Cactaceae

Pachycereus pringlei, showing the size and treelike habit

Cephalocereus, showing a tall solitary columnar habit

Ferocactus pilosus, showing a shorter clustered columnar habit

Ferocactus echidne, showing a solitary globular habit

Rebutia flavistylus, showing a clustered globular habit

Rhipsalis paradoxa, an epiphytic cactus

Stems

The leafless spiny stem is the characteristic feature of the majority of cacti (and all of those belonging to the largest subfamily, the Cactoideae). The stem is typically succulent, meaning that it is adapted to store water. The surface of the stem may be smooth (as in some species of Opuntia) or covered with protuberances of various kinds, which are usually called "tubercules". These vary from small "bumps" through prominent nipple-like shapes in the genus Mammillaria to structures which are almost like leaves in Ariocarpus species. The stem may also be ribbed or fluted in shape. The prominence of these ribs depends on how much water the stem is storing: when full (up to 90% of the mass of a cactus may be water), the ribs may be almost invisible on the swollen stem, whereas when the cactus is short of water and the stems shrink, the ribs may be very visible.^[11]

The stems of most cacti are some shade of green, often bluish or brownish green. Such stems contain chlorophyll and are able to carry out photosynthesis; they also have stomata (small structures which can open and close to allow the passage of gases). Cactus stems are often visibly waxy.^[11]

Areoles

Areoles are structures unique to cacti. Although variable, they typically appear as woolly or hairy areas on the stems from which spines emerge. Flowers are also produced from areoles. In the genus Pereskia, believed to be similar to the ancestor of all cacti, the areoles occur in the axils of leaves (i.e. in the angle between the leaf stalk and the stem).^[12] In leafless cacti, areoles are often borne on raised areas on the stem where leaf bases would have been.

Areoles are highly specialized and very condensed shoots or branches. In a normal shoot, nodes bearing leaves or flowers would be separated by lengths of stem (internodes). In an areole, the nodes are so close together that they form a single structure. The areole may be circular, elongated into an oval shape, or even separated into two parts; the two parts may be visibly connected in some way (e.g. by a groove in the stem) or appear entirely separate (a dimorphic areole). The part nearer the top of the stem then produces flowers, the other part spines. Areoles often have multicellular hairs (trichomes) which give the areole a hairy or woolly appearance, sometimes of a distinct color such as yellow or brown.^[11]

In most cacti, the areoles produce new spines or flowers only for a few years, and then become inactive. This results in a relatively fixed number of spines, and flowers being produced only from the ends of stems, which are still growing and forming new areoles. In Pereskia, a genus close to the ancestor of cacti, areoles remain active for much longer; this is also the case in Opuntia and Neoraimondia.^[11]

Leaves

The great majority of cacti are leafless; photosynthesis takes place in the stems (which may be flattened and leaflike in some species). Exceptions occur in three groups of cacti. All the species of Pereskia are superficially like normal trees or shrubs and have numerous leaves. Many cacti in the opuntia group (subfamily Opuntioideae) also have leaves, which may be long lasting (as in Pereskiopsis species) or be produced only during the growing season and then be lost (as in many species of Opuntia).^[11] The small genus Maihuenia also relies on leaves for photosynthesis.^[13]

Spines

Botanically "spines" are distinguished from "thorns": spines are modified leaves, thorns are modified branches. Cacti produce spines, always from areoles as noted above. Spines are present even in those cacti which have leaves, such as Pereskia, Pereskiopsis and Maihuenia, so they clearly evolved before complete leaflessness. Some cacti only have spines when young, possibly only when seedlings. This is particularly true of tree-living cacti such as Rhipsalis or Schlumbergera, but ground-living cacti such as Ariocarpus also lack spines when mature.^[11]

The spines of cacti are often useful in identification, since they vary greatly between species in number, color, size, shape and hardness, as well as in whether all the spines produced by an areole are similar or whether they are of distinct kinds. Most spines are straight or at most slightly curved, and are described as hair-like, bristle-like, needle-like or awl-like, depending on their length and thickness. Some cacti have flattened spines (e.g. Schlerocactus papyracanthus). Other cacti have spines which are hooked; sometimes one or more central spines will be hooked while outer spines are straight (e.g. Mammillaria rekoi).^[11]

Members of the subfamily Opuntioideae have relatively short spines, called "glochids", which are barbed along their length and easily shed. These enter the skin and are then difficult to remove, causing long-lasting irritation.^[11]

Roots

Most ground-living cacti have only fine roots which spread out around the base of the plant, for longer or shorter distances, keeping close to the surface. Some cacti have taproots; in genera such as Copiapoa these are considerably larger and of a greater volume than the body. Climbing, creeping and epiphytic cacti may have only adventitious roots, produced along the stems where these come into contact with a rooting medium.^[11]

Flowers

Like their spines, cactus flowers are variable. Typically the ovary is surrounded by tissue derived from stem or receptacle tissue, forming a structure called a pericarpel. Tissue derived from the petals and sepals continues the pericarpel, forming a composite tube ? the whole may be called a "floral tube", although strictly speaking only the part furthest from the base is floral in origin. The outside of the tubular structure often has areoles which produce wool and spines. There are typically also small scale-like bracts on the tube, which gradually change into sepal-like and then petal-like structures, so that the sepals and petals cannot be clearly differentiated (and hence are often called "tepals").^[11] Some cacti produce floral tubes without wool or spines (e.g. Gymnocalycium)^[14] or which are completely devoid of any external structures (e.g. Mammillaria).^[11] Unlike the flowers of other cacti, Pereskia flowers may be borne in clusters.^[12]

Cactus flowers usually have many stamens but only a single style, which may branch at the end into more than one stigma. The stamens usually arise from all over the inner surface of the upper part of the floral tube. A characteristic of some cacti is that the stamens are produced in one or more distinct "series" in more specific areas of the inside of the floral tube.^[11]

The flower as a whole is usually radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), but may be bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic) in some species. Flower colors range from white through yellow and red to magenta.^[11]

Taxonomy and classification

Naming and classifying cacti has been both difficult and controversial since the first cacti were discovered for science. The difficulties began with Carl Linnaeus. In 1737 he had placed the cacti he knew into two genera, Cactus and Pereskia; however when he published Spec ies Plantarum in 1753 ? the starting point for modern botanical nomenclature ? he relegated them all to one genus, Cactus. The word cactus is derived through Latin from the Ancient Greek ???t?? (kaktos), a name used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant,^[15] which may have been the cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), although this is uncertain.^[16]

Later botanists, such as Philip Miller in 1754, divided cacti into several genera, which in 1789 Antoine Laurent de Jussieu placed in his newly created family Cactaceae. By the early 20th century, botanists came to feel that Linnaeus' name Cactus had become so confused as to its meaning (was it the genus or the family?) that it should not be used as a genus name. The 1905 Vienna botanical congress rejected the name Cactus and instead declared that Mammillaria was the type genus of the family Cactaceae. It did, however, conserve the name "Cactaceae", leading to the unusual situation in which the family Cactaceae no longer contains the genus after which it was named.^[17]

The difficulties continued, partly because giving plants scientific names relies on "type specimens". Ultimately if botanists want to know whether a particular plant is an example of, say, Mammillaria mammillaris, they should be able to compare it with the type specimen to which this name is permanently attached. Type specimens are normally prepared by compression and drying, after which they are stored in herbaria to act as definitive references. However, cacti are very difficult to preserve in this way; they have evolved to resist drying and their bodies do not easily compress.^[18] A further difficulty is that many cacti were given names by growers and horticulturalists rather than botanists, with the result the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, which governs the names of cacti as well as other plants, were often ignored. Curt Backeberg in particular is said to have named or re-named 1,200 species without one of his names ever being attached to a specimen, which, according to David Hunt, ensured that he "left a trail of nomenclatural chaos that will probably vex cactus taxonomists for centuries."^[19]

Classification

In 1984, it was decided that the Cactaceae Section of the International Organization for Succulent Plant Study should set up a working party, now called the International Cactaceae Systematics Group, to produce consensus classifications down to the level of genera. Their classification of the cactus family recognizes four subfamilies, the largest of which is divided into nine tribes. The subfamilies are:^[20]

• Subfamily Pereskioideae K. Schumann

• Subfamily Opuntioideae K. Schumann

Some 15 genera are included in this subfamily. They have leaves when they are young, but these are lost later. Their stems are usually divided into distinct "joints" or "pads" (cladodes).^[20]

• Subfamily Maihuenioideae P. Fearn

The only genus is Maihuenia. It also has some features which are primitive within the cacti. Plants have leaves, and crassulean acid metabolism is wholly absent.^[20]

• Subfamily Cactoideae

Divided into nine tribes, this is the largest subfamily, including all the "typical" cacti. Members are highly variable in habit, varying from treelike to epiphytic. Leaves are normally absent, although sometimes very reduced leaves are produced by young plants. Stems are usually not divided into segments, and are ribbed or tuberculate. Two of the tribes, Hylocereeae and Rhipsalideae, contain climbing or epiphytic forms which have a rather different appearance; their stems are flattened and may be divided into segments.^[20]

Molecular phylogenetic studies have supported the monophyly of three of these subfamilies (not Pereskioideae),^[21][22] but have not supported all of the tribes or even genera below this level; indeed a 2011 study found that only 39% of the genera in the subfamily Cactoideae sampled in the research were monophyletic.^[22] Classification of the cacti currently remains uncertain and is likely to change.

