Sclerocactus wetlandicus
Sclerocactus wetlandicus with long central spines and flowers in Utah.
Sclerocactus wetlandicus is a highly endangered species of the genus Sclerocactus in the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). English common name is " Uintah Basin Cactus".
Description
The gray to gray-green, 12 to 14 - rippige plant body is depressed - globose to ovoid, reaching heights of growth 3-8 cm (rarely 15 cm) in diameter and 4-8 cm. It has three or four, 2 to 2.5 cm long central spine, one of which is sometimes flexed or slightly hooked. The 10 to 15, white with brown tips, spines are 2-3 cm long. The plants usually grow individually. Your taproot is branched.
The funnel-shaped flowers are from 2 to 2.5 cm long and have a diameter of 2 to 3 cm. The bloom are pink to purple in color. The flowering period begins in late April.
The spherical, reddish to reddish- gray fruits have a diameter of 6 mm, and contain about 10 shiny, black, kidney-shaped curved, feinwarzige seeds that mature within 4 to 6 weeks.
Dissemination
Sclerocactus wetlandicus is widely endemic in the Uintah Basin in Utah between the Uintah County and the Duchesne County at altitudes 1290-2000 meters. It grows in various soil types and is associated with Sclerocactus parviflorus, Pediocactus simpsonii, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, various Opuntia species, Yucca harrimaniae subsp. sterilis, Artemesia spinescens, Altriplex confertifolia, Phlox muscoides, Hilaria jamesii and Allium textile.
System
The epithet of the species refers to the Pariette wetland in northern Utah. The first description comes from Fritz Hochstätter and was released in 1989. Sclerocactus wetlandicus is placed in the section mesae - Verdae within the genus Sclerocactus.
A synonym is Sclerocactus glaucus subsp. wetlandicus Lüthy (2007).
After Fritz Hochstätter following subspecies are distinguished:
- Sclerocactus wetlandicus subsp. wetlandicus
- Sclerocactus wetlandicus subsp. ilseae Hochstätter
Endangering
In the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN, the type is known as " Least Concern ( LC) ," ie, than not led at risk.
Pictures
Sclerocactus wetlandicus:
Well camouflaged in low bushes.
Young plant.
With ripe fruit.
With seed capsules