Endemic Cactus Research Articles

Complete genome sequence of Cellulomonas sp. strain ATA003.

The Gram-positive, rod-shaped endophytic bacterium Cellulomonas sp. strain ATA003 was isolated from the endemic cactus Maihueniopsis domeykoensis seeds collected in the Coastal Atacama Desert, Chile. Here, we present a circular genome with a size of 4,084,881 bp and a GC content of 73.8% obtained by Nanopore sequencing.

Distribución geográfica y estado de conservación del cactus endémico <i>Austrocylindropuntia pachypus</i> y nuevos registros para el sur del Perú

Austrocylindropuntia pachypus (K.Schum.) Backeb. it is an endemic cactus whose distribution was restricted to the western slopes of La Libertad, Ancash, Lima; and based on botanical expeditions through the Andean foothills of Ica, new records are reported with reduced populations of A. pachypus, which makes it possible to extend its known distribution to southern Peru by more than 260 km; in addition, based on 35 georeferenced records, information is presented on their locations, populations, potential distribution, habitats, threats, and the conservation status was analyzed. The potential distribution model shows high predictive or suitability levels with AUC values = 0.96 based on seven climatic variables (Bio17, Bio2 and Bio7 being the ones with the greatest contribution), with the departments with the highest suitability values being: Lima, Ancash, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Huancavelica and Ica. The localities where they are most concentrated and in turn are seriously disturbed by anthropogenic activities are the valleys of the Chillon river (Santa Rosa de Quives - Canta) and Rimac (Santa Eulalia - Huarochiri) in Lima; due to this, almost 70% of the records and populations of A. pachypus are threatened by mining rights, hydrocarbon extraction, overgrazing, and urban or agricultural expansion, which increases the fragmentation of their habitats and isolates the few populations of A. pachypus, therefore, it is proposed to categorize this endemic cactus as Endangered (EN).

Novel cercozoan and heterolobosean protists from the rhizosphere and phyllosphere of two endemic cacti from the Atacama Desert

Cercozoans and heterolobose amoebae are found across terrestrial habitats where they feed on other unicellular microbes, including bacteria, fungi and microalgae. They constitute a significant fraction of soil ecosystems and are integral members of plant microbiota. Here, we present the results on the isolation of protozoans from the rhizosphere and phyllosphere of Browningia candelaris (Meyen) in the Andean Altiplano and Eulychnia taltalensis (F. Ritter) from the Coastal Cordillera of the Atacama Desert, both endemic to this ancient desert. We identified a new heterolobose amoeba species of the genus Allovahlkampfia isolated from cactus soil, three new species of the different glissomonad genera Allapsa, Neoheteromita, Neocercomonas and one new thecofilosean amoeba of the genus Rhogostoma isolated from the phyllosphere of one studied cactus. In addition, one bacterivorous flagellate was isolated from cactus spines and identified as a member of the non-scaled imbricatean family Spongomonadidae (Spongomonas). The isolation of protists from cactus spines extends the knowledge on the habitat ranges of taxa typically found on plant leaves or soils. The molecular data presented here is a prerequisite for further investigations on the ecology and diversity of protists including next-generation sequencing of microhabitats in plants and the rhizosphere, allowing for deeper taxonomic classification.

Mixed mating system and spatial structure assure high reproductive rate of an endangered and endemic cactus

Mixed mating system and spatial structure assure high reproductive rate of an endangered and endemic cactus

Looking for non-hermaphrodite cacti: multidisciplinary studies in Gymnocalycium bruchii endemic to central Argentina.

Through a multidisciplinary study we found that Gymnocalycium bruchii, an endemic cactus from central Argentina, acts as a dioecious species, which is the first record in this genus. Cactaceae species are typically hermaphroditic; however, about 2% have other different reproductive systems. These non-hermaphroditic species may develop sexual dimorphism in flowers or other reproductive, vegetative or ecological traits, besides a specific breeding system and floral ontogeny. Therefore, multidisciplinary research is necessary to fully understand reproduction in those species. For this purpose, we studied Gymnocalicium bruchii, a globose cactus endemic to central Argentina that is presumably dioecious or gynodioecious. We made observations in two natural and two cultivated populations. We made morphological observations of plants and flowers, and performed quantitative analyses to determine the sex ratio, size of plants and flowers, flower production, fruiting, among other variables. We performed hand-pollination, self-fertilization and free-pollination tests to determine the breeding system. Finally, we studied the anatomy and ontogeny of the reproductive organs using permanent histological slides of flower morphs at different stages. Our results confirm that Gymnocalicium bruchii is a dioecious species. Female flowers have atrophied anthers and a functional gynoecium that produces fruits and seeds. Male flowers are bigger and have a functional androecium but a sterile gynoecium. In the cultivated population, the sex ratio was 1/1, whereas the number of male individuals was higher in both natural populations. Pollination tests corroborated dioecy. Ontogenetic studies revealed that in female flowers the anthers collapse before microspore maturation, while in male flowers the gynoecium shows normal development of the ovary, style, stigma, and ovules; however, the latter are never fertilized.

