Rhipsalis elliptica
Rhipsalis elliptica
Rhipsalis elliptica is a species in the genus rhipsalis from the cactus family ( Cactaceae ).
Description
Rhipsalis elliptica grows epiphytic and shrubby with hanging, arranged in groups of 3-4 shoots of unlimited growth. The flat, oblong to elliptic, dark green shoots sections are separated by constrictions. They are 6 to 15 inches long and 2.5 to 6 centimeters wide. Their edges are weakly to strongly notched. The areoles bear some wool and occasionally a bristle.
The white flowers appear singly or in groups of up to five and reach a length of 8-9 mm and a diameter of 1.2 to 2 centimeters. The spherical to oblong fruits are pink to red.
Distribution, systematics and hazard
Rhipsalis elliptica is used in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina in forests at altitudes of 2000 meters.
The first description was published in 1890 by Karl Moritz Schumann. A synonym is rhipsalis chloroptera FACWeber (1898 ).
Rhipsalis elliptica is on the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN as "Least Concern ( LC) ," ie, not compromised classified.