Queen of the night (Cereus jamacaru), also called the Peruvian apple cactus, is a large, upright-growing, cylindrical cactus species endemic to South America. Because of its attractive shape, large, white flowers and edible fruit, it is a popular ornamental plant in many South African gardens, from where it may spread into the surrounding veld, threatening the natural vegetation.
C. jamacaru is a perennial succulent tree that reaches between 6m and 7m in height. It usually consists of a short main stem from which numerous thick, vertical branches grow. Sometimes, however, it occurs as a multi-stemmed shrub.
The stems are succulent, green, spiny, and covered with a bluish waxy layer. The stems have four to nine (usually six) conspicuous lateral ribs on which spines occur in groups of six to eight. The spines are 10mm to 20mm long, sharp, straight, and dark coloured.
Each group of spines grows on a brown or grey protuberance (areole) arranged 10mm to 25mm apart on the ribs. The stems are indented at irregular distances, creating the impression of segments. The very young growth tips have succulent leaves on the ribs, but these soon drop off, so that the plant can be regarded as leafless.
The lateral branches arise from the dormant axillary buds between the spines.
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の January 29, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の January 29, 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.