Phylogeny and evolution

A 2005 study suggested that the genus Pereskia was basal within the Cactaceae, but c onfirmed earlier suggestions that it was not monophyletic, i.e. did not include all the descendants of a common ancestor. The Bayesian consensus cladogram from this study is shown below.^[21]

A more recent 2011 study using fewer genes but more species also found that Pereskia was divided into these two clades, but was unable to resolve the members of the "core cacti" clade. It was accepted that the relationships shown above are "the most robust to date".^[22]

The two clades of Pereskia differ in their geographical distribution: with one exception, Clade A is found around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea whereas Clade B occurs south of the Amazon Basin. Species of Pereskia within Clade A always lack two key features of the stem present in most of the remaining "caulocacti": like most non-cacti, their stems begin to form bark early in the plant's life and also lack stomata ? structures which control the admission of air into a plant and hence control photosynthesis. By contrast, caulocacti, including species of Pereskia Clade B, typically delay forming bark and have stomata on their stems, thus giving the stem the potential to become a major organ for photosynthesis. (The two highly specialized species of Maihuenia are something of an exception.)^[21]

The first cacti seem to have been only slightly succulent shrubs or small trees whose leaves were the organs which carried out photosynthesis. They lived in tropical areas which experienced periodic drought. If Pereskia Clade A is a good model of these early cacti, then although they would have appeared superficially similar to other trees growing nearby, they had already evolved strategies to conserve water (some of which are present in members of the related Portulacaceae). These strategies included being able to respond rapidly to periods of rain, and keeping transpiration low by using water very efficiently during photosynthesis. This latter was achieved by tightly controlling the opening of stomata. Like Pereskia species today, early ancestors may have been able to switch from the normal C₃ mechanism, where carbon dioxide is used continuously in photosynthesis, to "CAM cycling", where the stomata open during the day (unlike full CAM in which they open only at night), but only do so for short periods, during which carbon dioxide is stored for later use in photosynthesis.^[7]

Pereskia Clade B marks the beginnings of an evolutionary switch to using stems as photosynthetic organs. Stems have stomata and the formation of bark takes place later than in normal trees. The "core cacti" show a steady increase in stem succulence and photosynthesis accompanied by multiple losses of leaves, more-or-less complete in the Cactoideae. One evolutionary question which is at present unanswered is whether the switch to full CAM photosynthesis in stems occurred only once in the core cacti, in which case it has been lost in Maihuenia, or separately in Opuntioideae and Cactoideae, in which case it never evolved in Maihuenia.^[7]

Understanding evolution within the core cacti clade is difficult as of February 2012^[update], since phylogenetic relationships are still uncertain and not well related to current classifications. Thus a 2011 study found that "an extraordinarily high proportion of genera" were not monophyletic, and so were not all descendants of a single common ancestor. For example, of the 36 genera in the subfamily Cactoideae sampled in the research, 22 (61%) were found not to be monophyletic.^[22]

Distribution

Opuntia naturalized in the Canary Islands

Cacti inhabit diverse regions, from coastal plains to high mountain areas. With one exception, they are native to the Americas, where their range extends from Patagonia to British Columbia and Alberta in western Canada. There are a number of centers of diversity. For cacti adapted to drought, the three main centers are Mexico and the southwestern United States; the southwestern Andes, where they are found in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina; and eastern Brazil, away from the Amazon Basin. Tree-living epiphytic and climbing cacti necessarily have different centers of diversity as they require moister environments. They are mainly found in the coastal mountains and Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil; in Bolivia, which is the center of diversity for the subfamily Rhipsalideae; and in forested regions of Central America, where the climbing Hylocereeae are most diverse.^[23]

Rhipsalis baccifera is the exception; it is native to both the Americas and the Old World, where it is found in tropical Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. It was probably spread by being carried as seeds in the digestive tracts of migratory birds; the seeds of Rhipsalis are adapted for bird distribution. Old World populations are polyploid, and regarded as distinct subspecies, suggesting that the spread was not recent.^[24]

Many other species have become naturalized outside the Americas after having been introduced by people, especially in Australia, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean region. In Australia, species of Opuntia, particularly Opuntia stricta, were introduced in the 19th century for use as natural agricultural fences and in an attempt to establish a cochineal industry. They rapidly became a major weed problem, but are now controlled by biological agents, particularly the moth Cactoblastis cactorum.^[25]

Reproductive ecology

Closeup image of a cactus flower (Echinopsis spachiana) showing large number of stamens.

Some cactus flowers form long tubes (up to 30 cm) s o only certain species of moths can reach the nectar, and therefore pollinate the blossoms. There are also specializations for species of bats, hummingbirds and bees. The duration of flowering is highly variable. Some flowers, such as those of Selenicereus grandiflorus (Queen of the Night), are only fully open for two hours at night, while other species may flower for a whole week. Most cacti are self-incompatible, and thus require a pollinator. A few are autogamous and are able to pollinate themselves. Fraileas only open their flowers completely in exceptional circumstances; they mostly pollinate themselves or others with their flowers closed ("cleistogamy"). The flower itself has also undergone a further development: the ovary tends to be highly protected by thorns, hairs and scales. Seed formation is prolific, and the fruits are mostly fleshy, pleasant tasting and conspicuously colored. Goats, birds, ants, mice and bats may contribute to seed dispersal.

History

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Among the remains of the Aztec civilization, cactus-like plants can be found in pictorial representations, sculpture and drawings, with many depictions resembling Echinocactus grusonii. Tenochtitlan (the earlier name of Mexico City) means "place of the sacred cactus". The coat of arms of Mexico to this day shows an eagle perched on a cactus while holding a snake, an image which is at the center of the Aztec origin myth.^[26]

The genus Melocactus is one of the commonest in the West Indies, where relatively few genera are found.^[27] It is thus likely that melocacti were among the first cacti seen by Europeans when they arrived in the New World late in the fifteenth century. Melocactus species were present in English collections of cacti before the end of the sixteenth century, where they were called "Echinomelocactus", a name later shortened to Melocactus by Joseph Pitton de Tourneville in the early eighteenth century. Linnaeus first named Cactus melocactus in 1753 (the species is now called Melocactus caroli-linnaei).^[28]

Cultivation

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Cultivated Notocactus warasii on display at the San Diego County Fair, California, USA

With few exceptions, the vast majority of cacti in habitat almost always are found growing in mineral based soils. Epiphytic cacti are the exception and prefer soils rich in organic materials, however , cacti in this group which prefer these types of soils produce healthier plants when allowed to dry completely between waterings.^{[citation needed]} Some species of cacti such as Toumaya papyracantha (formerly Pediocactus papyracantha ? found in the high mesas of New Mexico) are mycorrhizal symbionts with the roots of various species of grasses^{[dubious ? discuss]} and grow underground on the roots of these wild grasses, only emerging above ground and initiating photosynthesis for sexual reproduction and flowering, forming deciduous cactus bodies that die back in winter or during droughts.

The vast majority of commercial "cactus soil mixes" which contain organic materials are unsuitable for growing most terrestrial cacti^{[citation needed]}, and many contain pumice, which exudes traces of heavy metals which will rot the roots of cacti if grown in these medium over a period of years^{[citation needed]}. Surprisingly, most cacti prefer a mineral based soil cut with about half sand and allowed to dry out completely between waterings.

Although cacti are adapted to hot deserts and other xerophytic environments, most cacti evolved in mountainous areas^{[citation needed]} and require moderate cold and/or cool night temperatures for some period of the year to initiate regular flowering. Overwatering of cacti is the single biggest cause of plant loss.^{[citation needed]} Cacti are subject to Fusarium infections in their vascular cambium (the bundle of fibers and the "ring" inside the center of a cactus visible when cut in cross section) when overwatered or maintained in soils with high organic content^{[citation needed]}. Fusarium mycelia typically grow into the cambium channels and plug up the plant's transport system, causing tissue death and the classic rotting and collapsing observed when a cactus plant is overwatered. Cacti are easy to grow if allowed to dry completely between waterings.^{[citation needed]} Many species have specific periods of dormancy and should not be watered during these periods.

Uses

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Prickly pear is one of the most common types of cacti found in North America

Cactus cladodes being sold in a supermarket as food

Cacti, cultivated by people worldwide, are a familiar sight as potted plants, houseplants or in ornamental gardens in warmer climates. They often form part of xeriphytic (dry) gardens in arid regions, or raised rockeries. Some countries, such as Australia, have water restrictions in many cities, so drought-resistant plants are increasing in popularity. Numerous species have entered widespread cultivation, including members of Echinopsis, Mammillaria and Cereus among others. Less drought resistant epiphytes such as Schlumbergera (the Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus) and Hatiora (the Easter cactus) are also widely cultivated.

Cacti can be used for fencing material where there is a lack of either natural resources or financial means to construct a permanent fence. This is often seen in arid and warm climates, such as the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This is known as a cactus fence. Cactus fences are often used by homeowners and landscape architects for home security purposes. The sharp thorns of the cactus deter unauthorized persons from entering private properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drainpipes.

Many species of cacti have commercial uses; some cacti bear edible fruit, such as the prickly pear and Hylocereus, which produces dragon fruit or pitaya. The edible cactus, or nopal, industry in Mexico is worth $150 million each year and approximately 10,000 farmers cultivate the plant.^[29] Opuntia are also used as host plants for cochineal bugs in the cochineal dye industry in Central America. Particularly in South America dead pillar cacti can yield valuable wood for construction. Some cacti are also of pharmaceutical significance.

The peyote, Lophophora williamsii, is a well-known psychoactive agent used by Native Americans in the southwestern United States. Some species of Echinopsis also have psychoactive properties. For example, the San Pedro cactus, a common specimen found in many garden centers, is known to contain mescaline.

Some species have become endangered in the wild because of overharvesting for sale as an ornamental plant. All cacti are covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and many species, by virtue of their inclusion in Appendix 1, are fully protected.

