Rhipsalis baccifera

Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus) This remarkable epiphytic jungle cactus has the most widespread distribution of any cactus species. Native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida, it is also the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas, found throughout tropical Africa and into Sri Lanka! In its native habitat, it grows as a trailing epiphyte in understory trees and can reach up to 30 feet in length. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including low and medium elevation forests, rain forests, riverine forests and mangrove tidal swamps. The plant features long, slender cylindrical stems that cascade gracefully, creating a dramatic effect perfect for hanging baskets. The stems are typically green or pale green, cylindrical and very smooth, with bristly areoles when young. Small, funnel-shaped white or greenish-white flowers appear in late winter to early spring, followed by small berry-like fruits that are white, pale pink, or red, resembli