Aporocactus flagelliformis

Rattail cactus

Aporocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as the Rat Tail Cactus, is a striking climbing succulent native to Mexico. Renowned for its long, pendulous stems and vibrant red tubular flowers, this plant is valued in ethnobotany. It serves as a fascinating subject for studying unique survival adaptations and traditional medicinal properties.

  • Scientific name: Aporocactus flagelliformis
  • Family: Cactaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Cactaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Aporocactus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Cactaceae WCVP
Genus Aporocactus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Aporocactus flagelliformis, is recognized by several different names across various cultures and languages. In Finland, it is referred to as käärmekaktus, while in Sweden, it is commonly called Ormkaktus. In the Czech and Croatian languages, the name Disocactus flagelliformis is utilized, and in Nahuatl, it is known as Huitzocuitlapilli.
Language Common Name Source
fi käärmekaktus Wikidata
sv Ormkaktus Wikidata
cs Disocactus flagelliformis Wikidata
hr Disocactus flagelliformis Wikidata
nah Huitzocuitlapilli Wikidata
hu Disocactus flagelliformis Wikidata
zh 鼠尾掌 Wikidata
zh-cn 鼠尾掌 Wikidata
zh-tw 鼠尾掌 Wikidata
zh 金纽 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across different regions of Asia and North America. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in India, specifically in the state of Assam. Its presence also extends significantly into Mexico, where it thrives in several distinct areas. Specifically, it is located in Mexico Central as well as the Northeast region of the country. Furthermore, the species is distributed along the Mexico Gulf area, highlighting its wide range.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP

Chemicals

Aporocactus flagelliformis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include limonin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
limonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Aporocactus flagelliformis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Proinflammatory.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Proinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