×Cylindronia, a New Nothogenus Representing the First Reported Hybrid Between Grusonia and Cylindropuntia (Cactaceae)

The rare Baja California Sur endemic cactus Grusonia robertsii was originally hypothesized to be an intergeneric hybrid between G. invicta and Cylindropuntia alcahes subsp. alcahes but was described as a Grusonia due to its overall closer resemblance to G. invicta, except in the fruit. A more comprehensive analysis of the morphology and phylogenetic placement of G. robertsii based on plastid and nrDNA sequences has revealed that Rebman's original hypothesis was correct, and this taxon represents the first documented intergeneric hybrid between Cylindropuntia and Grusonia, with G. invicta as the maternal parent and C. alcahes subsp. alcahes as the paternal contributor. We here describe a new nothogenus, ×Cylindronia, and provide a new combination for the nothospecies ×Cylindronia robertsii comb. nov.

Genomic and ecological evidence shed light on the recent demographic history of two related invasive insects

Hypogeococcus pungens is a species complex native to southern South America that is composed of at least five putative species, each one specialized in the use of different host plants. Two of these undescribed species were registered as invasive in Central and North America: Hyp-C is a cactophagous mealybug that became an important pest that threatens endemic cactus species in Puerto Rico, and Hyp-AP feeds on Amaranthaceae and Portulacaceae hosts, but does not produce severe damage to the host plants. We quantified genomic variation and investigated the demographic history of both invasive species by means of coalescent-based simulations using high throughput sequencing data. We also evaluated the incidence of host plant infestation produced by both species and used an ecological niche modeling approach to assess potential distribution under current and future climatic scenarios. Our genetic survey evinced the footprints of strong effective population size reduction and signals of genetic differentiation among populations within each species. Incidence of plant attacks varied between species and among populations within species, with some host plant species preferred over others. Ecological niche modeling suggested that under future climatic scenarios both species would expand their distribution ranges in Puerto Rico. These results provide valuable information for the design of efficient management and control strategies of the Puerto Rican cactus pest and shed light on the evolutionary pathways of biological invasions.

Anatomical variations related to water conduction in viviparous and non-viviparous seedlings of Echinocactus platyacanthus (Cactaceae)

Vivipary is the germination of seeds within a fruit before they are shed from the parent plant. It occurs in a broad range of habitats and species, including cacti under harsh environmental conditions. Thus, an anatomical differentiation involving high water conduction is expected in viviparous cactus seedlings under water deficit stress. Wide-band tracheids (WBTs) have evolved under drought conditions for better water conduction. We have hypothesized that viviparous seedlings will develop larger and wider WBTs and vessel elements than non-viviparous seedlings with less water access. Thus, the length and diameter of WBTs and vessel elements in Echinocactus platyacanthus, a Mexican endemic cactus, were measured in: 1) non-viviparous seedlings (N-V; from fruits without germinated seeds inside), 2) non-viviparous seedlings from viviparous plant (N-V-V; from fruits without germinated seeds belonging to a plant with at least one fruit with germinated seeds), and 3) viviparous seedlings (V-V, from fruits that contained at least one germinated seed inside). These seedlings were grown under three osmotic potentials (0, −0.2, and −0.4 MPa) treatments. The longest WBT was found for V-V seedlings at 0 and −0.2 MPa. The vessel length was longest for V-V seedlings at −0.2 MPa, and the vessel diameter was biggest for N-V seedlings at −0.2 MPa. The vessel diameter/length ratio was lowest for V-V seedlings at −0.2 and -0.4 MPa. Our findings suggest that viviparous seedlings might have more efficient water conduction than non-viviparous ones, which may increase the possibilities of survivorship of wild E. platyacanthus populations and contributes to their natural regeneration in arid environments.

