• LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net
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    7 hours ago

    Rhipsalis baccifera, commonly known as the mistletoe cactus, is an epiphytic cactus which originates from Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is also found throughout the tropics of Africa and into Sri Lanka where it is known in Sinhala as nawahandi (නවහන්දි).[2] This is the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas. One hypothesis is that it was introduced to the Old World by migratory birds, long enough ago for the Old World populations to be regarded as distinct subspecies.[3] An alternative hypothesis holds that the species initially crossed the Atlantic Ocean on European ships trading between South America and Africa, after which birds may have spread it more widely.

      • stringere@sh.itjust.works
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        3 hours ago

        I think I’m missing the joke. Are portulacas somehow related other than also being succulents?

        There’s that one species of cactus that exists outside the US but there are hundreds of portulacas and they exist all over the place.

        Is it about invasive species?

      • angrystego@lemmy.world
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        3 hours ago

        Sorry, I kind of thought it was not as hot. I mean, compared to the whole African vs. Australian Acacia affair - oops!

        • TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world
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          2 hours ago

          I was kidding. Although I have legitimately seen one entire career come tumbling during the advent of molecular plant phylogeny.

          • angrystego@lemmy.world
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            58 minutes ago

            I know and it made me laugh so hard I had to explain it to my spouse! I tried to play along, but I guess text is not the right medium for that :D

            And yeah, molecular phylogeny is the source of real drama sometimes ;)

            If only Stapelias Ceropegias could talk…