Strombocactus
Strombocactus disciformis is a rare species of cacti and the only species of the genus Strombocactus. The plant originates from Central and Northeast Mexico.
| Strombocactus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Strombocactus disciformis subsp. esperanzae | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Tribe: | Cacteae |
| Genus: | Strombocactus Britton & Rose |
| Species: | S. disciformis |
| Binomial name | |
| Strombocactus disciformis | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Ariocarpus disciformis (DC.) Marshall | |
Description
Strombocactus is a monotypic genus with a strong turnip-like root, a small, depressed, roughly spherical stem covered with spirally arranged overlapping tubercles, each with a spine-bearing areole at its tip. Flowers come from new growth at the crown, and the cactus's small seeds are difficult to see with the naked eye.[2]
Taxonomy
The species has several forms and subspecies:
- Strombocactus disciformis f. cristata
- Strombocactus disciformis subsp. esperanzae
Conservation status
Both subspecies are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which states that it has a limited range and "is experiencing a decline in mature individuals due to illegal overcollection". The species is listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species meaning commercial international trade is prohibited and non-commercial international trade is regulated.[1]
References
- "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- Venning, Frank D. Cacti (A Golden Guide). Racine, Wisconsin: Western Publishing Company, Inc. p. 155.
Media related to Strombocactus at Wikimedia Commons