Night-blooming Cereus

Description:

Regardless of genus or species, night-blooming cereus flowers are almost always white, often large, and frequently fragrant. Most of the flowers open after nightfall, and by dawn, most are in the process of wilting. The plants that bear such flowers can be tall, columnar, and sometimes extremely large and tree-like, but more frequently are thin-stemmed climbers. Some night-blooming cereus plants produce fruits which are large enough for people to consume.

Habitat:

Desert flats and washes between 3000 and 5000 feet, often in the shade of desert shrubs like Creosote. While some night-blooming cereus are grown indoors in homes or greenhouses in colder climates, most of these plants are too large or ungainly for this treatment, and are only found outdoors in tropical areas.

Notes:

(Residential area) Like all cactus, Night-blooming Cereus may be protected in certain desert areas, and permits may be required to collect them.