Denmoza
| Denmoza | |
|---|---|
| File:Denmoza rhodacantha.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Trichocereinae |
| Genus | Denmoza |
| Species | |
| Notes | Monotypic genus. Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). |
Etymology
The name is an anagram of **Mendoza**, the province in Argentina where the genus was first discovered.
Description
Denmoza is a monotypic genus of cacti that are generally solitary, though they may rarely branch from the base. They begin as globose (spherical) plants and gradually become columnar with age, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. They possess numerous ribs (up to 30) with closely set areoles.
The spines are highly polymorphic, changing significantly as the plant matures. Flowering areoles develop longer, more robust bristles and hairs. The flowers are diurnal, tubular, and slightly zygomorphic (asymmetrical), appearing near the apex in a brilliant scarlet red. While primarily pollinated by hummingbirds (such as Patagona gigas), the ease with which pollen is released suggests possible wind pollination (**anemophily**). The fruits are globose and hairy, drying and cracking from the top when ripe.
Habitat
Grows in full sun on rocky hills, stony slopes, and sandy soils in the eastern foothills of the Andes. The plants exhibit heliotropism, often leaning toward the sun. They can be found at a wide altitudinal range, from 600 m up to 3500 m.
Distribution
- Argentina: Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan, Tucumán.
Species
Joël Lodé recognizes one primary species, noting that potential subspecies (like D. erythrocephala) require further molecular study:
Notes
- Taxonomic Shifts: Over the years, Denmoza has been placed in many genera, including Cleistocactus and Echinopsis. However, it is now accepted as a distinct genus.
- Hybridization: In habitat, Denmoza naturally hybridizes with Echinopsis (Trichocereus) pasacana, resulting in fertile offspring known as **× Trichomoza**. This is a prime example of reticulate evolution in action.
- Phylogeny: Recent molecular analysis (Schlumpberger & Renner, 2012) confirms its basal position in a clade that also includes Setiechinopsis and Acanthocalycium.
