
Certain cactus species produce flowers that open after sunset and may close again the following morning.
These night-blooming flowers are often large, pale, and strongly scented. Those characteristics can help attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats.
The flowers may remain open for only a short period, making the blooming event surprisingly brief.
A cactus that looks completely ordinary during the day can therefore become dramatically different after dark. (RHS)
© Royal Horticultural Society