Selenicereus monacanthus
Seleniceureus monacanthus, commonly known as the Single-thorn Cactus, is a resilient climbing species native to South American forests. Renowned for its unique morphology and rapid growth, this medicinal plant is traditionally valued in various cultures for its diverse bioactive properties and potential therapeutic applications in holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Selenicereus monacanthus
- Family: Cactaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Selenicereuus, specifically the species monacanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Cactaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Selenicereus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Selenicereus monacanthus, is known by several different common names depending on the language and region. In Swedish and Croatian, it is referred to by its botanical designation, Hylocereus monacanthus. In Chinese, it is recognized by multiple names, including 深紅肉火龍果, 勒氏量天尺, and 单刺量天尺.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sv | Hylocereus monacanthus | Wikidata |
| hr | Hylocereus monacanthus | Wikidata |
| zh | 深紅肉火龍果 | Wikidata |
| zh | 勒氏量天尺 | Wikidata |
| zh | 单刺量天尺 | Wikidata |
| zh | 尚氏量天尺 | Wikidata |
| zh | 秘鲁量天尺 | Wikidata |
| es | Cereus monacanthus | Wikidata |
| es | Hylocereus monacanthus | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the tropical regions of the Americas. In Central America, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. Moving toward the Caribbean, the species can also be found inhabiting the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, its distribution extends throughout the various islands of the Venezuelan Antilles. These varied locations highlight the plant's wide ecological reach across both continental and insular environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Venezuelan Antilles | WCVP |
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Suriname | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Selenicereus moncanthus, is a climbing cactus often valued for its unique biological properties, and while the species is widely recognized for its striking nocturnal blooms, specific applications can involve the utilization of its components. In certain specialized contexts, the Red Pitaya extract derived from related cactus varieties is highlighted for its rich antioxidant profile and vibrant pigment. By focusing on these concentrated extracts, researchers and practitioners aim to harness the complex phytochemical compounds found within the fleshy tissues of the cactus to support various wellness objectives.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pitaya extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Selenicereus monacanthus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Free-Radical Scavenging.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Free-Radical Scavenging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |