Lasiocereus
| Lasiocereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Lasiocereus rupicola.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Rebutiinae |
| Genus | Lasiocereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A small genus of columnar cacti endemic to northern Peru. |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek lasios (hairy or shaggy) and the Latin cereus (wax candle), referring to the dense hair and wool found on the floral tube and fruit.
Description
Lasiocereus consists of small to medium-sized, shrubby columnar cacti that often branch from the base.
- Stems: Erect or leaning, reaching up to 3 meters. They have numerous low ribs and a bright green to grey-green epidermis.
- Areoles: Large and woolly, bearing numerous needle-like spines that are typically yellowish or brownish.
- Flowers: Diurnal to crepuscular, funnel-shaped, and relatively small. They are characterized by a floral tube that is densely covered with wool and long hairs, but lacks spines. Colors range from white to pale pink or yellowish.
- Fruits: Globose, fleshy, and extremely hairy/woolly. They contain a white pulp and are indehiscent.
- Seeds: Small, black, and shiny with a finely pitted surface.
Habitat
The genus is found on rocky slopes and cliffs in the dry inter-Andean valleys of northern Peru. They grow at altitudes between 500 m and 1800 m, often in very restricted and isolated populations.
Distribution
- Peru: Endemic to the departments of Amazonas, Cajamarca, and La Libertad.
Species
Following the classification of Lodé (2015), the genus includes only 2 recognized species:
- Lasiocereus fulvus
- Lasiocereus rupicola (Type species)
Taxonomy
Lodé maintains Lasiocereus as a distinct genus within the subtribe Rebutiinae. While some authors have suggested a relationship with Haageocereus or Espostoa, molecular and morphological data (specifically the hairy flowers and fruits) support its status as a separate, ancient lineage.
