Obregonia
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Obregonia | |
|---|---|
| File:Obregonia denegrii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Obregonia |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A unique, monotypic genus endemic to Mexico, resembling an artichoke. |
Etymology
Named in honor of Álvaro Obregón, a former President of Mexico.
Description
Obregonia is a slow-growing, solitary cactus that looks like a hybrid between an agave and a cactus.
- Stems: Globose to depressed, mostly brownish-green.
- Tubercles: The most striking feature—they are leaf-like, triangular, and arranged in a spiral, resembling an artichoke.
- Spines: Small and weak, appearing only at the tips of young tubercles, often falling off with age.
- Flowers: White to pale pink, emerging from the woolly center (apex) of the plant.
- Roots: Thick, tuberous taproot.
Distribution
- Mexico: Endemic to the Valley of Jaumave in the state of Tamaulipas. It is a highly protected and endangered species (CITES Appendix I).
Species
- Obregonia denegrii (Type species)
