Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - April 04, 2007
From: Mountain View, CA
Region: California
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Identification of night blooming Cereus
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
My Grandmother used to have a plant she called Nightly Series, that bloomed only at night. Can you help me find out where to buy one?ANSWER:
The plant that produces a spectacular blossom only in the evening which fades by morning is the Night Blooming Cereus (pretty close to Nightly Series). Unfortuntely, there is more than one plant with that apellation. Two of these possibilities are members of the Cactus family (Cactaceae).Peniocereus Peniocereus greggii (nightblooming cereus) is native to southern Arizona, New Mexico and southwest Texas (see photo). It is listed as an endangered plant in New Mexico, and as salvage restricted (collect only with a permit) in Arizona. It is considered a vanishing plant throughout its range due to activities of collectors. Click here for more details.
Since you didn't mention cactus in your question, your Grandmother may have been growing a very "non-cactus" looking plant Epiphyllum oxypetalum. This plant is native to Central America and grows as an epiphyte in the jungle (see photo). It has many enthusiasts among plant hobbyists. The San Diego Epiphyllum Society's web page can give you more information about obtaining and caring for your own nightblooming cereus.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Can you recommend a supplier for Comptonia?
May 11, 2009 - Can you recommend a web supplier for the native plant Sweet Fern, Comptonia?
Thanks
view the full question and answer
plant labels to indicate resistance to wildfire
November 12, 2013 - I have a group of students researching plants that are more fire resistant. They have learned that keeping home landscaping around a structure will help reduce the risk of a structure catching fire i...
view the full question and answer
Sources of cold hardy, native wildflowers in upstate New York
January 07, 2005 - We are looking for the best wildflower varieties with some challenging requirements. First, we need cold hardy varieties. We are in USDA area 5 in upstate NY. Second, our lot is by a lake bordered b...
view the full question and answer
Source for Bigelow oak in Austin
February 03, 2010 - Hi folks! I noticed on my last visit to the Wildflower Center that you now have a shrub white oak/Bigelow oak which I think is new (maybe I was just seeing it for the first time). I absolutely love ...
view the full question and answer
Source for seeds of New Mexico locust from Abilene TX
October 23, 2012 - Is there a place to buy Robinia neomexicana native to Texas or order seed from Texas grown plants?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |