic appeal to any environment.

Rhipsalis baccifera is not confined to a single geographical location but enjoys a widespread distribution. Its natural habitat spans the tropical and subtropical regions of America, stretches across various parts of tropical Africa, and extends to the island of Madagascar. This broad adaptability showcases the resilience and versatility of the Mistletoe Cactus.

Unlike many of its cactus relatives that thrive in arid, desert conditions, the Mistletoe Cactus is an epiphytic species. This means it commonly grows on other plants, particularly trees, rather than in the soil. Its long, slender stems can form dense, hanging clusters, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a cascading feature in botanical displays.

The plant’s delicate, brush-like branches give it a soft and ethereal appearance, which is further complemented by the small, mistletoe-like berries that it occasionally produces. These berries add an extra layer of visual interest and can vary in color from white to pink.

Cultivating Rhipsalis baccifera requires a slightly different approach compared to other cacti. It prefers indirect, filtered light rather than direct sun exposure and thrives in humid conditions. This makes it an excellent candidate for indoor growing or in shaded outdoor locations where other cacti might not succeed. Additionally, its epiphytic nature means it has adapted to receive nutrients and moisture from the air and surrounding organic matter, which influences its watering and soil needs.

The unique aesthetic and relatively easy care requirements of the Mistletoe Cactus make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and decorators alike. Whether placed in a home, greenhouse, or garden, this plant enhances the space with a touch of tropical elegance. Its association with varied global regions also adds a fascinating botanical narrative to its charm.

In conclusion, the Mistletoe Cactus, or Rhipsalis baccifera, stands out in the plant world with its exceptional growth habit and widespread natural occurrence. Its elegant, trailing form and gentle care demands make it a delightful addition to any plant collection.

Common Names

En: Mistletoe cactus
Fr: La perle
Pt: Conambaia, Enxerto, Irahuka’arã, Tripa-de-galinha, Irahuka”ara, Tripa de Galinha
Es: Nopalillo-mal ojo
: Mistletoe trefle

Synonyms

• Rhipsalis cassytha (Gaertn.)
• Cassytha baccifera (J.S.Muell.)
• Cereus baccifer ((J.S.Muell.) Hemsl.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Benin (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by geyskee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Celeszta Baloghnè (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Jefferson Reis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Daniel Bezerra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by melges silvana (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Riegel Buss Eloise (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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.

Flower

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Kyle Ricio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Gonçalves Jaqueline Prando (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by gabriel gabriel chacon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Gagnon Alexandrine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Crispín Pérez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2019 by Chrisi Pa (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by celine henrion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2019 by rocha carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2019 by Florent wallez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Luís Carlos Rosa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Almeida Cilene (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:219250-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhipsalis baccifera (J.S.Muell.) Stearn)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084036)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth