Junco Espinoso, Reina de la Noche

Scientific Name: Peniocereus serpentinus (Lag. & Rodr.) N.P.Taylor
Synonym: Cactus ambiguus, Cactus serpentinus, Cereus ambiguus, Cereus serpentinus, Cereus splendens, Echinocereus serpentinus, Nyctocereus castellanosii, Nyctocereus serpentinus
Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Tropical areas of southern Mexico (México, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca), but now largely spread around Mexico

Growth Habits: Grows often in groups, erect stems sometimes climbing, up to 20 feet (6 m), 0.8 to 2 inches in diameter (2-5 cm); large roots; 10-17 obtuse ribs; areoles with white wool; 9 to 14 needle-like spines, reddish when young, with darker tips, up to 1.2 in. long (3 cm).

As Nyctocereus serpentinus, in Britton and Rose's The Cactaceae

This species is often cultivated in Mexico for the beauty of its flowers.

Blooming Habits:
Nocturnal white flowers with pinkish outside segments, 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 cm). The red egg-shaped fruit is edible, 1.6 to 2.4 inches long (4-6 cm), with spines that fall when it is ripe. The black seeds are 0.2 in. long (5 mm).