Rhipsalis floccosa

This species, although for many aspects similar to a succulent, is actually part of the family of the cactaceae, with which it shares above all the presence of the thorns. It consists of stems that exceed several meters in length, maintaining a diameter of a little more than one centimeter: it will therefore tend, with growth, to look for physical support in the surrounding shrubs, while in cultivation it can become a wonderful green waterfall if placed in a hanging vase. From the stems, often also abundantly ramified, come out occasionally rare extremely thin and rather long spines, soft like a sort of down (hence the name of the species itself which, in Latin, means just “with tufts of wool"). One of the characteristics for which Rhipsalis is most appreciated is undoubtedly its inflorescence: rather big if compared to the slender dimensions of the stems from which it blooms, in the middle of winter this Cactacea will delight you with candid and delicate bell-shaped flowers, that will emit sweet aromas similar to vanilla.