Harrisia eriophora is a species of cactus found in Cuba.

Harrisia eriophora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Harrisia
Species:
H. eriophora
Binomial name
Harrisia eriophora

Description edit

Harrisia eriophora grows shrubby and often forms dense groups with upright, arching or spreading shoots with heights of 3 to 5 meters. The initially bright green shoots later become dark green. They have diameters of up to 4 centimeters and more. There are eight to twelve prominent ribs, which are deeply indented between them. The six to 13 needle-like, light brown, gray or yellow spines have a darker tip and are 2 to 4 centimeters long.

The flowers reach a length of 12 to 18 centimeters. Its flower tube is covered with a few scales and long, white hairs. The obovate to spherical, yellow to dull red fruits are edible. They have a diameter of up to 6 centimeters[2]

Distribution edit

Harrisia eriophora is widespread in the United States in the state of Florida and in Cuba.

Taxonomy edit

The first description as Cereus eriophorus was made in 1837 by Ludwig Georg Karl Pfeiffer.[3] The specific epithet eriophora means 'wool-bearing'. Nathaniel Lord Britton placed the species in the genus Harrisia in 1909.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ Kew), Nigel Taylor (RBG; Nacional, Duniel Barrios (Jardín Botánico; Habana, Universidad de La (2011-07-25). "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  2. ^ Anderson, Edward F.; Eggli, Urs (2005). Das grosse Kakteen-Lexikon (in German). Stuttgart (Hohenheim): Ulmer. p. 338. ISBN 3-8001-4573-1.
  3. ^ Pfeiffer, Ludwig Georg Karl (1837). Enumeratio diagnostica cactearum hucusque cognitarum /auctore Ludovico Pfeiffer. Berolini: L. Oehmigke. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.15207.
  4. ^ Club., Torrey Botanical (1908). "Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club". Torrey Botanical Club. Retrieved 2023-11-28.

External links edit