Pereskia quisqueyana, commonly known as Rosa Bayahibe, is a remarkable plant that defies the typical perception of cacti. Unlike most cacti, it possesses succulent leaves. It holds significant cultural importance as the national flower of the Dominican Republic, a status that underscores its rarity and unique beauty. This plant is a botanical anomaly, blending characteristics of leafy shrubs with the thorny nature of cacti.
Characteristics and Origin
Rosa Bayahibe typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights up to 6 meters (20 feet). Its stems are green and cylindrical, adorned with numerous clusters of spines emerging from areoles. The leaves are elliptic to obovate, glossy green, and succulent, measuring approximately 3-5 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide.
The plant produces showy, salmon-pink flowers, about 5-7 cm in diameter, which bloom from the tips of its branches. These blossoms are followed by globose to pear-shaped fruits that ripen to a yellowish-green color and contain numerous black seeds. Pereskia quisqueyana is a dioecious species, meaning individual plants are either male or female. This unique plant is endemic to the southeastern Dominican Republic, found naturally in coastal thickets on coral limestone and sand, particularly near Bayahibe.
Growing Rosa Bayahibe
Successful cultivation of Rosa Bayahibe begins with providing ample light, full sun exposure for 6 to 8 hours daily, though it can tolerate light shade. While some shade is acceptable, it may result in slower growth. The plant thrives in well-draining soil, preferring a sandy or loamy texture with a neutral pH range of 6 to 7.5. Ensuring proper drainage is important, as its roots are sensitive to oxygen deficiency.
Watering should be moderate during the active growing season (March to September), allowing the soil to dry out between applications. During winter, the plant requires very little water, remaining almost completely dry to prevent rot. Rosa Bayahibe is sensitive to cold temperatures and will not survive prolonged frost, necessitating a minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F). It thrives in warmer conditions, between 20°C and 38°C (68°F and 100.4°F), and benefits from a humid environment. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during its growing season, and incorporating organic potting soil or vermicompost can enhance soil fertility.
Propagation of Rosa Bayahibe
Rosa Bayahibe can be propagated through both stem cuttings and seeds. For vegetative propagation, select healthy, mature stems with at least two or three nodes. Unlike many cacti, cuttings of Pereskia quisqueyana should be planted immediately without a drying period, or they can be rooted in water.
Once cut, the stem segment should be placed in a well-draining rooting medium such as sand. Maintaining consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and bright, indirect light supports successful rooting. While rooting hormone can enhance success, root development can take several weeks or even months. Seed propagation is also possible, with seeds sown in moist, well-draining soil at temperatures between 20-25°C, typically germinating within 21 to 30 days.
Conservation and Importance
Rosa Bayahibe is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, facing significant threats in its natural habitat. Its vulnerability stems primarily from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in its limited native range. The plant is known to exist in a single, small locality with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild.
Beyond its ecological significance, Rosa Bayahibe holds deep cultural and national importance for the Dominican Republic. It was officially designated as the country’s national flower in 2011. The plant’s scientific name, quisqueyana, honors “Quisqueya,” an indigenous name for the Dominican Republic, further cementing its national identity. It has even been featured on the country’s currency, earning it the affectionate nickname “money tree.” Conservation efforts are underway, involving government ministries and botanical gardens, to protect this species.