Leucostele terscheckii

Botanical Description

Leucostele terscheckii is a spiny, evergreen, succulent, columnar cactus. A tree-like plant, becoming many-branched with age, with several erect columnar branches. It can grow 10 - 12 metres tall with distinct trunks to 45cm in diameter. The stems are cylindrical, around 10 - 20cm 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.. ] This species is intensively used within its local range as a source of materials for purposes such as construction and arts and crafts[ 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. ]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in landscaping[ 423 Title Desert Tropicals Publication Author Website http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation. ]. Leucostele terscheckii has a relatively wide range, but the populations are steadily declining. The habitat where this species grows is affected by agriculture and urbanization. Furthermore, the species is harvested for its wood and is utilized for other purposes. It is estimated that the population has been reduced by at least 30% over the last 30 years (generation length is 10 years) due to habitat loss and use. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' 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. ].