Cylindropuntia: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "{{Taxobox | name = Cylindropuntia | image = Cylindropuntia_bigelovii.jpg | kingdom = Plantae | family = Cactaceae | subfamily = Opuntioideae | tribe = Cylindropuntieae | genus = '''Cylindropuntia''' | notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) and Griffith & Porter (2009). }} == Etymology == The name translates to "Cylindrical Opuntia," referring to the cylindrical or club-shaped stems of this genus, which distinguish it from the flattened stems of the..."
 
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{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = Cylindropuntia
| name = Cylindropuntia
| image = Cylindropuntia_bigelovii.jpg
| image = Cylindropuntia_imbricata.jpg
| kingdom = [[Plantae]]
| kingdom = [[Plantae]]
| family = [[Cactaceae]]
| family = [[Cactaceae]]
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| tribe = [[Cylindropuntieae]]
| tribe = [[Cylindropuntieae]]
| genus = '''Cylindropuntia'''
| genus = '''Cylindropuntia'''
| notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) and Griffith & Porter (2009).
| authority = (Engelmann) F.M. Knuth (1935)
| notes = Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). The genus is treated in the strict sense (s.s.).
}}
}}


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The name translates to "Cylindrical Opuntia," referring to the cylindrical or club-shaped stems of this genus, which distinguish it from the flattened stems of the genus ''Opuntia'' (Platyopuntia).
The name means "cylindrical Opuntia", referring to the cylindrical stems, in contrast to flattened ''Opuntia''.


== Description ==
== Description ==
'''Cylindropuntia''' consists of much-branched, shrubby to treelike cacti of indeterminate growth. The stem segments are cylindrical or clavate, often becoming easily detached (a method of vegetative reproduction). A defining characteristic is the presence of **papery sheaths** that enclose the spines; these sheaths often fall off over time but provide protection and reflect sunlight when young.
'''Cylindropuntia''' is a genus of shrubby to tree-like cacti with cylindrical segmented stems.


The flowers are diurnal and display a wide range of colors: yellow, greenish, bronze, magenta, or red. They are pollinated by various bees, hummingbirds, and in some cases, even by wind (anemophily). The fruits can be dry or fleshy, globose, and in some species like ''C. fulgida'', they proliferate to form long, hanging chains.
* '''Habit''': Much-branched shrubs or small trees with indeterminate growth.
* '''Stems''': Cylindrical or clavate segments, often tuberculate and easily detached.
* '''Areoles''': Bearing glochids.
* '''Spines''': Variable, usually enclosed in a papery sheath that soon falls.
* '''Flowers''': Diurnal, open widely, yellow, greenish, red, bronze or magenta; mostly self-sterile.
* '''Fruits''': Dry or fleshy, sometimes forming chains.
* '''Seeds''': Large, flattened, straw-coloured, sometimes absent.


== Habitat ==
The genus grows in deserts, rocky slopes, plains, valleys, plateaus, and coastal dry scrub. It may form dense populations and often occurs among shrubs.
Altitude range: from sea level up to about 2100 m (sometimes higher in naturalized populations).
== Distribution ==
* '''Americas''':
Mexico (multiple states), 
United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah), 
Caribbean (Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago), 
Venezuela 
* Naturalized:
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
== Taxonomy ==
The genus ''Cylindropuntia'' was established by F.M. Knuth (1935).


Molecular studies (Wallace & Dickie 2002; Griffith 2002; Griffith & Porter 2009) support its recognition as a monophyletic genus, although relationships with ''Grusonia'' and related genera remain complex.


== Habitat ==
Natural hybridization is frequent and contributes to taxonomic difficulty within the genus.
The genus is extremely adaptable, growing in diverse environments from sea level up to 2100 m (and even higher where naturalized). They are found on volcanic soils, gravelly plains, rocky escarpments, and desert basins. Some species are remarkably cold-hardy, surviving snow on the Colorado Plateau, while others thrive in tropical dry scrubs in the Caribbean.


== Distribution ==
According to Joël Lodé (2015), ''Cylindropuntia sensu stricto'' is a valid genus within Cylindropuntieae.
* '''North America:''' Widespread in the SW USA (Arizona, California, Texas, etc.) and Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, etc.).
* '''Caribbean:''' Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago.
* '''South America:''' Venezuela.
* '''Naturalized:''' Several species (like ''C. tunicata'' and ''C. rosea'') have naturalized in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, sometimes reaching altitudes of 3300 m.


