Epiphyllum chrysocardium

This tropical leaf cactus from southern Mexico has large, flat, and broadly lobed stems and produces enormous (up to 30 cm!) white flowers. In its natural habitat, this cactus grows epiphytically, meaning it grows on and around trees in the humid mountain forests of southern Mexico at altitudes of 1600 to 1800 meters above sea level. The climate there is humid and mild, and the nights can sometimes get quite cold.

The broadly lobed shoots reach a length of up to 2 meters. The gigantic flowers open for only a short time (often just a day or a night) and are said to smell of sour cream. This scent primarily attracts bats.

This plant is found under various names, including Selenicereus chrysocardium and Marniera chrysocardia . The first is a synonym, the second a basionym.