Eriocephala
| Eriocephala | |
|---|---|
| File:Eriocephala leninghausii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Notocacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Eriocephala |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015/2019). Lodé reinstates Eriocephala as the legitimate name over Eriocactus according to ICN Art. 53, ex. 10. |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek erion (wool) and kephale (head), referring to the abundant woolly covering at the apex of the plants[cite: 1016].
Description
Eriocephala comprises cacti that often become massive and columnar with age[cite: 1016].
- Stems: Characterized by a typical heliotropic apex, which is usually inclined and densely woolly[cite: 1016].
- Ribs: Numerous and well-defined; areoles are set close to each other[cite: 1016].
- Spines: Generally fine, flexible, and numerous, lacking hooks[cite: 1016].
- Flowers: Diurnal, widely funnel-shaped to bell-shaped[cite: 1016]. The floral tube is covered with brown or pale yellow wool, and the stigma lobes are always yellow (distinguishing them from Notocactus s.s., which usually has red stigmas)[cite: 1016].
- Fruits: Spherical and densely covered with wool and bristles[cite: 1016]. They are basally dehiscent when dry, releasing seeds freely[cite: 1016].
- Seeds: Very small, helmet or hat-shaped, finely warty and striate[cite: 1016]. Dispersal is primarily performed by ants[cite: 1016].
Habitat
Species grow in humid subtropical deciduous forests, among bushes, or on rocky slopes and cliffs[cite: 1017]. They are found on granitic, basaltic, or sandstone substrates at altitudes ranging from 500 m to 2200 m[cite: 1017]. The plants show a strong tendency toward heliotropism[cite: 1017].
Distribution
- South America: Argentina (Misiones), Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul), Paraguay, and Uruguay[cite: 1017].
Species
Following Lodé's final classification, the genus includes 6 recognized species[cite: 1017]:
- Eriocephala claviceps [cite: 1017]
- Eriocephala lenninghausii [cite: 1017]
- Eriocephala magnifica [cite: 1017]
- Eriocephala nigrispina [cite: 1017]
- Eriocephala schumanniana (incl. E. grossei) [cite: 1017]
- Eriocephala warasii [cite: 1017]
Taxonomy
The genus was originally established by Backeberg in 1938 but later invalidated due to a similar name in Asteraceae. However, current nomenclature rules (ICN Art. 53, ex 10) have made Eriocephala legitimate again, giving it priority over Eriocactus[cite: 1017]. Molecular studies by Bárcenas et al. (2011) confirm that these species emerge as a polyphyletic group within a broad Parodia concept, justifying their treatment as a separate genus[cite: 1016].
