Pereskia Species

Pereskia are really not verywell-known plants. Even among succulent lovers, they are certainly not highly prized. The fact they are a significant part of the Cataceae group still does not reward them special attention. Often, botanists will tell you, that they are usually found only in botanical gardens. Yet, they serve as a significant starting point for the debate about the origin of cacti. For some, these are the first cacti, before evolution and mutation took its course. The real reason for their obscurity may have more to do with the fact they need highly a tropical climate to survive. Yet, they are interesting plants, and they are some of my favourite cacti. The fact that they are not really succulents, make them even much more substantial to me. Have a look at some plants in these photos, and decide what you think.

Pereskia Species Identified

Pereskia grandifolia growing in a paqrk in Mexico City.

Pereskia bleo growing in Trinidad

The unwelcoming spines of the Pereskia aculeata in the Berlin Botanical Garden.

Pereskia sacharosa in cristate form at the Jardin Exotique in Monaco.

Grandifolia fruits at Huntington Botanical Garden in San Marino, California.