Rhipsalis pentaptera differs from many in this genus of often pendent epiphytes in being more erect with thicker, arching stems. These stems are about 1 cm (3/8 in) thick and deeply ribbed as the epithet implies: Greek penta = five, plus ptera = wing. However, this is an average as rib number can vary from 3 – 7. The species is one of the endemics of that rich center of epiphytic cactus diversity in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Unfortunately, no specific locality is known and the species is thought to be extinct in the wild. Cultivated material may originate from a single collection. Fortunately, it is easily propagated from cuttings and is said to produce self-fertile seed. We offer rooted cuttings of HBG 43721, originally from Elmer Lorenz (1914 – 2016), a master grower of epiphytic cacti and bromeliads who volunteered his horticultural skills to the Huntington until the age of 100! $8.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 95 (2), Summer 2023