Rauhocereus is a monotypic genus of cacti (family Cactaceae). Its only species is Rauhocereus riosaniensis,[2] which has nocturnal flowers.[4] It is known from northern Peru (Rio Santa, Rio Zana, Chamaya and Jaén).
Rauhocereus | |
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Rauhocereus riosaniensis in cultivation | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
Tribe: | Cereeae |
Subtribe: | Trichocereinae |
Genus: | Rauhocereus Backeb.[2] |
Species: | R. riosaniensis |
Binomial name | |
Rauhocereus riosaniensis Backeb.[2] | |
Synonyms[3] | |
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Description
The mostly shrubby Rauhocereus riosaniensis, usually branching from the ground, often forms thickets up to 4 meters high. The upright, columnar shoots are bluish-green and have a diameter of 8 to 15 cm (3.1 to 5.9 in). The 5 to 6 ribs are broken up into many warts. 2 to 8 strong spines, up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long, emerge from the woolly areoles. The lower ones are initially reddish, the upper ones yellowish. Later all become greyish-white.
The bell-shaped flowers appear near the shoot tip. They open at night, are 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) long and have a diameter of up to 5 cm (2.0 in). The flower cup and the flower tube are covered with small scales and curly brown hairs.
The red, fleshy fruits are ovoid with a persistent flower rest. They contain small, ovoid, shiny black seeds.[5]
Taxonomy
The genus and its only species were first described in 1957 by Curt Backeberg.[2] As of October 2023[update], Plants of the World Online accepted two subspecies:[3]
- Rauhocereus riosaniensis subsp. jaenensis (Rauh) Ostolaza
- Rauhocereus riosaniensis subsp. riosaniensis
Distribution
Rauhocereus riosaniensis is found in northern Peru in the Amazonas and Cajamarca regions at altitudes of 500 to 1000 meters.[citation needed]
References
External links
Media related to Rauhocereus at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Rauhocereus at Wikispecies