Disocactus anguliger (syn. Epiphyllum anguliger), commonly known as the fishbone cactus or zig zag cactus, is a cactus species native to Mexico. The species is commonly grown as an ornamental for its fragrant flowers in the fall.
This species was formerly placed in the genus Epiphyllum as Epiphyllum anguliger. However, according to recent molecular research, it is actually a species of Disocactus.
The specific name derives from the deeply toothed stems (anguliger = "angle bearing").
This epiphytic cactus has smooth green skin and extensively branched stems. The primary stems are often woody. Secondary stems are flat and succulent, 20âÂÂ30 cm long, 3âÂÂ5 cm wide, and deeply lobed. The lobes are rectangular or slightly rounded. The white or pale yellow flowers bloom nocturnally, exuding a strong, sweet scent; they are 6âÂÂ20 cm long and 6âÂÂ7 cm wide. The fruit, 3âÂÂ4 cm long and 2 cm in diameter, are ovoid and brownish, greenish or yellowish. The interior of the tasty fruit is reminiscent of kiwifruit, with green pulp and small black seeds.
The species is endemic to Mexico, occurring as an epiphyte in evergreen forests in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Jalisco, and Michoacán and/or Nayarit. It can be found at elevations between 1,100 and 1,800 m.
This plant was first distributed in Europe by the Horticultural Society of London which obtained it from the collector T. Hartweg in 1846.
This easily cultivated, fast growing epiphyte requires a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. It should be kept at , but temperatures may drop to for shorter periods. It is best grown in semi-shade. It flowers in late autumn or early winter.
There are a large number of cultivars and hybrids in existence with more added each year, just a few are listed here.