Micranthocereus
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Micranthocereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Micranthocereus polyanteus.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Cereinae |
| Genus | Micranthocereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A genus of Brazilian columnar cacti characterized by small flowers and often colorful cephaliums. |
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek mikros (small) and anthos (flower), combined with Cereus, referring to the small size of the flowers.
Description
Micranthocereus consists of small-to-medium-sized columnar cacti, which can be solitary or branch from the base.
- Stems: Cylindrical, typically 50 cm to 1 meter tall, but some species remain much smaller.
- Areoles and Spines: Areoles are very close together, often bearing a dense covering of golden, white, or reddish spines.
- Cephalium: Many species develop a lateral (side) cephalium made of wool and bristles, from which the flowers emerge.
- Flowers: Diurnal or nocturnal (depending on the species), small, tubular, and brightly colored (pink, purple, orange, or white). They are designed to attract hummingbirds or bats.
- Fruits: Globose, berry-like, and fleshy. They are often colorful and indehiscent (do not split).
- Seeds: Small, dark brown to black.
Habitat
The genus is specialized for growing on rocky outcrops (campos rupestres) and crystalline rocks in the dry interior of Northeastern Brazil.
Distribution
- Brazil: Endemic to the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais.
Species and Subspecies List
Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015), the genus includes 10 recognized species:
- Micranthocereus albicephalus
- Micranthocereus auriazureus
- Micranthocereus dolichospermaticus
- Micranthocereus estevesii
- Micranthocereus flaviflorus
- Micranthocereus hofackerianus
- Micranthocereus polyanteus
- Micranthocereus purpureus
- Micranthocereus streckeri
- Micranthocereus violaciflorus
Taxonomy
Lodé (2015) maintains Micranthocereus as a distinct genus within the subtribe Cereinae. He includes species that were previously placed in Austrocephalocereus and Siccobaccatus, based on molecular evidence and flower/seed morphology.
