Cactaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Pilosocereus alensis

Edibility

3/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Pilosocereus alensis is a spiny, succulent shrubby or tree-like cactus wth columnar stems. It branches from near the base, usually growing from 2 - 6 metres tall with erect stems up to 12cm in diameter[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. , 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 commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food[ 1981 Title Rio Mayo Plants - A study of the flora and vegetation of the valley of the Rio Mayo, Sonora Publication Author Gentry H.S. Publisher Carnegie Institution of Washington; Washington DC Year 1942 ISBN Description One of my favourite authors on native plants, often including their uses. This is an excellent example with lots of information, even though the book is 80 years old. ]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in semi-arid regions[ 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. ]. Pilosocereus alensis is a widespread and abundant species with stable populations despite the increasing number of 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. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeSouthwest N. America - western Mexico Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Sonora, ?Chihuahua and ?Durango

HabitatHeavily wooded rocky slopes[ 1981 Title Rio Mayo Plants - A study of the flora and vegetation of the valley of the Rio Mayo, Sonora Publication Author Gentry H.S. Publisher Carnegie Institution of Washington; Washington DC Year 1942 ISBN Description One of my favourite authors on native plants, often including their uses. This is an excellent example with lots of information, even though the book is 80 years old. ] Tropical deciduous forests; at elevations from 500 - 800 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. ].