Between sunset and sunrise, within just 12 hours, the "Queen of the Night" (commonly known as Moonflower) reveals its beauty and withers away, leaving behind a strong, sweet scent and a sense of surprise, captivating all who bear witness. As the first moonflower to bloom in the UK, it aids curators and scholars at Cambridge in understanding and safeguarding the diversity of our environment. The Moonflower (Strophocactus wittii) is a rare cactus flower from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. First found in the 20th century, Strophocactus wittii is rarely represented in cultivation, and has only been introduced into European botanic gardens a handful of times.

A Night of Ephemeral Beauty

Known as the “Queen of the Night,” the Moonflower is celebrated for its ephemeral blooms. Each flower opens after sunset, revealing delicate white petals that glow against the darkness. Over the course of just 12 hours, the flower releases a powerful, sweet fragrance designed to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as moths. By sunrise, the bloom withers, leaving behind a sense of awe and surprise for those fortunate enough to witness its brief display.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Moonflower plays an important ecological role in the Amazon rainforest — seasonally flooded forests. Its flattened, leaf-like stems cling to tree trunks, adapting to the challenging environment by maximizing photosynthesis in low-light conditions.

At Cambridge, this rare plant supports curators and scholars in their mission to understand and safeguard biodiversity. As the only one of its kind in the UK, it provides a vital link to the fragile ecosystems of the Amazon, reminding us of the importance of conservation.

The Moonflower’s elegance and transience symbolize the delicate balance of our natural world, urging us to cherish and protect the fleeting wonders of life. For those who witness its bloom, it is not just a flower—it is an unforgettable experience of nature’s magic.