Queen of the night
Cereus jamacaru
Queen of the night: Cereus jamacaru
Common name:
Queen of the nightScientific name:
Cereus jamacaru (Cactaceae)Alternative common names:
Peruvian apple cactus (English); nagblom; bobbejaanpaal (Afrikaans)
A spiny tree 3-7m high with thick, succulent branches arising from a short, woody trunk. Spines are in groups of 5-10 and the cut stems don’t exude a milky latex. No leaves but showy white flowers appear at night from November to January and produces yellowish-pink succulent berries. This cactus invades savanna and rocky ridges
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
South AmericaWhat is its invasive status in South Africa?
Existing legislation: CARA 2002 – Category 1 NEMBA – Category 1bWhere in South Africa is it a problem?
Scattered parts of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State and more widespread in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and especially Limpopo ProvinceHow does it spread?
The seeds are spread by birds and monkeys that feed on the fruitsWhy is it a problem?
It competes with and replaces indigenous species, forming dense infestations which reduces the carrying capacity of the land and the many spines on the plants cause injuries to grazing animalsWhat does it look like?
General description: A spiny tree with thick, succulent branches arising from a short, woody trunk; branches green to blue-green with prominent ribs; ribs sometimes broken and wavy. Flowers: White, showy flowers produced in November-January. Fruit/Seeds: Yellowish-pink to pink or red, succulent berries which are white inside with small, black seeds.Does the plant have any uses?
Used as a hedge, ornamental and birds also feed on the fruitsPlant me instead alternatives
Common tree euphorbia (Euphorbia ingens), tree aloe (Aloe barberae), krantz aloe (Aloe arborescens).