Biology and generic limits
Studies of Epiphyllum phyllanthus describe the vascular system of young organs, large cotyledons and adventitious root development. Germination within the fruit has also been observed in this species. These results concern the studied species and material and provide a starting point for comparisons within the genus. [Almeida et al. 2013, full source text, discussion of results]
In Epiphyllum oxypetalum, dynamic scent emission during short-lived nocturnal flowering was analysed. Geraniol was identified as the principal constituent, and the role of synthase EoTPSa1 was established. The flattened stem, seedling and flower thus provide different levels of understanding of epiphytic cactus biology. [Zhang et al. 2025, full source text, discussion of results]