Species of "Pereskia" generally resemble other types of plants, such as roses. "Pereskia" species have large, bright green, privet-like leaves and long spiny stems. Not always succulent plants, they can be classified as shrubs, climbing plants or slightly succulent trees. However, close examination shows spines developing from areoles, and the distinctive floral cup of the cactus family. Unlike "Pereskiopsis", "Maihuenia, Quiabentia" and "Austrocylindropuntia" which have persistent succulent leaves, when defined broadly "Pereskia" is the only cactus genus that has persistent non-succulent leaves. It is believed that the ancestor of all cacti resembled "Pereskia".