Jasminocereus
Jasminocereus is a cactus genus with a single species, Jasminocereus thouarsii, and it is found only in the Galápagos Islands (part of Ecuador). It is often called the candelabra cactus because of its tall, branched shape.
Description: It is a leafless, tree-like cactus that can reach up to 7 meters tall. The green to greenish-yellow stems are made of segments with constrictions between them. The trunk has 11–22 ribs, and the areoles carry up to 35 spines up to 9 cm long. Spines range in color from white to black as they age. The flowers open at night and are about 6 cm across, with creamy white to yellow or olive-green petals and many stamens. The fruit is a berry, greenish to reddish-purple, containing many black seeds.
Taxonomy and varieties: The species has a complicated naming history, with several former names now considered the same species. Some sources list up to three varieties, but the IUCN and many classifications do not recognize distinct varieties.
Habitat and range: Jasminocereus thouarsii lives on several Galápagos Islands, including Fernandina, Floreana, Isabela, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and nearby islets. It grows in dry, coastal areas from the shore up to about 300 meters above sea level.
Conservation: The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN (as of 2013). All activities related to the plant are regulated in the Galápagos, which lies within a national park and a World Heritage Site, and trade is controlled under CITES Appendix II.
Uses: The fruits have been used to make a refreshing juice.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:08 (CET).