The primary stems are terete, up to 6 metres (20 ft) long, flattened laterally, and ligneous at their bases.

The principal odor components in the aroma are benzyl salicylate and methyl linoleate.

The inner tepals are whitish, oblanceolate or oblong, acuminate, up through 8–10 cm long and 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) wide.

[citation needed] In 1909, C. A. Purpus collected a slightly different type in St. Ana, Orizaba, Mexico.

[7] Epiphyllum oxypetalum is native to Southern Mexico and to extensive areas of South America.

It is known to have medicinal properties in many Asian cultures, including India, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

The plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory ailments, bleeding conditions, and is also believed to have the property of reducing pain and inflammation.