Samaipaticereus
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Samaipaticereus | |
|---|---|
| File:Samaipaticereus corroanus.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Trichocereinae |
| Genus | Samaipaticereus |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015) with molecular insights from Nyffeler (2002), Ritz et al. (2007), Arakaki (2008), and Schlumpberger (2012). |
Etymology
Named after the region of Samaipata in Bolivia, where the genus is endemic.
Description
Samaipaticereus is a monotypic genus of tree-like columnar cacti.
- Habit: Arborescent with a well-defined trunk; heavily branched.
- Stems: Cylindrical, erect, dark green, not segmented.
- Ribs: 4–6, well defined.
- Areoles: Brown, well-spaced and regularly arranged.
- Spines: Usually 5, short, subulate; one typically longer and directed downward.
- Flowers: Nocturnal but remaining open during the following day; numerous, funnel-shaped, white.
- Floral tube: Long, covered with scales, hairs and bristles.
- Pollination: By bats (e.g. Anoura spp., Glossophaga soricina) and hummingbirds.
- Fruits: Globose, truncated, pink-red; longitudinally dehiscent; pulp bright orange.
- Seeds: Ovate, dark brown, shiny, weakly sculptured.
- Reproduction: Likely self-fertile.
Habitat
Endemic to eastern Bolivian Andes:
- steep rocky slopes
- quebradas (valleys)
Altitude range: approximately 1150–2500 m.
Distribution
Bolivia:
- Santa Cruz
Taxonomy
The genus is accepted and relatively stable.
Key points:
- Nyffeler (2002): placement within Trichocereeae unresolved
- Lendel & Nyffeler (2006), Ritz et al. (2007): confirmed placement in Trichocereeae
- Arakaki (2008): suggested affinity with a broader South American clade
- Schlumpberger (2012): placed within a clade related to Cleistocactus and allies
Additional notes:
- Earlier suggestions of affinity with Harrisia are not supported by recent studies
- Morphology shows similarities with both Cereeae and Trichocereeae
Species
Monotypic genus:
Notes
- One of the few cactus genera that has remained taxonomically stable since its description.
- Displays a combination of traits linking different cactus lineages.
- Ecologically specialized to narrow habitats in Bolivia.
