Maihueniopsis
| Maihueniopsis | |
|---|---|
| File:Maihueniopsis darwinii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Opuntioideae |
| Tribe | Tephrocacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Maihueniopsis |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). Lodé treats Maihueniopsis as a distinct genus within the tribe Tephrocacteae. |
Etymology
The name literally means "resembling Maihuenia," referring to its cushion-like growth habit which superficially looks like the genus Maihuenia, though they belong to different subfamilies.
Description
Maihueniopsis consists of low-growing, geophytic or cushion-forming cacti. They are highly specialized for high-altitude or cold-desert environments.
- Stems: Segmented into small, globose, ovoid, or slightly flattened joints. The segments are often easily detached.
- Spines: Variable; some species have strong, flattened, or needle-like spines, while others are nearly spineless. Glochids (tiny barbed bristles) are present but often deeply embedded in the areoles.
- Leaves: Minute and ephemeral (falling off quickly), typical for the subfamily.
- Flowers: Diurnal, appearing at the tips of the segments. They are relatively large and usually yellow, orange, or reddish.
- Fruits: Globose to urceolate (urn-shaped), fleshy or dry, often containing a few large seeds.
- Seeds: Large, covered with a pale, hard aril (typical for Opuntioideae), but with a specific shape characteristic of this genus.
Habitat
The genus is found in the high Andes (Puna) and the cold steppes of Patagonia. They grow in very well-drained, rocky or sandy soils, often at altitudes between 2000 m and 4500 m.
Distribution
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Species and Subspecies
Following Lodé (2015), the genus includes 18 recognized species:
- Maihueniopsis archiconoidea
- Maihueniopsis atacamensis
- Maihueniopsis boliviana
- Maihueniopsis camachoi
- Maihueniopsis clavarioides
- Maihueniopsis conoidea
- Maihueniopsis darwinii
- Maihueniopsis domeykoensis
- Maihueniopsis glomerata
- Maihueniopsis grandiflora
- Maihueniopsis hickenii
- Maihueniopsis molfinoi (Type species)
- Maihueniopsis molinensis
- Maihueniopsis nigra
- Maihueniopsis ovata
- Maihueniopsis platyacantha
- Maihueniopsis rahmeri
- Maihueniopsis subterranea
- Maihueniopsis tarapacana
Taxonomy
The circumscription of Maihueniopsis has been subject to much debate. Lodé maintains it as a separate genus, including some species that others place in Puna or Cumulopuntia. He emphasizes the importance of seed morphology and the specific biogeography of the Tephrocacteae tribe.