See also

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• List of foliage plant diseases (Cactaceae)

References

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1. ^ "cactus", Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactus, retrieved 2012-02-13 
2. ^ Nobel, P.S. Nobel (1988), Environmental Biology of Agaves and Cacti, New York: Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-34322-0 
3. ^ Nobel, P.S. Nobel (1994), Remarkable Agaves and Cacti, New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-508414-6 
4. ^ Nobel, P.S. Nobel (2010), Desert Wisdom/Agaves and Cacti: CO2, Water, Climate Change, Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, ISBN 978-1-4401-9151-0 
5. ^ Salak, M. (2000), "In search of the tallest cactus", Cactus and Succulent Journal 72 (3) 
6. ^ Mauseth, James D., Mauseth Cactus research: Blossfeldia liliputiana, http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/mauseth/ResearchOnCacti/large%20photo%20Blossfeld%20liliput%20plants.htm, retrieved 2012-02-13 
7. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Edwards, E.J. & Donoghue, M.J. (2006), "Pereskia and the origin of the cactus life-form", The American Naturalist 167 (6): 777?793, http://web.mac.com/redifiori/Russell_Di_Fiori/Phylogenetics_files/Edwards_Donoghue2006.pdf, retrieved 2012-02-08 
8. ^ Gibson, Arthur C. & Nobel, Park S. (1990), The cactus primer, Harvard University Press, ISBN 978-0-674-08991-4 
9. ^ ^{a b c} Biology of Cacti, Dalhousie University, http://cactus.biology.dal.ca/biology.html, retrieved 2012-02-13 
10. ^ Anderson 2001, p. 102
11. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q} Anderson 2001, pp. 15?37
12. ^ ^{a b} Anderson 2001, p. 566
13. ^ Anderson 2001, p. 398
14. ^ Anderson 2001, p. 347?348
15. ^ Johnson, A.T. & Smith, H.A. (1972), Plant Names Simplified : Their Pronunciation Derivation & Meaning, Buckenhill, Herefordshire: Landsmans Bookshop, ISBN 978-0-900513-04-6 , p. 19
16. ^ Sonnante, G.; Pignone, D.; Hammer, K (2007), "The Domestication of Artichoke and Cardoon: From Roman Times to the Genomic Age", Ann. Bot 100: 1095?1100, http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/100/5/1095.full.pdf 
17. ^ Anderson 2001, p. 96
18. ^ Anderson 2001, pp. 93?94
19. ^ Anderson 2001, pp. 98
20. ^ ^{a b c d e} Anderson 2001, pp. 99-103
21. ^ ^{a b c} Edwards, Erika J.; Nyffeler, Reto & Donoghue, Michael J. (2005), "Basal cactus phylogeny: implications of Pereskia (Cactaceae) paraphyly for the transition to the cactus life form", American Journal of Botany 92 (7): 1177?1188, doi:10.3732/ajb.92.7.1177 
22. ^ ^{a b c d} B?rcenas, Rolando T.; Yesson, Chris & Hawkins, Julie A. (2011), "Molecular systematics of the Cactaceae", Cladistics 27 (5): 470?489, doi:10.1111/j.1096-0031.2011.00350.x 
23. ^ Anderson 2001, pp. 39?40
24. ^ Anderson 2001, pp. 611?613
25. ^ "Weed Identification ? Prickly Pear (common)", Weeds Australia, Australian Weeds Committee, http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedident.cgi?tpl=plant.tpl&ibra=all&card=S12, retrieved 2012-02-14 
26. ^ The Awesome Aztecs for Kids - Place of the Prickly Pear Cactus, Aztecs.mrdonn.org, http://aztecs.mrdonn.org/place.html, retrieved 2010-05-22 
27. ^ Innes, Clive & Wall, Bill (1995), Cacti, Succulents and Bromeliads, London: Cassell for the Royal Horticultural Society, ISBN 978-0-304-32076-9 , p. 17
28. ^ Anderson 2001, p. 456?459
29. ^ Daniel, Frank Jack (2007-02-19), Cactus-eating moth threatens favorite Mexican food, Reuters, http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN2G28324120070219, retrieved 2010-05-22 

Bibliography

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• Anderson, Edward F. (2001), The Cactus Family, Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press, ISBN 978-0-88192-498-5 

External links

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Cactus at the Open Directory Project

Taxonomy

The Family Cactaceae is further organized into finer groupings including:

• Subfamily (7): Cactoideae · Hydrangeoideae · Opuntioideae · Pereskioideae · Polemonioideae · Rhinanthoideae · Staticoideae
• Tribe (28): Bombini · Browningieae · Cacteae · Caryophylleae · Cereeae · Cylindropuntieae · Diapensieae · Echinocereeae · Hesperideae · Hydrangeae · Hylocereeae · Irideae · Ixieae · Larini · Lobelieae · Narcisseae · Nicotianeae · Notocacteae · Opuntieae · Pachycereeae · Polemonieae · Primuleae · Rhamneae · Rhipsalideae · Trichocereeae · Triticeae · Verbasceae · Veroniceae
• Genus (369): Acanthanthus · Acanthocalycium · Acanthocereus · Acantholobivia · Acanthopetalus · Acanthorhipsalis · Acharagma · Airampoa · Ancistrocactus · Andenea · Andinopuntia · Anhalonium · Anisocereus · Aporberocereus · Aporepiphyllum · Aporocactus · Aporoheliocereus · Aporophyllum · Arequipa · Arequipiopsis · Ariocarpus · Armatocereus · Arrojadoa · Arrojadoopsis · Arthrocereus · Astrophytum · Austrocactus · Austrocephalocereus · Austrocylindropuntia · Aylostera · Aztekium · Azureocereus · Backebergia · Banfiopuntia · Bartschella · Bergerocactus · Bergerocereus · Binghamia · Bisnaga · Blossfeldia · Bolivicactus · Bolivicereus · Bonifazia · Borkersia · Borzicactella · Borzicactus · Borzipostoa · Brachycereus · Bragaia · Brasilicactus · Brasilicereus · Brasiliopuntia · Brasiliparodia · Brasilopuntia · Bravocactus · Bridgesia · Brittonia · Brittonrosea · Browningia · Buiningia · Cactus · Calymmanthium · Carnegia · Carnegiea · Cassyta · Cephalocereus · Cephalocleistocactus · Cephalomamillaria · Cephalophorus · Cepheliocereus · Cereus · Chamaecereus · Chamaelopsis · Chiapasia · Chilenia · Chileniopsis · Chileorebutia · Chilita · Cinnabarinea · Cintia · Cipocereus · Clavarioidia · Cleistocactus · Clistanthocereus · Clylindropuntia · Cochemiea · Cochiseia · Coleocephalocereus · Consolea · Copiapoa · Corryocactus · Corynopuntia · Coryphantha · Cryptocereus · Cumarinia · Cumulopuntia · Cylindropuntia · Dactylanthocactus · Deamia · Delaetia · Dendrocereus · Denmoza · Digitorebutia · Digitostigma · Disberocereus · Discocactus · Disocactus · Dolichothele · Ebnerella · Eccremocactus · Echinocactus · Echinocereus · Echinofossulocactus · Echinofossulucactus · Echinomastus · Echinopsis · Edinburghia · Efossus · Emorycactus · Encephalocarpus · Eomatucana · Epinicereus · Epiphyllanthus · Epiphyllopsis · Epiphyllum · Epithelantha · Erdisia · Eriocactus · Eriocephala · Eriocereus · Eriosyce · Erythrorhipsalis · Escobaria · Escobariopsis · Escobesseya · Escocoryphantha · Escontria · Espostoa · Espostoopsis · Eulychnia · Euporteria · Eurebutia · Facheiroa · Ferocactus · Floribunda · Fobea · Frailea · Geohintonia · Gerocephalus · Glandulicactus · Grusonia · Gymnanthocereus · Gymnocactus · Gymnocalycium · Gymnocereus · Haageocereus · Haagespostoa · Haastia · Hamatocactus · Hariota · Harrisia · Haseltonia · Hatiora · Helianthocereus · Heliocereus · Heliochia · Hildewintera · Hildmannia · Horridocactus · Hyalocereus · Hylocereus · Hymenorebutia · Ida · Islaya · Isolatocereus · Jasminocereus · Kadenicarpus · Krainzia · Lasiocereus · Lemaireocereus · Leocereus · Lepidocoryphantha · Lepismium · Leptocereus · Leptocladodia · Leuchtenbergia · Leucostele · Lobeira · Lobivia · Lodia · Lophocereus · Lophophora · Loxanthocereus · Lymanbensonia · Machaerocereus · Maiheunia · Maihuenia · Maihueniopsis · Mamillopsis · Mammilaria · Mammillaria · Mammilloydia · Marenopuntia · Marniera · Matucana · Mediocactus · Mediolobivia · Mellissia · Melocactus · Mesechinopsis · Meyerocactus · Micranthocereus · Micropuntia · Mila · Miqueliopuntia · Mirabella · Mitrocereus · Monvillea · Morangaya · Morawetzia · Myrtgerocactus · Myrtillocactus · Navajoa · Neoabbottia · Neobesseya · Neobinghamia · Neobuxbaumia · Neocardenasia · Neochilenia · Neodawsonia · Neoevansia · Neogomesia · Neolemaireocereus · Neolloydia · Neolobivia · Neomammillaria · Neonavajoa · Neoporteria · Neoraimondia · Neowerdermannia · Nopal · Nopalea · Nopalxochia · Normanbokea · Notocactus · Nyctocereus · Obregonia · Oehmea · Opuntia · Oreocereus · Oroya · Ortegocactus · Pacherocactus · Pachgerocereus · Pachycereus · Parahebe · Parodia · Parrycactus · Pediocactus · Pelecyphora · Peniocereus · Pereskia · Pereskiopsis · Peronocactus · Peruvocereus · Peyotl · Pfeiffera · Phellosperma · Philippicereus · Phyllocactus · Pierrebraunia · Pilocanthus · Pilocereus · Pilosocereus · Piptanthocereus · Platyopuntia · Polaskia · Porfiria · Praecereus · Pseudoacanthocereus · Pseudoespostoa · Pseudolobivia · Pseudomammillaria · Pseudomitrocereus · Pseudonopalxochia · Pseudopilocereus · Pseudorhipsalis · Pseudozygocactus · Pterocactus · Pterocereus · Puebloa · Puna · Pygmaeocereus · Pyrrhocactus · Quiabentia · Rapicactus · Rathbunia · Rathburnia · Rauhocereus · Rebulobivia · Rebutia · Reicheocactus · Rhipsalidopsis · Rhipsalis · Rhispsalis · Rhodocactus · Rimacactus · Ritterocactus · Ritterocereus · Rodentiophila · Roseocactus · Salpingolobivia · Samaipaticereus · Schlumbergera · Schlumbergia · Sclerocactus · Selenicereus · Seleniphyllum · Seticereus · Seticleistocactus · Setirebutia · Siccobaccatus · Soehrensia · Solisia · Spegazzinia · Stenocactus · Stenocereus · Stephanocereus · Sternocereus · Stetsonia · Stromatocactus · Strombocactus · Strophocactus · Submatucana · Subpilocereus · Sulcorebutia · Tacinga · Tephrocactus · Terecaulis · Thelocactus · Thelocephala · Thrixanthocereus · Torreycactus · Toumeya · Trichocereus · Trochilocactus · Tunas · Tunilla · Turbinicarpus · Uebelmannia · Utahia · Vatricania · Weberbauerocereus · Weberocereus · Weingartia · Werckleocereus · Wigginsia · Wilcoxia · Wilmattea · Winteria · Winterocereus · Wittia · Wittiocactus · X Pachgerocereus · Xpacherocactus · Yavia · Yungasocereus · Zehntnerella · Zygocactus
• Species: ZipcodeZoo has pages for 17,198 species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars in the Family Cactaceae.

