Ariocarpus agavoides

Botanical Description

Ariocarpus agavoides is a very low-growing, succulent, evergreen plant with a rosette-like shape, growing from a large, fleshy taproot. The short, unbranched stem is around 3 - 8cm in diameter, and is often nearly buried in the ground[ 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. It is highly sought after by cactus enthusiasts as an ornamental, and is often illagally collected from the wild for horticulture[ 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. ]. The population of Ariocarpus agavoides is severely fragmented (although known from six locations). Even though the population is quite large and appears to be reproducing, there is a continuing decline in the overall population due to illegal collection for horticulture. The plant is classified as '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. ].