Loxanthocereus
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Loxanthocereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Loxanthocereus acanthurus.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Rebutiinae |
| Genus | Loxanthocereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). Lodé maintains Loxanthocereus as distinct from Borzicactus and Cleistocactus. |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek loxos (slanting/oblique) and anthos (flower), referring to the characteristic zygomorphic (bilateral) symmetry of the flowers.
Description
Loxanthocereus consists of decumbent, prostrate, or semi-erect shrubby cacti, often forming dense groups.
- Stems: Typically slender, cylindrical, and branching from the base. They have numerous low ribs.
- Spines: Generally needle-like, short, and very numerous, often covering the stem completely.
- Flowers: Diurnal and highly specialized for hummingbird pollination. They are tubular, distinctly curved or slanted at the limb (zygomorphic), and come in brilliant shades of red, orange, or sometimes yellow. The stamens often protrude beyond the petals.
- Fruits: Globose, small, and fleshy. They are greenish to reddish and dehisce (split) at the base when ripe.
- Seeds: Small, black, and matt or slightly shiny.
Habitat
The genus is endemic to Peru, where it grows on rocky slopes, cliffs, and in dry river valleys of the Andes. They can be found from coastal hills (lomas) up to 3000 m altitude.
Distribution
- Peru: Widespread along the western slopes of the Andes (Ancash, Lima, Ica, Arequipa, etc.).
Species and Subspecies
Following Lodé (2015), the genus includes 20 recognized species:
- Loxanthocereus acanthurus (Type species)
- Loxanthocereus camanaensis
- Loxanthocereus clavispinus
- Loxanthocereus eremiticus
- Loxanthocereus erectispinus
- Loxanthocereus faustianus
- Loxanthocereus gracilispinus
- Loxanthocereus granditesselatus
- Loxanthocereus hoffmannii
- Loxanthocereus hystrix
- Loxanthocereus jajoianus
- Loxanthocereus kalyptolepis
- Loxanthocereus laraosensis
- Loxanthocereus pachycladus
- Loxanthocereus peculiaris
- Loxanthocereus riomajensis
- Loxanthocereus sextonianus
- Loxanthocereus sulcifer
- Loxanthocereus trujilloensis
- Loxanthocereus xylorhizus
Taxonomy
The classification of Loxanthocereus is complex. While often merged into Borzicactus by other authors, Lodé (2015) maintains the genus based on its specific floral morphology and distinct evolutionary radiation in the Peruvian Andes.