Genera

Acanthanthus

[more]

Acanthocalycium

Acanthocalycium is a genus of cactus consisting of three species from Argentina. The taxon name comes from Greek akantha (meaning prickly) and kalyx (meaning buds), which refers to the spines on the floral tubes. [more]

Acanthocereus

Acanthocereus is a genus of cacti. Its species take the form of shrubs with arching or climbing stems up to several meters in height. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ??a??a (acantha), meaning spine, and the Latin word cereus, meaning candle. [more]

Acantholobivia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Acanthopetalus

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Acanthorhipsalis

Lepismium is a genus of mostly epiphytic cacti, with a dozen species. They are found in tropical South America. [more]

Acharagma

Acharagma is a genus of two small cacti species from northern Mexico. [more]

Airampoa

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus (see below), is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. [more]

Ancistrocactus

Sclerocactus ("hard cactus", from Greek; refers to the hard, dry fruit) is a genus of cacti. It comprises about 15 species, the exact number depending on the authority. These species are very xerophytic. They are sometimes called 'fishhook cactus' or 'little barrels'. [more]

Andenea

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Andinopuntia

[more]

Anhalonium

Ariocarpus is a genus of 8 species of succulent, subtropical plants of the Cactaceae family. [more]

Anisocereus

[more]

Aporberocereus

[more]

Aporepiphyllum

[more]

Aporocactus

Disocactus is genus of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Aporoheliocereus

[more]

Aporophyllum

[more]

Arequipa

[more]

Arequipiopsis

Oreocereus is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae), known only from high altitudes of the Andes. Its name was formed from Greek and means "mountain cereus". [more]

Ariocarpus

Ariocarpus is a genus of 8 species of succulent, subtropical plants of the Cactaceae family. [more]

Armatocereus

Armatocereus (from Latin armatus, "armed" and cereus, "pliant/soft") is a genus of mostly tree-like cacti from South America (Colombia, Ecuador to Peru). These species have a conspicuous constriction at the end of the annual growth. The flowers are mostly white, with more or less spiny ovary. The fruits are mostly spiny. [more]

Arrojadoa

Arrojadoa is a genus of cacti, comprising 6 species and several varieties. It is named after the Brazilian he genus occurs only in northern Brazil and is found at rocky places, under shrubs, which support their frail stalk. They are subtropical plants, with very little frost tolerance. [more]

Arrojadoopsis

[more]

Arthrocereus

Arthrocereus is a genus of cactus, originating from southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. [more]

Astrophytum

Astrophytum is a genus of six species of cacti. These species are sometimes referred to as living rocks, though the term is also used for other genera, particularly Lithops (Aizoaceae). The generic name is derived from the Greek words ?st??? (astron), meaning "star," and f?t?? (phyton), meaning "plant." [more]

Austrocactus

Austrocactus is a genus of cacti with five species endemic of southern South America, in Argentina and Chile. [more]

Austrocephalocereus

Micranthocereus is genus of cactus. It originates from Brazil and includes 10 species. [more]

Austrocylindropuntia

Austrocylindropuntia is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae). There are 11 recognized species, which were once included in the genus Opuntia. Some are native to South America. [more]

Aylostera

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Aztekium

The genus Aztekium contains only two species of small globular cactus. Discovered in 1929 by F. Ritter, in Rayones, Nuevo Le?n, Mexico, this genus was thought to be monotypic (with Aztekium ritteri) until a second species () was discovered by George S. Hinton, in Galeana, Nuevo Le?n in 1991. [more]

Azureocereus

Browningia is a genus of cacti, comprising 11 known species. It is named for W E Browning, director of the Instituto Ingl?s, Santiago,Chile. [more]

Backebergia

Pachycereus is a genus of 9?12 species of large cacti native to Mexico and just into southern Arizona, USA. They form large shrubs or small trees up to 5?15 m or more tall, with stout stems up to 1 m diameter. [more]

Banfiopuntia

[more]

Bartschella

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Bergerocactus

The golden cereus (Bergerocactus emoryi) is a species of cactus. It is the sole member of the genus Bergerocactus, named after Alwin Berger. The plant is also known as golden spine cereus or snake cactus, though this latter name also applies for Echinocereus pensilis. [more]

Bergerocereus

[more]

Binghamia

Cupido is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The subgenus Everes (H?bner, [1819]) is included here. [more]

Bisnaga

Bisnaga can be: [more]

Blossfeldia

Blossfeldia is a of cacti, comprising the smallest cactus species. The genus is named after Harry Blossfeld. Some authorities only recognize one species in this genus (Blossfeldia liliputiana). [more]

Bolivicactus

[more]

Bolivicereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Bonifazia

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Borkersia

[more]

Borzicactella

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Borzicactus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Borzipostoa

[more]

Brachycereus

The lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus) is a species of cactus and the sole species of the genus Brachycereus. The plant is a colonizer of lava fields, hence its common name. [more]

Bragaia

[more]

Brasilicactus

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Brasilicereus

Brasilicereus is a of cacti known only from Brazil and comprising 2 species. [more]

Brasiliopuntia

Brasiliopuntia is a genus in the cactus family Cactaceae. [more]

Brasiliparodia

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Brasilopuntia

[more]

Bravocactus

[more]

Bridgesia

Bridgesia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Sapindaceae. The sole species, Bridgesia incisifolia, is a shrub native to South America in Chile. [more]

Brittonia

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States, located in the Bronx in New York City. It spans some 250 acres (100 ha) of Bronx Park and is home to some of the world's leading plant laboratories. It offers major exhibitions and flower shows throughout the year, drawing over 800,000 visitors annually. [more]

Brittonrosea

Echinocactus is a genus of cacti in the subfamily Cactoideae. The generic name derives from the Ancient Greek e????? (echinos), meaning "spiny," and cactus. It and Ferocactus are the two genera of barrel cactus. Members of the genus usually have heavy spination and relatively large flowers. The fruits are copiously woolly, and this is a primary distinction between Echinocactus and Ferocactus. The seeds are large compared to most cacti. Propagation is by seed. They thrive in hot, sunny and very arid environments. [more]

Browningia

It is reputed to be psychoactive. [more]

Buiningia

Coleocephalocereus is a of erect and semi-erect columnar cacti from Brazil. These species develop a cephalium with wool and bristles. [more]

Cactus

A cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, within the order Caryophyllales. The plural of cactus varies; the Latin cacti, the English cactuses and the uninflected plural cactus are all used. Cacti have a variety of uses: some species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage, others for food (particularly their fruit). Cochineal is the product of an insect that lives on some cacti. [more]

Calymmanthium

Calymmanthium is a of primitive tree-like cacti from northern Peru. It is the only genus belonging to the tribe Calymmantheae. [more]

Carnegia

The saguaro (; scientific name Carnegiea gigantea) is a large, tree-sized cactus species in the monotypic genus Carnegiea, which can grow to be over 50 feet tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in the U.S. state of Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, a small part of Baja California in the San Felipe Desert and an extremely small area of California, U.S. The saguaro blossom is the State Wildflower of Arizona. [more]

Carnegiea

The saguaro (; scientific name Carnegiea gigantea) is a large, tree-sized cactus species in the monotypic genus Carnegiea, which can grow to be over 50 feet tall. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in the U.S. state of Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, a small part of Baja California in the San Felipe Desert and an extremely small area of California, U.S. The saguaro blossom is the State Wildflower of Arizona. [more]

Cassyta

[more]

Cephalocereus

Cephalocereus is a small of slow-growing, columnar-shaped, blue-green cacti. The genus is native to Mexico. For more information see Old-Man Cactus. [more]

