Rhipsalis flagelliformis

Long stems and small flowers

The described hanging plants reached 1–4 m in length, with individual indeterminately growing segments reaching about 2 m. Stems 8–10 mm across usually have five to seven sharp continuous ribs. Areoles occur along the ribs and bear delicate whitish bristles that may disappear from older segments. Branching is concentrated near stem ends. Adventitious roots may develop following contact with bark, providing additional attachment points [Taylor et al. 2014].

Small flowers are about 7 mm across, with pale tepals contrasting with a deep pink or red lower floral region. One flower develops from an areole. Fruits change from pink to white as they ripen. These reproductive details help distinguish the species from other slender-stemmed cacti with a similar habit. The specific epithet refers to the whip-like stems, rather than establishing close relationship with every cactus bearing a similar name [Taylor et al. 2014].

Development and relationships

The authors noted resemblance between adult stems and juvenile forms of other members of the group. They proposed neoteny, the retention of juvenile features in a mature plant, as an interpretation of this appearance. Analysis of seven plastid regions placed the material within Goniorhipsalis. The markers used did not provide a sequence character unique to this species. Recognition therefore combines morphology, origin and relationships rather than depending on one exclusive DNA feature [Taylor et al. 2014].

Habitat and conservation

The species was rediscovered in lowland Atlantic Forest remnants in Rio de Janeiro. It grew as an epiphyte and on rocks, including strongly illuminated sites. The 2014 account described small scattered subpopulations and continuing loss of trees. Its population estimate belongs to the period surveyed and, without a new census, is not a count of plants alive today. These habitats also demonstrate that the light environments occupied by adult Rhipsalis differ among species [Taylor et al. 2014].

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