Rhipsalis oblonga

Rhipsalis oblonga This beautiful epiphytic jungle cactus is endemic to Brazil, with distribution in southern Bahia, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo. It occurs in Rio de Janeiro and northern Sao Paulo, growing as an epiphyte in coastal or montane forests. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss. This shrubby cactus has segmented, semi-erect to pendant, olive green or light green stems that can grow up to 8.2 feet long, branching apically or laterally. The main stems are cylindrical at the base, becoming flattened above, and can reach up to 0.4 inches across. The stem segments have serrated margins and large areoles and can grow up to around 6 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The wavy, serrated edges give the plant a distinctive appearance. Solitary yellowish-white flowers appear along the sides of the branches at the areoles, followed by greenish translucent to nearly white spherical fruits that