Stenocereus chacalapensis

Botanical Description

Stenocereus chacalapensis is a spiny, succulent, tree-like cactus with a well-defined trunk and a candelabra-like branching habit; it can grow around 10 - 15 metres tall. The numerous, long, erect stems are closely bunched,, individual stems are around 15cm in diameter[ 1987 Title The Cactus Family Publication Author Anderson E.F. Publisher Timber Press; Portland, Oregon Year 2001 ISBN 0-88192-498-9 Description An excellent work, giving botanical descriptions of virtually all the cacti, together with their range (but not their habitats) and sometimes also a photo. it also contains a long chapter detailing the many uses of cacti and another on cultivation.. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Stenocereus chacalapensis is known only from a very small population of less than 50 mature individuals, there are only three subpopulations known, each of which is very small, and there is continuing decline because only old mature plants are known and there are no signs of regeneration. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].