Species of plant
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Selenicereus costaricensis, synonym Hylocereus costaricensis, known as the Costa Rican pitahaya or Costa Rica nightblooming cactus, is a cactus species native to Central America and north-eastern South America. The species is grown commercially for its fruit, called "pitaya" or "pitahaya", but is also an impressive ornamental vine with huge flowers. The species may not be distinct from "Selenicereus monacanthus".
Taxonomy.
Both the identity and the nomenclature of the species have been problematic. The name "Cereus trigonus" var. "costaricensis" was first published by Frédéric Weber in 1902. The epithet "costaricensis" refers to Costa Rica, where it is native. The plant Weber described had a triangular stem-like "Cereus trigonus", but was "distinguished by its more glaucous stem and especially by its fruit, just as big but more spherical, less scaly, and filled with a crimson pulp of a very delicate taste." It was said to be highly sought after in Costa Rica for its fruit, known as "pitahaya". Weber mentioned a photograph of the plant, but as of 2017 this had not been located, so the name lacked a type. In 1909, Britton and Rose transferred the plant to the genus "Hylocereus" and raised it to a full species as "Hylocereus costaricensis".
A molecular phylogenetic study in 2017 confirmed earlier research showing that the genus "Hylocereus" was nested within "Selenicereus", so all the species of "Hylocereus" were transferred to "Selenicereus", with this species becoming "Selenicereus costaricensis". However, in the absence of a type, the names remained problematic. In 2021, a lectotype was designated, and the name was accepted by the International Plant Names Index and Plants of the World Online.
The species has been described as "poorly understood". The name "Hylocereus costaricensis" has been treated as synonymous with "Hylocereus polyrhizus"; however, "H. polyrhizus" is regarded by other sources as a synonym of "Selenicereus monacanthus". The relationship between "S. costaricensis" and "S. monacanthus", and in particular whether they are separate species, requires further study.
Distribution and habitat.
The species is native from Nicaragua to northern Peru, although its natural range is hard to determine because it has been cultivated so widely. It occurs in dry or deciduous coastal forests, at elevations of above sea level.
Cultivation.
An easily cultivated, fast-growing epiphyte or xerophyte. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. It should not be kept under 10°C (50°F) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in summer or autumn.
References.
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