Sclerocactus papyracanthus

Sclerocactus papyracanthus

Sclerocactus papyracanthus is the species of the genus Sclerocactus in the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet refers to the paper-like spines of the plants. English common names are " Grama Grass Cactus", "Paper - Spined Cactus" and "Paper Spine Cactus Pincushion ".

Description

The individual, weichfleischigen, stretched, ovoid plant body are bluish to green. They are 2 to 10 cm (rarely 20 cm) in length and capable diameter of 1 to 4 cm. On them are cylindrical, oval 2.5 to 5 mm long and 3 mm wide warts. From the finely hairy, cream -colored to yellowish areoles spring the characteristic 1-4 paper-like, variable, 2 to 5 cm long, white, gray to brownish central spines. The roots are fibrous.

The funnel-shaped, long- tubed and usually at the apex appearing flowers are up to 2.5 cm long and 1.5 to 2.5 cm wide. The bloom is white, brownish, yellowish and pale pink. They sometimes have a brownish or pale pink center strip. The flowering period is May to June.

The thin-walled, oval to cylindrical, up to 6 mm long and 4 mm wide fruits are brownish to brown, and contain about 20 black, shiny seeds that mature within 4 to 6 weeks.

Dissemination

Sclerocactus papyracanthus is one of the rarest and most unusual species in the United States. Although the total distribution area is very large, the locations of the species are restricted to a few small areas. It grows in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas in Juniper - pinyon forests, in grasslands. ( In typical Grama grass) and on low hills in different soil types at altitudes 1100-2200 m It is associated with Sclerocactus parviflorus, Escobaria missouriensis subsp. navajoensis, Echinocereus fendleri, Mammillaria wrightii, Mammillaria meiacantha, Echinomastus intertextus, various Opuntia species, Yucca elata and other Yucca species.

System

The first plants were discovered in 1847 by August Fendler. Two years later, under the name Mammillaria papyracantha the first description by George Engelmann. The classification as a distinct genus Toumeya Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph took Nelson Rose 1922 before. Nigel Paul Taylor presented the type 1987 in the genus Sclerocactus ..

At some sites, for example, in New Mexico, the species' distribution area overlaps with Sclerocactus parviflorus. The heyday at these sites is identical, but no hybrids have been found. In Culture in Europe crosses between Sclerocactus parviflorus and Sclerocactus papyracanthus, however, were successful.

Synonyms are Echinocactus papyracanthus ( Engelm. ) Engelm. (1863 ), Toumeya papyracantha ( Engelm. ) Britton & Rose (1922 ) and Pediocactus papyracanthus ( Engelm. ) LDBenson (1962).

Endangering

The species is threatened and has been included in Appendix I of CITES to protect endangered species. In the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN, the type is known as " Least Concern ( LC) ," ie, than not led at risk.