Cephalocleistocactus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Cephalomamillaria

[more]

Cephalophorus

[more]

Cepheliocereus

[more]

Cereus

Cereus is a genus of cactus. The circumscription of this genus has always been in flux and depends on the authority. [more]

Chamaecereus

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Chamaelopsis

[more]

Chiapasia

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Chilenia

[more]

Chileniopsis

[more]

Chileorebutia

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Chilita

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Cinnabarinea

[more]

Cintia

Cintia knizei is a small alpine cactus native to the high Andes of Bolivia. The plant was discovered by 1969 at an elevation of 4,000 m (13,000 ft) near Otavi, in Potos? Department, Bolivia. However, it was not formally described until 1996 by Jan R?ha. The genus is named after the town of Cinti in Chuquisaca Department. [more]

Cipocereus

Cipocereus is a of cacti from Brazil. These species were previously included in the genera Pilosocereus and Cereus. [more]

Clavarioidia

[more]

Cleistocactus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Clistanthocereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Clylindropuntia

[more]

Cochemiea

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Cochiseia

[more]

Coleocephalocereus

Coleocephalocereus is a of erect and semi-erect columnar cacti from Brazil. These species develop a cephalium with wool and bristles. [more]

Consolea

Consolea is a genus of cacti, named after Italian botanist Michelangelo Console. The genus is native to the Caribbean and Florida. It has between 7 and 9 species. [more]

Copiapoa

Copiapoa is a of cacti from the dry coastal deserts of northern Chile. It comprises about 26 species. These species vary in form from spherical to slightly columnar and in color from a brownish to blue-green body. [more]

Corryocactus

Corryocactus is a of cactus. The genus was formerly placed in the tribe Notocacteae. [more]

Corynopuntia

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus (see below), is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. [more]

Coryphantha

Coryphantha (from Greek, ""flowering on the top") is a genus of small to middle-sized, globous to short-columnar cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to the South of the United States. With its 2 subgenera, 42 species and 9 subspecies, this is one of the largest genus of cactus. [more]

Cryptocereus

Cumarinia

Coryphantha (from , ""flowering on the top") is a genus of small to middle-sized, globous to short-columnar cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to the South of the United States. With its 2 subgenera, 42 species and 9 subspecies, this is one of the largest genus of cactus. [more]

Cumulopuntia

Cumulopuntia is a of cactus (family Cactaceae). This is a very controversial genus. [more]

Cylindropuntia

Cylindropuntia is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae), containing the chollas. They are also treated as a subgenus of Opuntia but are actually well distinct.^{[citation needed]} [more]

Dactylanthocactus

[more]

Deamia

Delaetia

[more]

Dendrocereus

Acanthocereus is a genus of cacti. Its species take the form of shrubs with arching or climbing stems up to several meters in height. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ??a??a (acantha), meaning spine, and the Latin word cereus, meaning candle. [more]

Denmoza

Denmoza is a of cactus found in Argentina, comprising only 2 species. The name of the genus is an anagram of the western province of Mendoza. These species grow slowly and stay globulous during a long period before becoming shortly column-shaped, 0.5 to 1.5 cm high. The plant's diameter varies from 15 to 30 cm. [more]

Digitorebutia

[more]

Digitostigma

[more]

Disberocereus

[more]

Discocactus

Discocactus is a of tropical cactus. The name comes from the ancient greek "diskos" (=disc) because of its shape. Discocactus plants are endemic to southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northern Paraguay. These species are in the risk of extinction in the wild. [more]

Disocactus

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Dolichothele

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Ebnerella

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Eccremocactus

Echinocactus

Echinocactus is a genus of cacti in the subfamily Cactoideae. The generic name derives from the Ancient Greek e????? (echinos), meaning "spiny," and cactus. It and Ferocactus are the two genera of barrel cactus. Members of the genus usually have heavy spination and relatively large flowers. The fruits are copiously woolly, and this is a primary distinction between Echinocactus and Ferocactus. The seeds are large compared to most cacti. Propagation is by seed. They thrive in hot, sunny and very arid environments. [more]

Echinocereus

Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species from the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny rocky places. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible. [more]

Echinofossulocactus

A Genus in the Kingdom Plantae. [more]

Echinofossulucactus

[more]

Echinomastus

Echinomastus (meaning "spiny breast") is a genus of cacti. [more]

Echinopsis

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Edinburghia

[more]

Efossus

Stenocactus is a of cacti. [more]

Emorycactus

Encephalocarpus

Pelecyphora is a of cacti, comprising 2 species. They originate from Mexico. [more]

Eomatucana

Matucana is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae), containing approximately 20 species of mostly globular plants. The genus is only known from Peru, mostly along the Mara??n River. [more]

Epinicereus

[more]

Epiphyllanthus

[more]

Epiphyllopsis

Rhipsalis is a of epiphytic, mostly spineless cacti. They are typically known as mistletoe cacti. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants' habitus. [more]

Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum (; "upon the leaf" in Greek) is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to Central America. Common names for these species include orchid cacti and leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Pereskia. [more]

Epithelantha

Button cacti or pingpong ball cacti (genus Epithelantha) are a genus of cacti. The genus name is formed from Greek and means "flowers upon the tubercles". The genus comprises 2 species. [more]

Erdisia

Corryocactus is a of cactus. The genus was formerly placed in the tribe Notocacteae. [more]

Eriocactus

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Eriocephala

[more]

Eriocereus

Harrisia is a of cacti native to Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, the Greater Antilles, and the U.S. state of Florida. The genus is named after William Harris, an important botanist of Jamaica. [more]

Eriosyce

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Erythrorhipsalis

Escobaria

Escobaria or foxtail cactus is a genus of low-growing cacti that range from the southernmost parts of central and western Canada through northern Mexico, with one species in Cuba. The genus comprises about 23 species. [more]

Escobariopsis

[more]

Escobesseya

[more]

Escocoryphantha

[more]

Escontria

The chiotilla or jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla) is a of cacti and the only species of the genus Escontria. The species originates from Mexico (Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, southern Puebla). [more]

Espostoa

Espostoa is a of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500 m . Its fruit is sweet juicy and edible. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima. [more]

Espostoopsis

Espostoopsis is a genus of cactus with the sole species Espostoopsis dybowskii. The generic name is formed from Greek opsis meaning "view", referring to its resemblance to the genus Espostoa, with which it is often confused. The plant is known from northern Bahia, Brazil. [more]

Eulychnia

Eulychnia is a of candelabriform or arborescent cacti, comprising between 6 and 9 species depending on the authority. [more]

Euporteria

[more]

Eurebutia

[more]

Facheiroa

Facheiroa is a of cacti, comprising 8 species in 2 subgenera (Facheiroa and Zehntnerella). The genus is endemic to Brazil. [more]

Ferocactus

Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti, mostly with large spines and small flowers. There are about 30 species included in the genus. They are found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The young specimens are columnar but as they grow older ribs form and they take on a barrel form. Most of the species are solitary but some, such as Ferocactus robustus and F. glaucescens, form clumps. The flowers are pink, yellow, red or purple depending on the species, and the petals sometimes have a stripe of a darker color. They are desert dwellers and can cope with some frost and intense heat. In cultivation they require full sun, little water, and good drainage. The propagation is usually from seeds. [more]

Floribunda

Cipocereus is a genus of cacti from Brazil. These species were previously included in the genera Pilosocereus and Cereus. [more]

Fobea

[more]

Frailea

Frailea is a of globular to short cylindrical cacti native to Brazil. These species are cleistogamous. They were first classified in the genus Echinocactus. [more]

Geohintonia

Geohintonia mexicana (discovered in 1992) is a of cacti, of the genus Geohintonia. This genus is named after its discoverer George S. Hinton. [more]

Gerocephalus

[more]

Glandulicactus

Sclerocactus ("hard cactus", from Greek) is a genus of cacti. These species are very xerophytic. These cacti are sometimes called 'fishhook' or 'mini barrels'. They have rigid stems with ribs and are covered with spiny, hooked needles that come out of the aeroles. These plants can often be found in higher elevation deserts such as the Colorado Plateau or the Great Basin. They are well suited to extremes due to very hot summers and below freezing winters. [more]

Grusonia

Grusonia is a genus of opuntioid cacti (family Cactaceae), originating from Southwest United States and northern Mexico (including Baja California). [more]

Gymnanthocereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Gymnocactus

Turbinicarpus is a genus of very small to medium-sized cacti, which inhabit the north-eastern regions of Mexico, in particular the states of San Luis Potos?, Guanajuato, Nuevo Le?n, Quer?taro, Hidalgo, Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. [more]

Gymnocalycium

Gymnocalycium, commonly called chin cactus, is a genus of about 70 species of cacti. The genus name Gymnocalycium (from Greek, "naked calyx") refers to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines. [more]

Gymnocereus

[more]

Haageocereus

Haageocereus is a genus of cacti endemic to the lower elevations of the extremely dry desert along the coast of Peru and northern Chile. [more]

Haagespostoa

Haagespostoa is a of cacti, which is a natural hybrid between Haageocereus and Espostoa. [more]

Haastia

[more]

Hamatocactus

Thelocactus is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. Members of the genus are native to the arid lands of Central and Northern Mexico. [more]

Hariota

Rhipsalis is a of epiphytic, mostly spineless cacti. They are typically known as mistletoe cacti. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants' habitus. [more]

Harrisia

Harrisia is a of cacti native to Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, the Greater Antilles, and the U.S. state of Florida. The genus is named after William Harris, an important botanist of Jamaica. [more]

Haseltonia

[more]

