night-blooming cereus

[ nahyt-bloo-ming ]

noun

1. any of various cacti of the genera Hylocereus, Peniocereus, Nyctocereus, or Selenicereus, having large, usually white flowers that open at night.

night-blooming cereus

noun

1. any of several cacti of the genera Hylocereus, Selenicereus, etc, having large fragrant flowers that open at night

Word History and Origins

Origin of night-blooming cereus¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Some of the most common species in cultivation are the Phyllocactus species, often called the Night-blooming Cereus.

From Project Gutenberg

Systematically it belongs to the Cereus family, in which the notable Night-blooming Cereus also is naturally included.

From Project Gutenberg

Once more the night-blooming cereus oped its dank petals; and amid its murky fragrance I sank to rest.

From Project Gutenberg

The night-blooming cereus laid its ivory urn open to the moonlight, and a myriad of crickets chirped in one continuous jubilee.

From Project Gutenberg

The night-blooming cereus abounds, opening just at sunset, and closing again at break of day.

From Project Gutenberg