Rhipsalis

Rhipsalis
File:Rhipsalis cereuscula1EATON.jpg
Rhipsalis cereuscula
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Tribe:	Rhipsalideae
Genus:	Rhipsalis Gaertn.
Species
Rhipsalis baccifera - mistletoe cactus Rhipsalis sulcata Rhipsalis teres etc.

Rhipsalis (from Greek, "wickerwork") is a genus of epiphytic, mostly spineless cacti.

The genus is found widely in Central America, parts of the Caribbean and a great part of northern and central South America. One particular species, Rhipsalis baccifera (mistletoe cactus), is also found throughout the range in the New World, but also in Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. Several theories have been advanced to explain the dispersion of Rhipsalis baccifera. One of them suggest migratory birds having brought the species to the Old World. A second theory suggests that it was carried to the Old World as a substitute for mistletoe during Christmas.

Synonymy

The following genera have been brought into synonymy with Rhipsalis:

• Erythrorhipsalis A.Berger
• Hariota Adans.
• Lymanbensonia Kimnach

Furthermore, some Cassytha species have been reassigned to Rhipsalis.

Images of Rhipsalis species

• 
  Rhipsalis cereuscula stems and flowers
• 
  Rhipsalis crispata flower and buds
• 
  Rhipsalis pilocarpa
• 
  R. pilocarpa flower detail
• 
  Rhipsalis rosea
• 
  Rhipsalis salicornioidies (Drunkard's Dream)
• 
  R. salicornioidies new growth detail
• 
  Flowers of an unknown species of Rhipsalis