Pereskia is a small genus of roughly ten species of cacti in the family Cactaceae, remarkable for their distinctly un-cactus-like appearance. Unlike the vast majority of cacti, Pereskia species bear persistent, substantial leaves and possess non-succulent, woody stems — traits that link them superficially to ordinary broadleaf shrubs. Closer examination reveals the hallmarks of the cactus family: spines arising from areoles and the characteristic floral cup shared by all Cactaceae members.
Plants in the genus grow as shrubs, trees, or climbing vines, reaching heights of 3–10 metres depending on the species. Their succulent leaves are longer than wide — in Pereskia aculeata, the most widespread member, leaves reach up to 11 cm by 5 cm. Flowers are borne in small clusters or solitarily, with P. aculeata capable of producing inflorescences of 70 or more individual flowers. Fruits are small; P. aculeata produces edible fruits 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter that resemble gooseberries in appearance and flavour, while other species bear fruits no larger than 6 mm.
The genus was formerly circumscribed more broadly, but molecular phylogenetic studies demonstrated that the traditional concept was paraphyletic. Several species have since been reclassified into the segregate genus Leuenbergeria, with some authorities also recognising Rhodocactus. The genus is placed in the family Cactaceae and its common name, "leafy cacti" or "rose cacti," reflects the unusual leafy growth form.
Pereskia aculeata, sometimes called the Barbados gooseberry or leaf cactus, is by far the most economically significant member. Its edible fruit is widely eaten, and the plant is cultivated across tropical regions. It has, however, become an invasive weed in South Africa. The species is also used as a grafting rootstock for Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus), allowing growers to train these epiphytes into small tree forms.
Etymology
The genus name Pereskia honours Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc (1580–1637), a French naturalist and patron of science. The genus was effectively established by Philip Miller in 1754, as pre-Linnaean names such as Plumier's 1703 usage are not accepted under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.
Distribution
Pereskia species are native to southern tropical and southern South America. Pereskia aculeata has the broadest range among the accepted species and also occurs in Panama. It has been introduced — and in some cases naturalised or declared invasive — in Mexico, the United States, South Africa, China, and Australia.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus was originally defined broadly and included species now placed in Leuenbergeria and, by some treatments, Rhodocactus. Molecular phylogenetic work showed the traditional concept was paraphyletic. Plants of the World Online (as of April 2026) does not recognise Rhodocactus as separate, retaining those species in Pereskia or moving them to Leuenbergeria. The name was published by Philip Miller in 1754; Charles Plumier collected the first specimens from the West Indies in the late 17th century and described two species in 1703, but Linnaeus placed them in Cactus rather than accepting Plumier's genus.
Cultural Uses
Pereskia aculeata produces edible fruit resembling gooseberries in appearance and described as excellent in flavour; the fruit contains numerous small seeds. The species is widely cultivated in tropical regions for its fruit. It is also used horticulturally as a grafting rootstock for Schlumbergera, producing miniature tree-form Christmas cacti. The genus is otherwise not of great economic importance.
