This unusual woody cactus is Pink Rose, Leuenbergeria portulacifolia. Older books and plant labels may identify it as Pereskia portulacifolia or Rhodocactus portulacifolius, but Kew currently accepts Leuenbergeria portulacifolia as the botanical name. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae, even though it looks more like a leafy shrub than a familiar desert cactus.

The species is native to Haiti, where it grows in seasonally dry tropical vegetation. Its limited natural range gives it particular importance as a Caribbean plant.

Pink Rose usually grows as a woody shrub or small tree with a well-developed trunk and spreading branches. Unlike most familiar cacti, its stems become woody and carry broad, ordinary-looking green leaves.

Those leaves are somewhat thick and fleshy, helping the plant retain moisture during dry periods. The species name portulacifolia means “with leaves resembling Portulaca,” referring to their succulent appearance.

The feature that confirms its identity as a true cactus is the presence of areoles. These small specialized structures occur along the stems and produce clusters of sharp spines. Areoles are unique to the cactus family.

The flowers are the plant’s most attractive feature. They are usually pink or rose-colored, with numerous petals surrounding a dense cluster of yellow stamens. Their open, rounded form resembles a wild rose, which explains the common name Pink Rose.

The blossoms attract bees and other insects that carry pollen between flowers. Against the plant’s green leaves and thorny woody branches, the delicate pink flowers can appear especially striking.

After pollination, the plant develops fleshy fruits containing several seeds. As with many cactus fruits, birds and other animals may feed on them and assist with seed dispersal. Visitors should not assume that an unfamiliar fruit is edible simply because it resembles the fruit of another cactus.

Pink Rose is adapted to warmth, bright sunlight and seasonal drought. Its leafy growth allows it to gather sunlight efficiently, while its somewhat succulent tissues help it withstand periods when water is limited.

This plant is especially interesting because it challenges our usual image of a cactus. It has a woody trunk, broad green leaves and rose-like flowers, yet its areoles and spines reveal its true family.

When presenting it to a group, the best feature to point out is the combination of leaves and areoles. The leaves make it look unlike a cactus, while the spine-bearing areoles prove that it is one.