Aporocactus

Aporocactus
File:Aporocactus.jpg
Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Cactaceae
Subfamily	Cactoideae
Tribe	Hylocereeae
SubTribe
Genus	Aporocactus
Species
Notes	Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015).

Etymology

The name Aporocactus means "impenetrable, tangled cactus", which refers to the countless tangled stems characteristic of the genus.

Description

Aporocactus is a genus of epiphytic or lithophytic plants with long, crawling or hanging cylindrical stems that possess aerial roots. The spines are short and aciculate.

Flowers are diurnal and self-sterile, lasting for several days. They are more or less zygomorphic and range in color from pink to scarlet red. A distinguishing feature is the hairy receptacle. Pollination is primarily carried out by hummingbirds. Fruits are relatively small, spherical, and juicy, containing shiny, dark brown seeds.

Habitat

The genus grows in open woodlands consisting of oaks (Quercus sp.), where the plants are epiphytic on trees, specifically in the hollows of branches within humus pockets. They are also sometimes found as epilithics in rock cracks in the mountains of central and southern Mexico.

Altitude range: approximately 200–2700 m.

Distribution

• Mexico (Hidalgo, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Veracruz)

Species

According to the Joël Lodé index, there are currently 2 recognized species:

• Aporocactus flagelliformis
• Aporocactus martianus

Notes

• There is an ongoing taxonomic debate regarding the placement of this genus. Some systems, such as the New Cactus Lexicon, merge it into Disocactus.
• Joël Lodé maintains Aporocactus as a distinct genus, noting that Disocactus possesses a naked receptacle while Aporocactus features a hairy one.
• The genus was accepted by the IOS Working Group following a vote, highlighting its recognition despite conflicting molecular data.
• Known in cultivation for their dramatic "rat-tail" appearance and vibrant floral displays.