Description

Rhipsalis is the largest and most diverse genus of epiphytic cactus plants. Members of this genus are around 30 to 60 in number and are popularly known as Mistletoe Cacti. Joseph Gaertner described this Brazilian native oldest genus of flowering cacti in 1788.

The majority of the plants grow as pendulous epiphytes, while a few are epilithic and terrestrial growers. Furthermore, the stems of the Rhipsalis plants are succulent in nature. However, the extent of succulence is variable among the species. As far as appearance is concerned, the stem shape of the plants can be terete, angular, or flat.

Rhipsalis paradoxa is a unique cactus discovered by Joseph Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck in 1845. This evergreen cascading succulent forms green and dandy branches about 1 inch wide and can grow meters long. The leaves are attached in an unusual way making links and joined at right angles.