Cylindropuntia
| Cylindropuntia | |
|---|---|
| File:Cylindropuntia bigelovii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Opuntioideae |
| Tribe | Cylindropuntieae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Cylindropuntia |
| Species | |
| 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 genus Opuntia (Platyopuntia).
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.
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.
Habitat
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
- 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
Joël Lodé recognizes 34 species, 9 subspecies, and several natural hybrids:
- Cylindropuntia abyssi
- Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
- Cylindropuntia alcahes
- Cylindropuntia anteojoensis
- Cylindropuntia arbuscula
- Cylindropuntia bigelovii
- Cylindropuntia californica
- Cylindropuntia calmalliana
- Cylindropuntia caribaea
- Cylindropuntia cholla
- Cylindropuntia davisii
- Cylindropuntia echinocarpa
- Cylindropuntia fulgida
- Cylindropuntia ganderi
- Cylindropuntia hystrix
- Cylindropuntia imbricata
- Cylindropuntia kleiniae
- Cylindropuntia leptocaulis
- Cylindropuntia lindsayi
- Cylindropuntia molesta
- Cylindropuntia munzii (Possible hybrid)
- Cylindropuntia prolifera
- Cylindropuntia ramosissima
- Cylindropuntia rosea
- Cylindropuntia sanfelipensis
- Cylindropuntia santamaria
- Cylindropuntia spinosior
- Cylindropuntia tesajo
- Cylindropuntia thurberi
- Cylindropuntia tunicata
- Cylindropuntia versicolor
- Cylindropuntia whipplei
- Cylindropuntia wigginsii
- Cylindropuntia wolfii
Natural Hybrids
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.
- Hybridization: Natural hybridization is very common in this genus, complicating its taxonomy.
- 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.