Hatiora

Rhipsalis is a of epiphytic, mostly spineless cacti. They are typically known as mistletoe cacti. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants' habitus. [more]

Helianthocereus

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Heliocereus

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Heliochia

[more]

Hildewintera

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Hildmannia

[more]

Horridocactus

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Hyalocereus

[more]

Hylocereus

Hylocereus is a genus of cacti, often referred to as nightblooming cactus (though the term is also used for the genus Selenicereus). Several species have large edible fruits, which are known as pitaya or dragonfruits. [more]

Hymenorebutia

[more]

Ida

Islaya

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Isolatocereus

Stenocereus (Gk. stenos, narrow , L. cereus ,candle) is a genus of columnar or tree-like cacti from the Baja California Peninsula and other parts of Mexico, Arizona in the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera. A close relative is the peculiar or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. [more]

Jasminocereus

Jasminocereus (meaning "jasmin-like cereus", referring to the ) is a genus of cacti. The genus originates from the Galapagos Islands. Owned by Ecuador, these cacti are extremely rare in cultivation because of the very strict rules for removing plants or seeds from the islands. This cactus is the only cactus that has a species that can be light purple^[specify]. [more]

Kadenicarpus

[more]

Krainzia

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Lasiocereus

Haageocereus is a genus of cacti endemic to the lower elevations of the extremely dry desert along the coast of Peru and northern Chile. [more]

Lemaireocereus

Pachycereus is a of 9-12 species of large cacti, native to Mexico and just into southern Arizona, USA. They form large shrubs or small trees up to 5-15 m or more tall, with stout stems up to 1 m diameter. [more]

Leocereus

Leocereus bahiensis is a of cactus and the only species of the genus Leocereus. [more]

Lepidocoryphantha

[more]

Lepismium

Lepismium is a of mostly epiphytic cacti, with a dozen species. They are found in tropical South America. [more]

Leptocereus

Leptocereus is a of cacti. The genus Neoabbottia Britton & Rose has been brought into synonymy with this genus. [more]

Leptocladodia

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Leuchtenbergia

Leuchtenbergia principis (agave cactus or prism cactus), the sole species of the genus Leuchtenbergia, is a species of cactus. It is native to north-central Mexico (San Luis Potosi, Chihuahua). The genus is named after Maximilian Eugen Joseph (1817-1852), duke of Leuchtenberg and amateur botanist. [more]

Leucostele

[more]

Lobeira

A Genus in the Kingdom Plantae. [more]

Lobivia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Lodia

[more]

Lophocereus

Pachycereus is a of 9-12 species of large cacti, native to Mexico and just into southern Arizona, USA. They form large shrubs or small trees up to 5-15 m or more tall, with stout stems up to 1 m diameter. [more]

Lophophora

Lophophora is a genus of spineless, button-like cacti native to the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Northeast Mexico and South to Quer?taro in central Mexico. [more]

Loxanthocereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Lymanbensonia

[more]

Machaerocereus

Stenocereus (Gk. stenos, narrow , L. cereus ,candle) is a genus of columnar or tree-like cacti from the Baja California Peninsula and other parts of Mexico, Arizona in the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera. A close relative is the peculiar or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. [more]

Maiheunia

Maihuenia

Maihuenia is a of cactus (family Cactaceae) and the sole genus of the subfamily Maihuenioideae, which is the smallest subfamily of the Cactaceae. The genus comprises 2 cushion-forming, mucilaginous species. They are found at high elevation habitats of Andean Argentina and Chile. [more]

Maihueniopsis

Maihueniopsis (from opsis, "view", referring to its resemblance to the unrelated Maihuenia) is a genus of the cactus family (Cactaceae), containing 18 species. [more]

Mamillopsis

[more]

Mammilaria

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Mammillaria

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Mammilloydia

The snowball cactus (Mammilloydia candida) is a of cacti and the sole species of the genus Mammilloydia. It originates from Mexico. [more]

Marenopuntia

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus (see below), is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. [more]

Marniera

Matucana

Matucana is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae), containing approximately 20 species of mostly globular plants. The genus is only known from Peru, mostly along the Mara??n River. [more]

Mediocactus

Mediolobivia

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Mellissia

Mellissia is a genus in the family Solanaceae with a single species, Mellissia begoniifolia (Saint Helena Boxwood), that is endemic to the island of Saint Helena. It was named by Joseph Dalton Hooker in honour of John Charles Melliss, a 19th century engineer and amateur naturalist who worked on Saint Helena. [more]

Melocactus

Melocactus (Melon cactus) is of cactus with about 40 species. They are native to the Caribbean, northern South America, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil. [more]

Mesechinopsis

[more]

Meyerocactus

[more]

Micranthocereus

Micranthocereus is of cactus. It originates from Brazil and includes 9 species. [more]

Micropuntia

Mila

Mila could mean any one of the following: [more]

Miqueliopuntia

Miqueliopuntia miquelii is a of cactus and the only species comprised in the genus Miqueliopuntia. It is native to the Chilean coasts. [more]

Mirabella

Mitrocereus

[more]

Monvillea

Acanthocereus is a genus of cacti. Its species take the form of shrubs with arching or climbing stems up to several meters in height. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ??a??a (acantha), meaning spine, and the Latin word cereus, meaning candle. [more]

Morangaya

[more]

Morawetzia

Oreocereus is a of cacti (family Cactaceae), known only from high altitudes of the Andes. Its name was formed from Greek and means "mountain cereus". [more]

Myrtgerocactus

[more]

Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus (from , "blueberry cactus") is a genus of cacti. The genus is found from Mexico to Guatemala. The genus is best known with Myrtillocactus geometrizans. [more]

Navajoa

[more]

Neoabbottia

[more]

Neobesseya

Escobaria or foxtail cactus is a genus of low-growing cacti that range from the southernmost parts of central and western Canada through northern Mexico, with one species in Cuba. The genus comprises about 23 species. [more]

Neobinghamia

Haageocereus is a genus of cacti endemic to the lower elevations of the extremely dry desert along the coast of Peru and northern Chile. [more]

Neobuxbaumia

Neobuxbaumia is a of cacti. [more]

Neocardenasia

Neoraimondia is a of medium to large cacti from Peru. The genus is named after the Italian-born Peruvian explorer, naturalist, and scientist, Antonio Raimondi. [more]

Neochilenia

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Neodawsonia

[more]

Neoevansia

[more]

Neogomesia

Ariocarpus is a of 8 species of succulent, subtropical plants of the Cactaceae family. [more]

Neolemaireocereus

[more]

Neolloydia

Plants erect, branched or unbranched, not deep-seated in substrate. Roots diffuse. Stems unsegmented, gray-green to yellowish or bronze-tinted green, spheric to short cylindric, 5-10(-24) × (1.8-) 2.5-6.5(-8) cm, usually white woolly at apex; tubercles prominent, not confluent into ribs, tightly packed in vertical, sprialing rows as if tuberculate ribs, compressed conic, 7-12 × 4-7 mm, 8-18 mm diam. at base; areoles adaxially elongated into long, narrow, conspicuous grooves extending into axils of tubercles, usually short woolly; areolar glands absent; cortex and pith not mucilaginous; specialized, yellow, sticky layer beneath old bark. Spines 9-17[-26] per areole, white, gray, brown, or black, acicular, straight; radial spines 9-15[-25] per areole, with bulbous bases, 6-17 mm; central spines [0-]6(-8) per areole, terete with bulbous bases. Flowers diurnal, at stem apex, at axillary end of areolar groove, showy, short funnelform, 2.5-3.2 × 3-5.5 cm; outer tepals whitish or magenta to purplish, to 25 × 10 mm, margins entire (sometimes irregularly, minutely denticulate) ; inner tepals bright rose-pink or magenta, 15-32 × 5-11 mm, margins entire; ovary smooth, spineless; stigma lobes 4-7, white to cream, 2-4 mm. Fruits dehiscent along vertical slits or indehiscent, green to white (slightly pinkish near base), becoming tan or greenish brown, spheric, 4-10 × 4-8 mm, dry and papery, smooth, spineless; pulp absent; floral remnant deciduous. Seeds black to gray, obovoid or pyriform, 1.1-1.6 × 0.8-1.2 mm, papillate; testa cells strongly convex. x = 11.^[1] [more]

Neolobivia

[more]

Neomammillaria

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Neonavajoa

[more]

Neoporteria

Neoporteria can mean: [more]

Neoraimondia

Neoraimondia is a of medium to large cacti from Peru. The genus is named after the Italian-born Peruvian explorer, naturalist, and scientist, Antonio Raimondi. [more]

Neowerdermannia

Neowerdermannia is a of South American cacti. The genus comprises only 2 species. [more]

Nopal

[more]

Nopalea

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus (see below), is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. [more]

Nopalxochia

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Normanbokea

[more]

Notocactus

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Nyctocereus

Peniocereus is a of vining cacti, comprising about 18 species, found from the southwestern United States and Mexico. They have a large underground tuber, thin and inconspicuous stems. [more]

Obregonia

Obregonia, the artichoke cactus, is a genus of cacti with a single species, Obregonia denegrii. The genus Obregonia is named after ?lvaro Obreg?n. This rare species resembles an inverted green pine cone with a woolly center. It grows slowly in culture and requires little water. It is benefited by full sun and is multiplied by seed. [more]

Oehmea

[more]

Opuntia

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus (see below), is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. [more]

Oreocereus

Oreocereus is a of cacti (family Cactaceae), known only from high altitudes of the Andes. Its name was formed from Greek and means "mountain cereus". [more]

Oroya

Oroya is a of cacti (family Cactaceae), originating from Peru. [more]

Ortegocactus

Ortegocactus macdougallii is a of cactus and the sole species of the genus Ortegocactus . The plant has a greenish-gray epidermis and black spines. It is only known from Oaxaca, Mexico. [more]

