Brasiliparodia
| Brasiliparodia | |
|---|---|
| File:Brasiliparodia alacriportana.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Notocacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Brasiliparodia |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) and Ritter (1979). |
Etymology
The name means "Parodia of Brazil", highlighting the geographical origin of the genus, as true Parodia species (sensu stricto) are primarily found in Argentina and the Andes.
Description
Brasiliparodia consists of small, globose to elongated plants that can be solitary or form dense clumps. The apex of the stem is typically depressed, and the ribs are well-defined by areoles divided into small, spiraled tubercles. A notable feature is the long fibrous root system, which can reach up to 50 cm in length. The areoles are densely woolly, with radial spines that are setose, flexible, and interlaced. The central spines are sturdier and can be straight, curved, or hooked.
The flowers are diurnal and emerge from the apex. They are funnel-shaped to bell-shaped with a short, woolly tube bearing some bristles. The petals are golden yellow, often with dark reddish stripes. The flowers last for several days and are pollinated by insects. The fruits are spherical, green (rarely red), and finely woolly, typically drying on the plant without opening. The seeds are small, black, and finely warty, similar to those of Acanthocephala.
Habitat
The genus grows in the mountains of southern Brazil at altitudes around 1000 m. Unlike many other cacti, these plants prefer the shade and grow among grasses, mosses, and ferns. They are often found on rocky outcrops and granitic inselbergs, rooted in cracks filled with well-drained, organic-rich soil. The environment is notably acidic (pH 4–6) and receives higher annual rainfall than most cactus habitats.
Distribution
- Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina)
Species
According to the Joël Lodé index, there are currently 2 recognized species:
Notes
- While often included in an expanded concept of Parodia s.l., molecular studies (Nyffeler 1999, Machado et al. 2010) suggest that Brasiliparodia is distinct and more closely related to Acanthocephala (formerly Brasilicactus).
- Modern phylogenetic analyses by Bàrcenas et al. (2011) and Hernández-Hernández et al. (2012) confirm that the genus Parodia is polyphyletic, supporting the separation of groups like Brasiliparodia.
- There is ongoing discussion whether Brasiliparodia should be merged into Acanthocephala, but Joël Lodé maintains it as a separate genus for the time being.
