Cereus
Cereus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Cereus, is a diverse genus of cacti renowned for its impressive, often nocturnal blooming flowers. Beyond their striking aesthetic, many species hold significant medicinal value in traditional practices, utilized for their antioxidant properties and ability to support digestive health and skin healing through natural compounds.
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Serrulatocereus · Estevesia · 4 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
CereusSynonyms
- Serrulatocereus
- Estevesia
- Piptanthocereus
- Mirabella
- Subpilocereus
- Praepilosocereus
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Piptanthocereus
- Subpilocereus
- Ucles
- aguacollas
German:
- Piptanthocereus
- Cirinosum
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cereus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cereus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted within both France and Spain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, it can also be found in Italy. Its range extends into Northern Africa, specifically within Tunisia. Additionally, the plant is located in Macaronesia, specifically across the Canary Islands.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho |
| Southern Africa | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Southern Africa | Free State |
| Southern Africa | Eswatini |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Cereus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins