GROWING PERESKIA
The Original Cactus Needs Your Attention
Pereskia are really not very well-known plants. Even among succulent lovers, they are certainly not highly prized. The fact they are a significant part of the Cataceae group still does not reward them special attention. Often, botanists will tell you, that they are usually found only in botanical gardens.
Yet, they serve as a significant starting point for the debate about the origin of cacti. For some, these are the first cacti, before evolution and mutation took its course; the debate on the origin of succulents rages on daily.
The real reason for their obscurity may have more to do with the fact they need a highly tropical climate to survive. Yes, they are interesting plants, and they are some of my favourite cacti. The fact that they are not really seen as true succulents, make them even much more substantial to me. Have a look at some plants in these photos, and decide what you think. Lots more are available on the internet.
And if you are more than curious, and would like to grow some. I have young plants which are available for sale in the spring.
1 Pereskia aculeata with buds
2 Pereskia grandifolia var violacea
3 Pereskia aculeata godsefiana
4 Pereskia grandifolia
5 Pereskia aculeata godsefiana in bloom
6 Pereskia aculeata (a variety)
7 Pereskia bleo in flower
8 Pereskia diaz-romeroana in bloom
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