Epithelantha
| Epithelantha | |
|---|---|
| File:Epithelantha micromeris.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Epithelantha |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015), incorporating the revision by Donati & Zanovello (2010). |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek, meaning "flower on the nipple," referring to the fact that the flowers emerge from the tips of the tubercles.
Description
Epithelantha consists of tiny, globose to flattened cacti that can be solitary or form dense clumps.
- Stems: The stems are often clavate and completely covered by a dense network of tiny spines.
- Spines: Radial and central spines are usually indistinguishable from one another.
- Flowers: Diurnal and very small, emerging from the apex. They are typically white to pale pink and pollinated by small insects; E. micromeris is notably self-fertile.
- Fruits: Elongated, red, and naked (without scales or spines), containing only a few seeds.
- Seeds: Black, shiny, and helmet-shaped.
Habitat
Epithelantha species typically grow on limestone or basaltic soils[cite: 1014]. They are often found in rock crevices or hidden among desert grasses and shrubs, appearing highly mimetic[cite: 1014]. Their altitudinal range is broad, from 300 m to 2300 m[cite: 1014].
Distribution
- Mexico: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí[cite: 1014].
- USA: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas[cite: 1014].
Species
Following the 2010 revision adopted by Lodé (2015), 7 species and 6 subspecies are recognized[cite: 1013, 1014]:
- Epithelantha bokei
- Epithelantha cryptica
- Epithelantha greggii
- Epithelantha ilariae
- Epithelantha micromeris
- Epithelantha pachyrhiza
- Epithelantha unguispina
Taxonomy
While some older classifications recognized only one or two species, Lodé supports the expanded view based on the lack of natural hybrids in sympatric populations and distinct morphological differences in spines and ontogeny.
