Turbinicarpus valdezianus
Species of cactus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Turbinicarpus valdezianus is a plant species in the Cactaceae family.[3]
| Turbinicarpus valdezianus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Turbinicarpus |
| Species: | T. valdezianus |
| Binomial name | |
| Turbinicarpus valdezianus (H.Moeller) Glass & R.C.Foster | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
Turbinicarpus valdezianus, one of the smallest and slowest-growing plants in its genus, has tiny feathery spines that obscure its body. While it is usually found growing solitary, it can occasionally form clumps. When young, this plant has spherical stems that later become cylindrical with a narrower base and short, spirally arranged tubercles. The plumose spination entirely covers the apex. About half of the plant is underground, supported by a substantial taproot. These plants typically reach 3–5 cm in height and 1–2 cm in diameter. They are adorned with 25-30 dense, feathery, white spines, each measuring around 0.5 mm long and spreading flat around the areoles.[4]
In the spring, Turbinicarpus valdezianus produces 1-5 flowers that open during the day at the plant's apex. It is found scattered in small populations across various locations. The color of its flowers varies from pinkish-white to bright pink, with darker magenta or reddish-brown midveins.[4]
Distribution
This species thrives in the Chihuahuan Desert and Meseta Central matorral of Mexico, ranging from Saltillo in the state of Coahuila to nearly Matehuala in San Luis Potosí, at 1400 to 1600 meters elevation. It is threatened by habitat loss.
