Selenicereus escuintlensis is a species of plant in the genus Selenicereus in the cactaceae family (Cactaceae). The species epithet refers to the locality where it was found in Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua and in Guatemala (150-200 m at altitude).
Description
Selenicereus escuintlensis grows climbing or straddling with branched and intertwined shoots up to 5 (or more) meters. The triangular shoots have concave lateral surfaces and are somewhat segmented. Individual segments are 10 to 30 centimeters long and have diameters of 3 to 4 centimeters. The back of the ribs is sharp-edged and has only a few lobes. The 1 to 2 brown, awl-like, piercing spines are hidden at the base. They are 1 to 1.5 millimeters long.
The flowers, 28 to 31 centimeters long, appear near the tips of the shoots. They are greenish yellow with a reddish tinge on the outside and creamy white on the inside. Their flower tube is strongly curved upward. The purple-red fruit is 9 cm long and 6.5 cm wide, and it has scales. Pulpa was pale pink. Black, smooth, 2.1 x 1.4 x 1 mm seeds.
| Family: | Cactaceae (Cactaceae) |
|---|---|
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Order: | Cloves (Caryophyllales) |
| Tribus: | Hylocereeae / N. Mushelocerei |
| Class: | Magnoliopside |
| Genus: | Selenicereus |
| Recommended temperature: | Night: 10-12 microns C |
| Cold resistance: | Maximum up to -1 microns with |
| Minimum temperature: | 12 microns C |
| Heat resistance: | Does not tolerate direct sunlight |
| Sun exposure: | Must be in the shade |
History
It was first described by Myron William Kimnach in 1984, and is considered to be a critically endangered species. Little is known about the biology or ecology of this plant, but it is thought to be a vine-like cactus that climbs through the trees. The specific epithet refers to the cloud forests that this species mostly inhabits. The fruit is red and has a sweet taste.
This cactus, also known as the pitaya / pitahaya is used for a variety of purposes. The fruit is eaten as a snack or used in smoothies and other dishes. The skin of the fruit is also eaten, and the seeds are roasted and eaten as a snack. The cactus can also be dried and ground into a powder that can be added to food or drinks.
Parts of the cactus have been used for centuries as a food source. The fleshy stem eaten raw, is somewhat bland in taste but has a pleasant sweet flavor. The thorns have been used to make needles and pins. The juice from the stem was used as a remedy for stomach aches and other digestive problems. The plant is now being studied for its potential use in modern medicine.
Because of the lack of protected areas for H. escuintlensis, illegal harvesting and habitat destruction have become a problem for the species. In addition to unsustainable large-scale logging, illegal mining activities in the area have had negative effects on this cactus as well.
Is Hylocereus escuintlensis Kimnach in danger of going extinct?
The main threats to the species are deforestation and illegal collection. A recent study found that only two populations of H. escuintlensis remain, and both are small and isolated from each other. The study also found that the population size has decreased by more than 80% in the past two decades. The main threat to H. escuintlensis, which is the only cactus species found exclusively in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, is deforestation.
Because of the lack of protected areas for H. escuintlensis, illegal harvesting and habitat destruction have become a problem for the species. In addition to unsustainable large-scale logging, illegal mining activities in the area have had negative effects on this cactus as well.
There are several organizations that are working to protect this cactus. The American Cactus Conservation Foundation (ACCF) is a nonprofit organization that works to protect the Hylocereus escuintlensis Kimnach and other cacti.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kimnach’s dragon fruit is a rare cactus that is most commonly found in the Escuintla region of Guatemala. This cactus is a little-known epiphytic cactus that is not cultivated or found in culture. It is a threatened species due to its limited range and Habitat destruction. The cactus has red flowers and grows up to 6 meters tall. It is an interesting plant that deserves further study.
