Cactaceae FAMILY Endangered

Melocactus lanssensianus

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Melocactus lanssensianus is a spiny, evergreen cactus, producing a single, depressed globose stem that can be up to 8cm tall and 14cm in diameter. Flowers are produced in a cephalium, a perennial structure up to 25mm high and 70mm in diameter that develops atop the adult cactus[ 1997 Title The genus Melocactus (Cactaceae) in Central and South America Publication Bradleya 9, 1991 pp 1-80 Author Taylor N.P. Publisher Year 1991 ISBN Description ] The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Melocactus lanssensianus has a very restricted range, being known from only two locations (although it may occur in intervening habitat) and there is a continuing decline in its habitat. 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. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeS. America - northeast Brazil (Pernambuco).

HabitatDry forest, in open spaces on and between granite outcrops; at elevations around 900 metres[ 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. , 1997 Title The genus Melocactus (Cactaceae) in Central and South America Publication Bradleya 9, 1991 pp 1-80 Author Taylor N.P. Publisher Year 1991 ISBN Description ].