The genus after separation of former groups
In older literature, Pereskia also included species transferred to Leuenbergeria. Today's Pereskia includes the climbing Pereskia aculeata, the Andean P. horrida, P. weberiana and P. diaz-romeroana, and a group of larger South American shrubs and trees. Their relatedness is assessed from molecular data and structure. Leaf number or flower colour is insufficient to reconstruct the entire division. [Edwards et al. 2005] [Asai and Miyata 2016] [de Vos et al. 2025] [2-WWW]
In 2016, Asai and Miyata separated some South American species as Rhodocactus. In the POWO treatment adopted here, this name is a synonym of Pereskia. Pereskia violacea, formerly a variety or subspecies of P. grandifolia, is now recognised as a distinct species. Data from a paper labelled generally as P. grandifolia therefore require checking the material's identification before being assigned to P. violacea. [Asai and Miyata 2016] [2-WWW]
Leaf and stem anatomy
Leaves have extensive venation, and stems produce wood with conducting and mechanical functions. The anatomical comparison of former Pereskia described a relatively thin primary cortex, mucilage cells and calcium oxalate crystals. The material examined lacked the vascular bundle systems in the primary cortex and pith typical of many more strongly succulent cacti. [Mauseth and Landrum 1997]
Stem and leaf form a shared water-transport system. In a study of seven leafy cacti, the hydraulic traits of both organs covaried, but most parameters examined showed no simple relationship with water availability in the habitat. Stomatal regulation complements the picture of water management. A single measurement of stem conductivity does not describe overall drought resistance. [Edwards 2006] [Edwards and Donoghue 2006]
Mauseth and Landrum's anatomical study covered material from 12 species of the former broadly circumscribed Pereskia. Wood was reinforced by fibres, and the primary cortex remained relatively thin. Stem stomata were especially numerous in P. diaz-romeroana and more frequent in the P. horrida examined than in most others. The authors lacked material from all species, so the result describes a comparative sample rather than a complete catalogue of identical traits throughout the genus. [Mauseth and Landrum 1997]
Photosynthesis with changing water availability
Under favourable conditions, Pereskia aculeata takes up most carbon during the day through its leaves. Water deficit can trigger nocturnal accumulation of organic acids. Part of this process involves refixing CO₂ produced by respiration within the plant. Distinguishing this cycle from substantial nocturnal uptake of atmospheric CO₂ allows CAM studies to be interpreted correctly. [de Barros et al. 2024] [Cenciareli et al. 2025]
In experiments on leafy cacti, a period of water shortage is a research treatment intended to induce stress. Reduced photosynthesis, inhibited growth and subsequent recovery do not establish a beneficial drying schedule for collection plants. Cultivation descriptions should account for species, leaf activity, and light and temperature conditions. [de Barros et al. 2024] [Cenciareli et al. 2025]
Flowers and uses
The genus includes different reproductive systems and flower structures. Self-fertility has been demonstrated in Pereskia aculeata, but in a controlled study flowers isolated from pollinators did not set fruit spontaneously. Pereskia stenantha is distinguished by upright tepals and a distinct nectar chamber. Its adaptation to bird pollination is an interpretation of flower structure in the cited account. [Becker et al. 2023] [Leuenberger 2008]
Research on applications of this species is presented in a separate article in the “Biotechnology and applications” section. [Prado-Fernández et al. 2024]
Propagation and plant management
For Pereskia aculeata, experiments compare cutting type and light, and germination temperature. For P. grandifolia, germination of a specific seed batch has been described. Protocols appear under these species. Applying them to the Andean P. horrida, P. weberiana and P. diaz-romeroana requires separate assessment, since they differ in habit, storage organs and environment. [Santos et al. 2023] [Souza et al. 2016] [Leuenberger 1986]
In Pereskia sacharosa and P. nemorosa, lateral branches were documented growing from areoles after stem shortening. In P. bahiensis, old areoles renew foliage on short shoots. These observations support formative pruning while retaining active areoles. Detached storage roots of P. weberiana, however, did not regenerate shoots, so their persistence does not prove their suitability as root cuttings. [Leuenberger 2008]
Comparison of seed germination
Mean germination percentages on moist filter paper after 21 days. Each temperature was tested in four replicates, with eight hours of light and sixteen hours of darkness. P. aculeata seeds came from two mother plants, and P. grandifolia from one. [Souza et al. 2016, pp. 7–8, table 2]
| Temperature | P. aculeata | P. grandifolia |
|---|---|---|
| 24°C | 81% Bc | 40% B |
| 27°C | 72% C | 53% B |
| 30°C | 99% A | 85% A |
| 33°C | 92% Ab | 84% A |
| 36°C | 83% Abc | 53% B |
Within a column, values sharing a letter do not differ significantly in Tukey's test at the 5% level. Uppercase and lowercase letters retain the source table's notation. The comparison concerns the seed batches examined and does not determine the cultivation temperature of adult plants. [Souza et al. 2016, table 2, p. 8]