Disocactus ackermannii commonly called red orchid cactus is an epiphytic cactus from tropical forests in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico. In cultivation, it has been confused with Disocactus × jenkinsonii, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus.[1]
The stems of Disocactus ackermannii consist of a short rounded base, about 10- long, followed by longer flattened leaf-like portions, 10- long and 5- wide with wavy edges. The plant branches from the base and arches downwards, being altogether some 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on long. The scarlet flowers have greenish throats and are funnel shaped, 11- or even longer and up to 15cm (06inches) across. The filaments are red but the base is usually greenish. The anthers are pale rose. The style are red. The stigma is purplish. Fertilized flowers are followed by green to brownish red fruits, 4cm (02inches) long and 2- wide.[2]
Disocactus ackermannii is native to the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz in southern Mexico. It inhabits cloud forests in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca and Chiapas Highlands between 1,800 and 2,500 meters elevation.
The species was originally named Epiphyllum ackermannii by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1829. There are three sets of synonyms:
Two varieties are currently recognized. D. a. var. ackermannii has longer cladodes (flattened stem portions), 35- long, and longer tepals, 7- long. D. a. var. conzattianum has shorter cladodes, 10- long, shorter hypanthia, 2.8cm (01.1inches) long, and shorter tepals, 4- long.
In cultivation, Disocactus × jenkinsonii, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus, has been confused with D. ackermannii and is often distributed under the name "Phyllocactus ackermannii".
Disocactus ackermannii has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]