Autor: Britton & Rose
• ETYMOLOGY
“Similar to Rhipsalis”, referring to the superficial resemblance of this genus with Rhipsalis.
• DESCRIPTION
A genus of small epiphytic plants, usually multi branched and hanging (or semi erect and little branched in R. rosea), with usually flattened segments, but sometimes with 3 to 6 angles, truncate, often tinged with red, notched at the areoles; areoles marginal and apical, bearing tiny bristles. Spines absent. Flowers diurnal, self-sterile, appearing at the end of stems, funnel-shaped to bell-shaped, actinomorphic, pink or scarlet to intense red, pollinated by hummingbirds. Fruits globose or elongated, red. Seeds egg-shaped, shiny, smooth, brown.
• HABITAT
The genus Rhipsalidopsis grows endemically, in the humid and mountainous forests of southern Brazil, epiphytically in trees, from 100 m up to approximately 2000 m in altitude. It is often found together with Schlumbergera. It is usually in cultivation under the name of “Easter cactus”, while Schlumbergera is named “Christmas Cactus”, because they commonly flower during these periods.
• DISTRIBUTION
Brazil (Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo).
Currently 2 recognised species:
– Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri* (Regel) Moran 1953
– Rhipsalidopsis rosea* (Lagerheim) Britton & Rose 1923
References: "TAXONOMY of the CACTACEAE" - ISBN 978-84-617-3692-8 (Vol. 2)