Pereskia is a small genus of about four species of cacti that do not look much like other types of cacti, having substantial leaves and non- succulent stems. The genus is named after Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, a 16th-century French botanist.

Have you ever seen a cactus with lush green leaves? Well, Pereskia cacti are nature’s rebels, defying the typical cactus appearance. Instead of spines and fleshy stems, these plants flaunt vibrant foliage and can even grow into small trees up to 33 feet tall!

Pereskia aculeata is a scrambling shrub in the family Cactaceae. Common names include Barbados gooseberry, blade-apple cactus, leaf cactus, rose cactus, and lemonvine. [3] It is native to tropical America.

Pereskia, genus of 17 species of trees, shrubs, and vines of the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to the West Indies and southeastern South America, especially coastal areas. Unlike most other members of the cactus family, Pereskia species have true leaves. Several species are cultivated as ornamentals. Pereskia Pereskia bleo, a leafy cactus.

Pereskias qualify as cacti because their spines develop from aureoles, a distinctive characteristic of the Cactus Family. They can be divided into Leuenbergerias and Pereskias. Pereskias are usually found in tropical areas, while Leuenbergerias are found farther north. Many of these plants have lovely foliage.

Pereskia grandifolia, commonly called rose cactus or pereskia, is botanically classified as a cactus, but takes the form of an evergreen to deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded crown typically maturing to 6-16’ tall. It often develops a brown trunk (to 8” diameter).

Pereskia is the only genus in the cactus family that has non-succulent leaves. It is deciduous, multi-branched, has a woody trunk and branches, thin stems, and flat, fleshy leaves. These plants have spines that develop from the areoles and have the same type of flowers as other plants in the cactus family.

Pereskia is a primitive, non-succulent cactus that has not evolved to lose its leaves. The areoles each contain 2 to 3 spines, giving it the appearance of a succulent if the winter chill renders it leafless.

Feb 1, 2025 · Pereskia is a fascinating and unusual member of the cactus family (Cactaceae), offering a glimpse into the diverse world of cacti. Originating from regions as widespread as Florida, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribbean, Pereskia stands out due to its characteristics unlike those of other more commonly known cacti.

Pereskia, as traditionally circumscribed, is a genus of cacti that do not look much like other types of cacti, having substantial leaves and thin stems. Plants are leafy and spiny, treelike, shrubby, and often scrambling.