Pereskia aculeata aka Ora Pro Nobis

Pereskia aculeata is a cactus with leaves. People call it Barbados gooseberry or lemon vine. Its native range starts in Panama. It extends into tropical South America. It grows in forests, scrambling over rocks and other plants. Unlike many cacti, its stems are woody, not fleshy. Growers raise it for flowers, fruit, and edible leaves. Its conservation rating is Least Concern.

Young plants grow as upright shrubs with spines. They then form long stems that climb. These can reach 33 feet [10 metres] and cover a large tree. Stems are about 0.07–0.10 feet [0.02–0.03 metres] thick. Young stems have short, hooked spines near the leaves. On older stems, the spines are straight and woody. They grow alone or in small groups. The simple leaves have smooth edges and short stalks. Some are narrow and pointed; others are oval. Plants shed their leaves in the dry season.

Flowers grow in groups called panicles or corymbs. They range from white to pale yellow and pinkish shades. Each flower spans about 0.08–0.16 feet [0.025–0.05 metres]. Their strong scent can smell bad near homes. Insects carry pollen to pollinate the flowers. Round berries then form and change colour. They turn pale yellow, orange, red, or translucent white. Small, dark seeds lie inside the ripe fruit. In parts of Brazil, monkeys eat the fruit. They also spread its seeds.

This plant suits hot climates in the tropics. It needs moderate to high rainfall. In the wild, it grows across outcrops of rock. These include granite, gneiss, and limestone. Gardeners grow it for food and as a decorative climber. Its flowers and fruit add interest to gardens. Yet its spread can cause problems. It can escape gardens and smother native trees. South Africa lists it as a weed. Thick growth full of thorns makes large stands hard to control. Leaves and stem pieces can grow into new plants.

People eat the fruit raw or stew it. They also make it into jam. Its taste ranges from sweet-sour to tart. People eat young shoots and leaves in salads. They also cook them as greens. Markets in eastern Brazil sell the leaves. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. The spines can still cause harm. People have long used the leaves to soothe skin. These uses do not prove a medical benefit. Growers also use the plant as rootstock for other cacti.