Discocactus

Discocactus
Discocactus
Discocactus bahiensis (lower left)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Discocactus
Pfeiff.
Species

Discocactus albispinus
Discocactus bahiensis
Discocactus catingicola
Discocactus ferricola
Discocactus heptacanthus
Discocactus horstii
Discocactus placentiformis
Discocactus pseudoinsignis
Discocactus silicicola
Discocactus woutersianus
Discocactus zehntneri
etc.

Discocactus is a genus of tropical cactus. The name comes from the ancient Greek "diskos" (=disc) because of its shape. Discocactus plants are endemic to southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and northern Paraguay. These species are in the risk of extinction in the wild.

The plants have a slightly flattened spherical shape. Areoles bear sharp spines. At the apex of the adult plants, appeared a woolish cephalium white ot z little bit yellow or grey. On the sides of the cephalium appear white nocturnous flowers. Fruits are pink or red. They contains black seeds.

Bibliography

  • Edward F. Anderson : The Cactus Family. Timber Press: Portland (Oregon), 2001, p. 218-221 ISBN 0-88192-498-9
  • N. L. Britton, J. N. Rose: The Cactaceae. Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family. Washington, 1920


External links