Bragaia
| Bragaia | |
|---|---|
| File:Bragaia estevesii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cereeae |
| SubTribe | Cereinae |
| Genus | Bragaia |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). |
Etymology
The genus was named in honor of Alexander Braga Nascimento, who discovered this unique taxon in Brazil.
Description
Bragaia is a monotypic genus of erect, columnar cacti that can reach up to 4 meters in height. The stems are cylindrical, sparsely branched, and become woody (ligneous) at the base. They typically have 10 to 12 ribs covered with long, needle-like (aciculate) spines, which are more densely packed toward the stem tips. The root system is tuberous.
The flowers are nocturnal and tubular, appearing laterally near the top of the stems. A unique feature of this genus is the presence of extra-floral nectar glands on the floral tube and fruits. The flower color is variable, ranging from greenish-white to greenish-yellow or even reddish. They are adapted for pollination by bats. The fruits are relatively small, elongated to spherical, and glabrous (hairless) with transparent pulp. The seeds are black, shiny, and shaped like a snail shell (cochleariform).
Habitat
The genus is endemic to the state of Bahia in Brazil. It grows in deciduous dry forests known as "caatinga," typically thriving in the shade of trees and shrubs. It prefers loamy soils and is found at altitudes around 500 m. It grows alongside other Cactaceae such as Arrojadoa penicillata and Tacinga inamoena.
Distribution
- Brazil (Bahia)
Species
The genus contains only one recognized species:
Notes
- Established in 2009 by Esteves, Hofacker, and Braun, the genus is placed between Mirabella and Brasilicereus.
- There is significant taxonomic debate regarding its validity: some experts (Taylor & Machado, 2011) consider it a synonym of Brasilicereus (as Brasilicereus estevesii), viewing it as a western extension of that genus.
- Joël Lodé maintains Bragaia as a distinct genus, citing unique anatomical structures such as the extra-floral nectar glands and the distinct shape of the seeds and fruits, which are not found in Brasilicereus.
- Some researchers suggest that it could be a stabilized natural hybrid of which one or both parents are now extinct.
