Rare Cactus Blooms for Single Night at IKBFU Botanical Garden

For the first time in three years, the Selenicereus grandiflorus cactus blossomed in the Botanical Garden greenhouse on the night of June 7–8. The plant is also known as “Queen of the Night” — it flowers for only a few hours once a year and wilts in the morning.

Svetlana Yakovleva, Director of the IKBFU Botanical Garden:
The “Queen of the Night” has been growing in the Botanical Garden for 30 years; buds appear regularly, but seldom bloom. In nature, the cactus is found from Southern Mexico to Colombia in tropical climates on rocks or trees. The cactus stalk is about 2.5 cm thick and covered with thorns. As it matures, the thorns fall off, and in their place buds form. The flower aroma resembles fresh peas.

Rare Cactus Blooms for Single Night at IKBFU Botanical Garden | Image 1

Rare Cactus Blooms for Single Night at IKBFU Botanical Garden | Image 2

Mentioned persons

Svetlana Yakovleva

Head of the Botanical Garden Laboratory