Lophocereus marginatus

Botanical Description

Lophocereus marginatus is a spny, leafless, evergreen, tree-like cactus forming an erect stem 3 - 5 metres tall. This stem is usually, but not always, unbranched[ 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 medicine and source of materials. This species is often semi-domesticated in Mexico, where it is used to create living fences[ 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. ].. Although Lophocereus marginatus has a wide distribution, is very abundant and is tolerant of disturbance, most of the range and population is not the original wild native species. The species has been introduced to many parts of Mexico and it has subsequently become naturalized and these populations are likely increasing and spreading. It is impossible to distinguish introduced and naturalized plants from truly wild plants, hence there is no detailed information on the extent and quality of the wild range. Although the wild species, in a general sense, would be considered 'Least Concern', the plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' 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. ].