Pacherocactus

Pacherocactus orcuttii is a of shrubby cacti. It is a natural hybrid between Pachycereus pringlei and Bergerocactus emoryi, discovered in near Rosario, Baja California, Mexico. The plant's generic name is formed from those of its parents ("Pachycereus" and "Bergerocactus"). [more]

Pachgerocereus

[more]

Pachycereus

Pachycereus is a genus of 9-12 species of large cacti, native to Mexico and just into southern Arizona, USA. They form large shrubs or small trees up to 5-15 m or more tall, with stout stems up to 1 m diameter. [more]

Parahebe

[more]

Parodia

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Parrycactus

[more]

Pediocactus

Pediocactus is a genus of cacti. The genus comprises between 6 and 11 species, depending upon the authority. Species of this genus are referred to as hedgehog cacti, though the term also applies for the genus Echinocereus. [more]

Pelecyphora

Pelecyphora is a of cacti, comprising 2 species. They originate from Mexico. [more]

Peniocereus

Peniocereus is a genus of vining cacti, comprising about 18 species, found from the southwestern United States and Mexico. They have a large underground tuber, thin and inconspicuous stems. [more]

Pereskia

Pereskia is a genus of about 25 tropical species and varieties of cacti that do not look much like other types of cacti, having substantial leaves and thin stems. They originate from the region between Brazil and Mexico. The genus is named after Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, a 16th century French botanist, which also has been given its own subfamily Pereskioideae. Members of this genus are usually referred to as lemon vines, rose cacti or leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Epiphyllum. [more]

Pereskiopsis

Pereskiopsis (from Greek -opsis, "looking", because of its resemblance with the genus Pereskia) is a genus of cacti (family Cactaceae). [more]

Peronocactus

[more]

Peruvocereus

Haageocereus is a genus of cacti endemic to the lower elevations of the extremely dry desert along the coast of Peru and northern Chile. [more]

Peyotl

Lophophora williamsii (), better known by its common name Peyote ( /p?'jo?ti/; from the Nahuatl word peyotl), is a small, spineless cactus with psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. [more]

Pfeiffera

Lepismium is a of mostly epiphytic cacti, with a dozen species. They are found in tropical South America. [more]

Phellosperma

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Philippicereus

Eulychnia is a genus of candelabriform or arborescent cacti, comprising between 6 and 9 species depending on the authority. These desert cacti can survive under very hot conditions?temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, this breed of cacti can also survive in some of the driest places in the world such as the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. [more]

Phyllocactus

Epiphyllum (; "upon the leaf" in Greek) is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to Central America. Common names for these species include orchid cacti and leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Pereskia. [more]

Pierrebraunia

Pierrebraunia is a newly discovered genus of cactus from Bahia, Brazil. Some include it in the genus Arrojadoa. [more]

Pilocanthus

Pediocactus (Greek: ped??? (pedion) means "plain", "flat", "field") is a genus of cacti. The genus comprises between 6 and 11 species, depending upon the authority. Species of this genus are referred to as hedgehog cacti, though that name is also applied to plants from the genera Echinocereus and Echinopsis. [more]

Pilocereus

A Genus in the Kingdom Plantae. [more]

Pilosocereus

Pilosocereus (from Latin, "hairy cereus") is a genus of cactus. Pilosocereus pachycladus(=Pilosocerus azureus) is a beautiful cactus with a light blue color, with hairy areoles that emit golden spines. [more]

Piptanthocereus

A cereus is a plant form of from subfamilies Cactoideae. It is characterisic by very prolonged bodies. It is also a used as name of genus of cactus or part of name of others genera, par example Armatocereus, Arthrocereus, Cephalocereus, Echinocereus, Haageocereus, Hylocereus, Jasminocereus, Leptocereus, Micranthocereus, Pachycereus, Peniocereus, Oreocereus, Pilosocereus, Pygmaeocereus, Rauhocereus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus, Weberbauerocereus, Trichocereus. [more]

Platyopuntia

[more]

Polaskia

Polaskia (named after amateur Charles Polaski) is a genus of tree-like cacti reaching 4-5 m high, comprising 2 species. Both present primitive characteristics, but Polaskia chichipe is nearer to Myrtillocactus while Polaskia chende is nearer to Stenocereus. The genus is found in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. [more]

Porfiria

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Praecereus

Praecereus is of cactus. It is sometimes included in the genus Cereus. [more]

Pseudoacanthocereus

Pseudoacanthocereus is a of cacti. [more]

Pseudoespostoa

Espostoa is a of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500 m . Its fruit is sweet juicy and edible. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima. [more]

Pseudolobivia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Pseudomammillaria

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Pseudomitrocereus

Neobuxbaumia is a genus of cacti. [more]

Pseudonopalxochia

Disocactus is genus of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Pseudopilocereus

Pilosocereus (from , "hairy cereus") is a genus of cactus. Pilosocereus pachycladus(=Pilosocerus azureus) is a beautiful cactus with a light blue color, with hairy areoles that emit golden spines. [more]

Pseudorhipsalis

Pseudorhipsalis is of cacti. This genus is often included in Disocactus. [more]

Pseudozygocactus

[more]

Pterocactus

Pterocactus (from Greek pteron, "wing", referring to the saucer-shaped seed of these plants) is a genus of the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising 9 species. All Pterocactus have tuberous roots and are endemic to South and Western Argentina. The genus has been given its own tribe, the Pterocacteae. [more]

Pterocereus

Pachycereus is a of 9-12 species of large cacti, native to Mexico and just into southern Arizona, USA. They form large shrubs or small trees up to 5-15 m or more tall, with stout stems up to 1 m diameter. [more]

Puebloa

[more]

Puna

Puna has several meanings. [more]

Pygmaeocereus

Pygmaeocereus is a of diminutive cacti (family Cactaceae). These species generally do not reaching more than 4 inches high, produce a large tuberous root system and scented night flowers. [more]

Pyrrhocactus

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Quiabentia

Quiabentia is a genus of cacti, closely related to Pereskiopsis. [more]

Rapicactus

Turbinicarpus is a genus of very small to medium-sized cacti, which inhabit the north-eastern regions of Mexico, in particular the states of San Luis Potos?, Guanajuato, Nuevo Le?n, Quer?taro, Hidalgo, Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. [more]

Rathbunia

Stenocereus (Gk. stenos, narrow , L. cereus ,candle) is a genus of columnar or tree-like cacti from the Baja California Peninsula and other parts of Mexico, Arizona in the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera. A close relative is the peculiar or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. [more]

Rathburnia

[more]

Rauhocereus

Rauhocereus is a of cacti (family Cactaceae) with nocturnal flowers. It is known from northern Peru (Rio Santa, Rio Zana, Chamaya and Jaen). [more]

Rebulobivia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Rebutia

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Reicheocactus

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Rhipsalidopsis

Rhipsalis is a of epiphytic, mostly spineless cacti. They are typically known as mistletoe cacti. The scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek term for wickerwork, referring to the plants' habitus. [more]

Rhipsalis

Rhispsalis

[more]

Rhodocactus

Pereskia is a genus of about 25 tropical species and varieties of cacti that do not look much like other types of cacti, having substantial leaves and thin stems. They originate from the region between Brazil and Mexico. The genus is named after Nicolas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, a 16th century French botanist, which also has been given its own subfamily Pereskioideae. Members of this genus are usually referred to as lemon vines, rose cacti or leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Epiphyllum. [more]

Rimacactus

[more]

Ritterocactus

[more]

Ritterocereus

Stenocereus (Gk. stenos, narrow , L. cereus ,candle) is a genus of columnar or tree-like cacti from the Baja California Peninsula and other parts of Mexico, Arizona in the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera. A close relative is the peculiar or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. [more]

Rodentiophila

Eriosyce is a genus of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Roseocactus

Ariocarpus is a genus of 8 species of succulent, subtropical plants of the Cactaceae family. [more]

Salpingolobivia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Samaipaticereus

Samaipaticereus corroanus is a of cactus and the sole species of the genus Samaipaticereus. It is known only from East Andean Bolivia. [more]

Schlumbergera

Schlumbergera is a small genus of cactus with six species from the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats which are generally shady with high humidity and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. Most species of Schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf-like pads joined one to the other and flowers which appear from areoles at the joints and tips of the stems. Two species have cylindrical stems more similar to other cacti. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. [more]

Schlumbergia

Sclerocactus

Sclerocactus ("hard cactus", from Greek) is a genus of cacti. These species are very xerophytic. These cacti are sometimes called 'fishhook' or 'mini barrels'. They have rigid stems with ribs and are covered with spiny, hooked needles that come out of the aeroles. These plants can often be found in higher elevation deserts such as the Colorado Plateau or the Great Basin. They are well suited to extremes due to very hot summers and below freezing winters. [more]