== Species ==
== Species ==
Joël Lodé recognizes 34 species, 9 subspecies, and several natural hybrids:
Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015).


* [[Cylindropuntia abyssi]]
* [[Cylindropuntia abyssi]]
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* [[Cylindropuntia molesta]]
* [[Cylindropuntia molesta]]
** [[Cylindropuntia molesta subsp. clavellina]]
** [[Cylindropuntia molesta subsp. clavellina]]
* [[Cylindropuntia munzii]] (Possible hybrid)
* [[Cylindropuntia munzii]]
* [[Cylindropuntia prolifera]]
* [[Cylindropuntia prolifera]]
* [[Cylindropuntia ramosissima]]
* [[Cylindropuntia ramosissima]]
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* [[Cylindropuntia wolfii]]
* [[Cylindropuntia wolfii]]


=== Natural Hybrids ===
== Hybrids ==
* [[Cylindropuntia X multigeniculata]]
* [[Cylindropuntia × multigeniculata]]
* [[Cylindropuntia X tetracantha]]
* [[Cylindropuntia × tetracantha]]
* [[Cylindropuntia X viridiflora]]
* [[Cylindropuntia × viridiflora]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
* '''Phylogeny:''' Molecular studies (Wallace & Dickie, 2002) confirm the genus is monophyletic. However, the position of ''C. ramosissima'' remains mysterious and distant from other species, suggesting it might represent a separate lineage.
* The genus is highly variable and includes many natural hybrids.
* '''Hybridization:''' Natural hybridization is very common in this genus, complicating its taxonomy.
* Some species (e.g. ''C. ramosissima'') show unusual phylogenetic positions.
* '''Invasive Potential:''' Because of their easily detached segments, species like ''C. rosea'' and ''C. tunicata'' have become invasive in parts of Australia and South America.
* Hybridization and polyploidy complicate classification.


[[Category:Cactaceae]]
[[Category:Cactaceae]]
[[Category:Opuntioideae]]
[[Category:Opuntioideae]]
[[Category:Cylindropuntieae]]
[[Category:Cylindropuntieae]]
[[Category:Cylindropuntia]]

Latest revision as of 07:57, 17 April 2026

Cylindropuntia
File:Cylindropuntia imbricata.jpg
Kingdom Plantae
Family Cactaceae
Subfamily Opuntioideae
Tribe Cylindropuntieae
SubTribe
Genus Cylindropuntia
Species
Notes Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). The genus is treated in the strict sense (s.s.).

Etymology

The name means "cylindrical Opuntia", referring to the cylindrical stems, in contrast to flattened Opuntia.

Description

Cylindropuntia is a genus of shrubby to tree-like cacti with cylindrical segmented stems.

  • Habit: Much-branched shrubs or small trees with indeterminate growth.
  • Stems: Cylindrical or clavate segments, often tuberculate and easily detached.
  • Areoles: Bearing glochids.
  • Spines: Variable, usually enclosed in a papery sheath that soon falls.
  • Flowers: Diurnal, open widely, yellow, greenish, red, bronze or magenta; mostly self-sterile.
  • Fruits: Dry or fleshy, sometimes forming chains.
  • Seeds: Large, flattened, straw-coloured, sometimes absent.

Habitat

The genus grows in deserts, rocky slopes, plains, valleys, plateaus, and coastal dry scrub. It may form dense populations and often occurs among shrubs.

Altitude range: from sea level up to about 2100 m (sometimes higher in naturalized populations).

Distribution

  • Americas:

Mexico (multiple states), United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah), Caribbean (Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago), Venezuela

  • Naturalized:

Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru

Taxonomy

The genus Cylindropuntia was established by F.M. Knuth (1935).

Molecular studies (Wallace & Dickie 2002; Griffith 2002; Griffith & Porter 2009) support its recognition as a monophyletic genus, although relationships with Grusonia and related genera remain complex.

Natural hybridization is frequent and contributes to taxonomic difficulty within the genus.

According to Joël Lodé (2015), Cylindropuntia sensu stricto is a valid genus within Cylindropuntieae.

Species

Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015).

Hybrids

Notes

  • The genus is highly variable and includes many natural hybrids.
  • Some species (e.g. C. ramosissima) show unusual phylogenetic positions.
  • Hybridization and polyploidy complicate classification.
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