SELENICEREUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Selenicereus is a noun that refers to a genus of epiphytic cacti plants native to Central and South America. It belongs to the family Cactaceae, which is commonly known as the cactus family. The word "selenicereus" is derived from two Latin roots: "selene," meaning moon, and "cereus," which refers to the genus of columnar or pillar-like cacti.
These plants are often characterized by their impressive nocturnal blooms, which open during the night and close in the morning. Selenicereus species typically have long, slender and climbing stems that can grow up to several meters in length. They possess numerous aerial roots that help them attach to trees or rocks where they grow in their natural habitat.
The flowers of selenicereus are usually large, showy, and fragrant, often with a white or cream coloration. They are known for attracting pollinators, primarily moths and bats, due to their strong scent and nocturnal blooming behavior. After fertilization, the flowers develop into edible fruits, which are often elongated and ovular, with a sweet and juicy flesh. These fruits are consumed in different cultures, particularly in Mexico and South America, both raw and processed into juices, jams, or jellies.
Overall, selenicereus is a diverse and intriguing genus of cacti known for their striking nocturnal blooms, climbing habit, and delicious fruits.
Common Misspellings for SELENICEREUS
- aelenicereus
- zelenicereus
- xelenicereus
- delenicereus
- eelenicereus
- welenicereus
- swlenicereus
- sslenicereus
- sdlenicereus
- srlenicereus
- s4lenicereus
- s3lenicereus
- sekenicereus
- sepenicereus
- seoenicereus
- selwnicereus
- selsnicereus
- seldnicereus
- selrnicereus
Etymology of SELENICEREUS
The word "selenicereus" is derived from two ancient Greek words: "selene" and "kereus".
- "Selene" (Σελήνη) refers to the moon in Greek mythology, representing the Greek goddess of the moon.
- "Kereus" (κῆρος) means "torchbearer" or "torch" in Greek.
When combined, "selenicereus" can be interpreted as "moon torchbearer" or "moon torch". This name is often associated with a group of cacti known for their large, beautiful night-blooming flowers.
Similar spelling words for SELENICEREUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
