As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had the opportunity to work with various types of plants, including the fascinating epiphyllums. These plants are known for their stunning flowers and, in some cases, their edible fruit. However, it is important to note that not all epiphyllum fruit is edible.
One of the most well-known epiphyllums is the broad-leaved epiphyllum, also known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum. This plant produces large, strongly fragrant flowers that are a delight to the senses. The flowers of the broad-leaved epiphyllum usually open for a single night only, adding to their mystique.
While the broad-leaved epiphyllum is famous for its flowers, its fruit is not typically consumed. The fruit of this particular epiphyllum is small, measuring around 3-4 cm in length. It bears a resemblance to the pitaya fruit from the closely related genus Hylocereus. However, unlike the larger and more widely consumed pitaya fruit, the fruit of the broad-leaved epiphyllum is not commonly eaten.
It is worth noting that there are other species of epiphyllums that do produce edible fruit. These include Epiphyllum anguliger and Epiphyllum phyllanthus. The fruit of these species is typically larger and more desirable for consumption.
In my personal experience, I have come across both edible and non-edible varieties of epiphyllums. I have had the pleasure of tasting the fruit of Epiphyllum anguliger, which has a sweet and refreshing flavor. However, I have not encountered any instances of consuming the fruit of the broad-leaved epiphyllum, as it is not commonly eaten.
To summarize, not all epiphyllum fruit is edible. While some species, such as Epiphyllum anguliger and Epiphyllum phyllanthus, produce fruit that can be enjoyed, the fruit of the broad-leaved epiphyllum is not typically consumed. It is important to research and verify the edibility of specific epiphyllum species before considering consuming their fruit.
