Badmin: Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Stephanocereus | image = Stephanocereus_leucostele.jpg | kingdom = Plantae | family = Cactaceae | subfamily = Cactoideae | tribe = Cereeae | genus = '''Stephanocereus''' | authority = Berger (1926) | notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) with molecular insights from Machado et al. (2006). The genus is monotypic and phylogenetically complex. }} == Etymology == The name means "crowned ''Cereus''", referring to the characteristic an..."

2026-04-20T08:27:43Z

Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Stephanocereus | image = Stephanocereus_leucostele.jpg | kingdom = Plantae | family = Cactaceae | subfamily = Cactoideae | tribe = Cereeae | genus = '''Stephanocereus''' | authority = Berger (1926) | notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) with molecular insights from Machado et al. (2006). The genus is monotypic and phylogenetically complex. }} == Etymology == The name means "crowned ''Cereus''", referring to the characteristic an..."

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{{Taxobox
| name = Stephanocereus
| image = Stephanocereus_leucostele.jpg
| kingdom = [[Plantae]]
| family = [[Cactaceae]]
| subfamily = [[Cactoideae]]
| tribe = [[Cereeae]]
| genus = '''Stephanocereus'''
| authority = Berger (1926)
| notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) with molecular insights from Machado et al. (2006). The genus is monotypic and phylogenetically complex.
}}

== Etymology ==
The name means "crowned ''Cereus''", referring to the characteristic annular cephalium.

== Description ==
'''Stephanocereus''' is a monotypic genus of columnar cacti with a distinctive ring-like cephalium.

* '''Habit''': Columnar, mostly solitary, rarely branched; reaching 2–5 m in height.
* '''Stems''': Bluish-green, irregularly segmented with growth; 13–18 straight ribs.
* '''Areoles''': Close-set, strongly woolly.
* '''Spines''': Numerous (≈20) short white radial spines; 1–2 longer, stiffer central spines, golden-yellow.
* '''Cephalium''': Annular (ring-shaped), densely woolly and hairy.
* '''Flowers''': Nocturnal, tubular to campanulate, creamy-white; appearing laterally on both current and older cephalia; possibly self-fertile.
* '''Pollination''': Primarily by bats; also visited by hymenopterans.
* '''Fruits''': Elongated, thick-walled; bluish and waxy when ripe; pulp white or red.
* '''Seeds''': Black, warty, dull; with mucilaginous coating.
* '''Dispersal''': By bats and ants.

== Habitat ==
Endemic to Brazilian semi-arid environments:

* rocky outcrops, crevices and quartz sands
* among grasses and shrubs
* caatinga vegetation

Altitude range: approximately 270–750 m.

== Distribution ==
Endemic to Brazil:

* Bahia

== Taxonomy ==
The genus is currently accepted but phylogenetically complex.

Key points:

* Berger (1926): established the genus
* Machado et al. (2006): indicated polyphyly among related genera (including ''Arrojadoa'' and ''Pilosocereus'')
* Close relationship with ''Arrojadoa'' suggested, but differing pollination syndromes and morphology

Important considerations:

* ''Stephanocereus leucostele'' is the only species clearly belonging to the genus
* Other taxa (e.g. ''S. luetzelburgii'') are likely unrelated and closer to other genera
* Some authors propose splitting related lineages into separate monotypic genera

The genus is therefore maintained as distinct and monotypic.

== Species ==
Currently one recognized species:

* [[Stephanocereus leucostele]]

== Notes ==
* Characterized by its unique annular cephalium.
* Represents a highly specialized evolutionary lineage.
* Pollination biology differs from closely related genera.
* Likely part of a complex evolutionary network involving reticulate evolution.

[[Category:Cactaceae]]
[[Category:Cactoideae]]
[[Category:Cereeae]]
[[Category:Stephanocereus]]

Stephanocereus - Revision history