Oreocereus tacnaensis

Oreocereus tacnaensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Oreocereus
Species:
O. tacnaensis
Binomial name
Oreocereus tacnaensis
F.Ritter

Oreocereus tacnaensis is a species of Oreocereus found in Peru.[1]

Description

Oreocereus tacnaensis grows as a shrub with erect or spreading shoots that branch from the base. The blue- to gray-green shoots are up to 3 meters long and have a diameter of 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in). There are 10 to 16 notched ribs. The spines arising from the areoles are reddish brown to brownish yellow. The four to eight central spines are straight to slightly curved and 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in) long. The 12 to 30 needle-like radial spines are straight and up to 1 cm (0.39 in) long.

The crooked-edged flowers are brownish red to blood red and 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in) long. The spherical fruits are yellowish to brownish yellow and have a diameter of 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in). When fully ripe, they tear open from the tip and release the seeds.[2]

Distribution

Oreocereus tacnaensis is widespread in the Tacna region of Peru at altitudes of around 3000 meters.

Taxonomy

The first description was made in 1981 by Friedrich Ritter. The specific epithet tacnaensis refers to the occurrence of the species near the Peruvian city of Tacna.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Oreocereus tacnaensis F.Ritter". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2023-10-29.
  2. ^ Anderson, Edward F.; Eggli, Urs (2005). Das grosse Kakteen-Lexikon (in German). Stuttgart (Hohenheim): Ulmer. p. 337. ISBN 3-8001-4573-1.
  3. ^ Eggli, Urs; Newton, Leonard E. (2004-03-11). Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names. Berlin [etc.]: Springer Science & Business Media. p. 235. ISBN 3-540-00489-0.