Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum

Botanical Description

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is a large, spiny, succulent, tree-like cactus with a central trunk crowned with up to 40 erect columnar stems, giving the plant a somewhat candelabra-like form. It usually grows 5 - 11 metres tall (occasionally to 15 metres) with a bole that can be 2 metres high and up to 20 - 40cm in diameter[ 411 Title Trees and Shrubs of Mexico Publication Contributions from the United States National Herbarium Vol 23 Author Standley P.C. Publisher Smithsonian Institution; Washington Year 1926 ISBN Description Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet. , 1986 Title Taxonomic Revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae) Publication Systematic Botany, 34(1):68-83. 2009 Author Arias S. & Terrazas T. Website http:// http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1600/036364409787602384 Publisher Year 2009 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive paper, it also lists plant uses. , 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, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental and can be used to make hedges[ 1986 Title Taxonomic Revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae) Publication Systematic Botany, 34(1):68-83. 2009 Author Arias S. & Terrazas T. Website http:// http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1600/036364409787602384 Publisher Year 2009 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive paper, it also lists plant uses. ]. Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum is threatened in some areas by coastal development for tourism and urban expansion. However, the species has a wide range, is abundant, occurs within many protected areas and on a global level has no major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[ 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. ].