Selenicereus grandiflorus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found specifically within Bangladesh. Its range extends into Indo-China, where it is documented in Myanmar. Within the Americas, it is located in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Florida. Finally, the species inhabits parts of Mexico, including the Northeast and the Gulf regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Selenicereus grandiflorus is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a climbing cactus, it follows a long-term developmental trajectory where it establishes a sprawling, scandent growth habit, utilizing aerial roots to anchor itself to host structures or rocky substrates. Its lifecycle is marked by significant seasonal rhythms, most notably the production of large, fragrant nocturnal blooms that occur once its vegetative structure has reached sufficient maturity. Following successful pollination, the plant transitions into a reproductive phase that produces fleshy, edible fruits, ensuring the continuation of its lineage through seed dispersal while the primary stem structure continues to expand and endure over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Selenicereus grandiflorus is characterized by a woody structure, specifically functioning as a shrub in its growth form. Although it can exhibit shrub-like qualities, it possesses climbing capabilities, categorized as both a liana and a vine, though it is specifically noted for being a self-supporting climber rather than an obligatory one. In terms of its habitat and ecological positioning, the plant is terrestrial, avoiding aquatic or semiaquatic environments, and it functions as a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte. Furthermore, it is an independent species, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional processes throughout its growth cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Selenicereus grandiflorus has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cacticin, Cactine, Grandiflorine, Hordenine, Hyperoside.

Cacticin

1. Dr. Duke

Cactine

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Grandiflorine

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Hordenine

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Hyperoside

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Kaempferitrin

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Narcissin

1. Dr. Duke

RUTIN

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isorhamnetin-3-glucoside

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Activities

Selenicereus grandiflorus has 105 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 5-HT-Inhibitor, Aldehyde-Oxidase-Inhibitor, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allelochemic, Analgesic.

5-HT-Inhibitor

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Aldehyde-Oxidase-Inhibitor

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Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

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Allelochemic

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Analgesic

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AntiCVI

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Antiaggregant

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Antiaging

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Antiallergic

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Antiapoplectic

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