Selenicereus

Shrubs, vinelike, scandent, terrestrial, hemi-epiphytic, epiphytic, or epipetric, sparingly to abundantly branched, branches clustered at nodes. Roots diffuse or adventitious along stems. Stems segmented or unsegmented, usually bright green or bluish green to purplish, slender cylindric [flattened and leaflike in some epiphytic species], 100-500 × 0.8-5[-30] cm, glabrous; ribs [3-]4-8[-12] [or 2-winged in some epiphytic species], prominent and acute to low and rounded, rib crests straight to somewhat undulate [toothed, notched, or if stems winged and leaflike, then conspicuously lobed]; areoles [10-]15-25[-60] mm apart along ribs, small, orbicular, woolly with short white hairs, areolar glands absent; cortex thin and somewhat mucilaginous in thicker stems, pith usually not mucilaginous. Spines 1-18 per areole [absent on adult stems of epiphytic species], yellow, blackish, or brown [white, greenish, or reddish], lateral on stems, bristles hairlike, acicular, or conic, 1-15[-20] mm, soft to hard; radial spines [0-]1-18, straight to twisted, usually more slender and flexible than central spines; central spines [0-]1[-4] per areole, often not distinguishable from radials, straight [to bent], 1[-15] mm. Flowers nocturnal, lateral on stems, often fragrant, with long tube [tube essentially absent in S. innesii], funnelform to salverform, 12-40 × 8-20 cm; outer tepals usually widely spreading when fully open, yellow, orange, brownish, or greenish [to red or purple], linear to narrowly oblanceolate; inner tepals ascending to spreading when fully open, white [rarely colored], broad; areoles minutely scaly (scales absent in S. spinulosus) with hairs and bristles or spines; spines acicular or flexible, hairlike; stigma lobes 10-20, white to yellowish, usually long. Fruits usually red, spheric or oblong to ovoid, 5-9 cm, fleshy, hairs and bristles deciduous; scales, if present, minute, not conspicuous. Seeds black, ovoid to reniform, shiny. x = 11.^[2] [more]

Seleniphyllum

[more]

Seticereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Seticleistocactus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Setirebutia

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Siccobaccatus

Micranthocereus is genus of cactus. It originates from Brazil and includes 10 species. [more]

Soehrensia

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Solisia

The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 171 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. [more]

Spegazzinia

Spegazzinia is a genus of mitosporic Ascomycota. The widely distributed genus contains seven species. This genus is somewhat related to other lobed or ornamented genera such as Candelabrum. No information is available regarding health effects or toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. Spegazzinia is usually identified on samples where it is seen every few weeks (spores have very distinctive morphology). It may also be found in air by culturable (Andersen) samples if a long enough incubation period is provided so that sporulation occurs. Laboratories have never found this organism growing on indoor environmental surfaces. Natural habitat includes soil and many kinds of trees and plants.^{[citation needed]} [more]

Stenocactus

Stenocactus is a of cacti. [more]

Stenocereus

Stenocereus (Gk. stenos, narrow , L. cereus ,candle) is a genus of columnar or tree-like cacti from the Baja California Peninsula and other parts of Mexico, Arizona in the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and the ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean. The genus has been enlarged by the addition of species from several other genera. A close relative is the peculiar or chende cactus, Polaskia chende. [more]

Stephanocereus

Stephanocereus is of cactus from Brazil, related to Arrojadoa. This genus was monotypic until Pilosocereus luetzelburgii was included here, resulting in the combination Stephanocereus luetzelburgii. [more]

Sternocereus

[more]

Stetsonia

Stetsonia is a genus of cactus, with the sole species Stetsonia coryne, the toothpick cactus. The plant originates from the low northwest deserts of Argentina and Bolivia. [more]

Stromatocactus

Ariocarpus is a genus of 8 species of succulent, subtropical plants of the Cactaceae family. [more]

Strombocactus

Strombocactus disciformis is a rare of cacti and the only species of the genus Strombocactus. The plant originates from Central and Northeast Mexico. [more]

Strophocactus

Submatucana

Oreocereus is a of cacti (family Cactaceae), known only from high altitudes of the Andes. Its name was formed from Greek and means "mountain cereus". [more]

Subpilocereus

A cereus is a plant form of from subfamilies Cactoideae. It is characterisic by very prolonged bodies. It is also a used as name of genus of cactus or part of name of others genera, par example Armatocereus, Arthrocereus, Cephalocereus, Echinocereus, Haageocereus, Hylocereus, Jasminocereus, Leptocereus, Micranthocereus, Pachycereus, Peniocereus, Oreocereus, Pilosocereus, Pygmaeocereus, Rauhocereus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus, Weberbauerocereus, Trichocereus. [more]

Sulcorebutia

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Tacinga

Tacinga is a in the cactus family Cactaceae, native to northeast Brazil (from northeast Minas Gerais to southern Rio Grande do Norte, including Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco and Paraíba). Once thought to be monotypic, the genus now comprises 6 species. [more]

Tephrocactus

Tephrocactus (from tephra, "ash", referring to the color of these plants' epidermis) is a genus of the cactus family (Cactaceae). [more]

Terecaulis

[more]

Thelocactus

Thelocactus is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. Members of the genus are native to the arid lands of Central and Northern Mexico. [more]

Thelocephala

Eriosyce is a of cacti native to Chile. [more]

Thrixanthocereus

Espostoa is a of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500 m . Its fruit is sweet juicy and edible. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima. [more]

Torreycactus

[more]

Toumeya

Sclerocactus ("hard ", from Greek) is a genus of cacti. These species are very xerophytic. These cacti are sometimes called 'fishhook' or 'mini barrels'. They have rigid stems with ribs and are covered with spiny, hooked needles that come out of the aeroles. These plants can often be found in higher elevation deserts such as the Colorado Plateau or the Great Basin. They are well suited to extremes due to very hot summers and below freezing winters. [more]

Trichocereus

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. [more]

Trochilocactus

Disocactus is genus of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Tunas

Tuna are a group of ocean fishes from the family Scombridae, particularly of the genus Thunnus. Tuna are fast swimmers, and some species are capable of speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph). Unlike most fish, which have white flesh, the muscle tissue of tuna ranges from pink to dark red. The red coloration derives from myoglobin, an oxygen-binding molecule, which tuna express in quantities far higher than most other fish. Some larger tuna species, such as bluefin tuna, display some warm-blooded adaptations, and can raise their body temperatures above water temperatures by means of muscular activity. This enables them to survive in cooler waters and to inhabit a wider range of ocean environments than other types of fish. [more]

Tunilla

Tunilla is a genus of the cactus family (Cactaceae). [more]

Turbinicarpus

Turbinicarpus is a genus of very small to medium-sized cacti, which inhabit the north-eastern regions of Mexico, in particular the states of San Luis Potos?, Guanajuato, Nuevo Le?n, Quer?taro, Hidalgo, Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. [more]

Uebelmannia

Uebelmannia is of cactus. [more]

Utahia

Vatricania

Espostoa is a of columnar cacti, comprising 16 species known from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Peru. It usually lives at an altitude of between 800m and 2500 m . Its fruit is sweet juicy and edible. The genus is named after Nicolas E. Esposto, a renowned botanist from Lima. [more]

Weberbauerocereus

Weberbauerocereus is a of ceroid cactus, considered to be intermediate between the genera Trichocereus and Cleistocactus. The genus is named after August Weberbauer because of his extensive research in the Peruvian Andes. [more]

Weberocereus

Weberocereus is genus of cacti. It produces a green and white flower and is found mainly in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. [more]

Weingartia

Rebutia K. Schum. is a genus in the family Cactaceae, native to Bolivia and Argentina. [more]

Werckleocereus

Weberocereus is genus of cacti. It produces a green and white flower and is found mainly in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. [more]

Wigginsia

Parodia is a of cacti. This genus has about 50 species, ranging from small globose plants to 1-m tall columnar cacti. [more]

Wilcoxia

Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species from the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny rocky places. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible. [more]

Wilmattea

Winteria

A Genus in the Kingdom unknown!.^[3] [more]

Winterocereus

Cleistocactus is a genus of columnar cacti from Peru, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina. The name comes from the Greek kleistos meaning closed because the flowers hardly open. [more]

Wittia

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

Wittiocactus

Disocactus is of epiphytic cacti from Mexico to South America. It should not be confused with Discocactus, which is another genus. [more]

X Pachgerocereus

Xpacherocactus

[more]

Yavia

Yavia cryptocarpa is a species of cactus (family Cactaceae) and the only species of the newly discovered genus Yavia. The genus is named after Argentina's department Yavi, Jujuy province, where the plant is endemic to sparsely vegatated rocky slopes. The plant is also sometimes put in the tribe Trichocereeae. The species 'cryptocarpa' refers to the plant being a cryptocarp. This means that the fruits are formed inside the plant's body, thus being only visible when the plant shrinks in the drought period. [more]

Yungasocereus

Yungasocereus inquisivensis is a species of cactus native to Bolivia, the sole member of its genus, Yungasocereus. [more]

Zehntnerella

Facheiroa is a of cacti, comprising 8 species in 2 subgenera (Facheiroa and Zehntnerella). The genus is endemic to Brazil. [more]

Zygocactus

Schlumbergera is a small genus of cactus with six species from the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats which are generally shady with high humidity and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. Most species of Schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf-like pads joined one to the other and flowers which appear from areoles at the joints and tips of the stems. Two species have cylindrical stems more similar to other cacti. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. [more]

At least 9 species and subspecies belong to the Genus Zygocactus.

More info about the Genus Zygocactus may be found here.

References

Bibliography

• Anderson, E. F. 1986. A revision of the genus Neolloydia B. & R. (Cactaceae). Bradleya 4: 1-28.
• Hunt, D. R. 1989. Notes on Selenicereus (A. Berger) Britton & Rose and Aporocactus Lemaire (Cactaceae/Hylocereinae). Bradleya 7: 89-96.
• Hunt, D. R. and N. P. Taylor, eds. 1991. Notes on miscellaneous genera of Cactaceae. Bradleya 9: 81-92.

Footnotes

1. Allan D. Zimmerman & Bruce D. Parfitt "Neolloydia". in Flora of North America Vol. 4 Page 99, 193, 221, 237. Oxford University Press. Online at EFloras.org.
2. Michael W. Hawkes "Selenicereus". in Flora of North America Vol. 4 Page 96, 152, 176,. Oxford University Press. Online at EFloras.org.
3. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=118201

Sources

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