A report on the extinction of a population of Coleocephalocereus pluricostatus Buining & Brederoo due to ecological imbalance

Coleocephalocereus pluricostatus is an endemic cactus from eastern Brazil that occurs on naked gneiss/granite inselbergs in the Atlantic Forest biome. Here we report the extinction of a population of C. pluricostatus and the rapid decline of other populations of the species in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil due to cochineal insects, diseases and mining operations. We offer some hypotheses to explain this dramatic decline and suggestions for monitoring the populations.

Nutritional Potential and Bioactive Compounds in Cereus jamacaru DC: An Multifaceted Cactus From Brazilian Semiarid

Cereus jamacaru DC. is an endemic cactus of the Brazilian semiarid region empirically used by humans for forage, food and medicinal purposes. In this paper, we characterize the physicochemical and phytochemical profile of the C. jamacaru cladode and fruits, outlining their nutritional implications. We evaluate the basic physicochemical characteristic of the fruits and the main classes of chemical compounds present in aqueous and ethanolic extracts from cladode, peel, and pulp of ripe and semi-ripe fruits through qualitatively and quantitatively methods. We analyze the data through descriptive statistics and variance analysis. The fruits have appropriate pH, acidity, and total soluble solid levels for the fruit processing industry and fresh consumption. We identified the presence of saponins, tannins, flavones, flavonols, and xanthones in all samples, but alkaloids and steroids were both detected in cladodes exclusively. The phenolic compound and flavonoid contents vary according to the extraction method and sample class. The cladodes and pulp of ripe fruits have the highest flavonoid levels, while the content of phenolic compounds had a high level in peels of ripe and semi-ripe fruits. The presence of these bioactive compounds implies that C. jamacaru products have relevant pharmacological interest and functionality for human (fruits) and domestic ruminant (cladodes) food. These applications can boost the agricultural-economic exploration of C. jamacaru and contribute to income generation, and improve human and animal nutrition.

Carbon Dots from Pilosocereus gounellei for Fluorimetric Determination of Tannin in Tea Using a Flow-Batch System

In this study, xiquexique (Pilosocereus gounellei) native endemic cactus from the Brazilian semiarid was used for the first time as a natural carbon source (“green precursor”) for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). These CDs were successfully used to develop a fast, low-cost, eco-friendly fluorescence method for the determination of tannins in teas. This method was automatized employing a flow-batch system coupled to an inexpensive ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) used as an excitation source and a cheap handheld spectrometer used as a detector. CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The proposed method presented a linear range from 2.0-30.0 mg L−1, relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.0%, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.102 mg L–1, and recovery rates from 90.5-109.1%. A paired t-test at a 95% confidence level indicated no statistically significant difference between the proposed and reference methods, revealing that it is a useful alternative for the determination of tannins.

Geographic distribution and conservation status of Eulychnia ritteri Cullmann (Cactaceae), an endemic cactus from southern Peru

Eulychnia ritteri is endemic to Peru, restricted to the northern coast of the department of Arequipa. The lack of knowledge of this species, and threats such as human activities and climate change, put the populations at risk. In this research, we examined the geographical distribution and conservation status of E. ritteri in the coastal area of the Caravelí province. In addition, the population structure and phenology in the Quebrada Vizcachani population were evaluated using plots of 10x100 m. Data on the accompanying flora and local fauna were also obtained. Eulychnia ritteri showed five populations distributed from 15°43’ to 15°47’S, with a total area of 63.62 ha (0.63 km2). The Quebrada Vizcachani population is the largest (24.5 ha) and the Cementerio population the smallest (0.018 ha). The population density evaluated is 0.06 ind/m2, where seedlings, juveniles, adults, and dead plants were 3.61, 24.09, 56.63 and 15.67% respectively. The phenology was asynchronous, the flower buds, flowers and fruits appear in the same period. The flowers and fruits were food for insects and rodents respectively, and 18 accompanying species have been recorded. Finally, E. ritteri is categorised as endangered (EN), given its geographical distribution and identified threats.

The Physiological Effect of a Holoparasite Over a Cactus Along an Environmental Gradient.

Echinopsis chiloensis is an endemic cactus from Chile, distributed in a temperature and rainfall gradient between 30° and 35° South latitude, with mean temperatures increasing and precipitation decreasing toward the north. It is the main host of the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus, a holoparasite completely dependent on the cactus for water, carbon, and minerals. In this study, we investigated the consequences of parasitism over the fitness and physiology of this cactus throughout its distribution range and how it is affected by the environment. We measured five functional traits in eight populations latitudinally distributed, the first three only for the host: reproductive fitness, stomatal traits (density and size), and photosynthesis (during winter and summer); and the last two for the host and parasite: stable isotopes (∂13C and ∂15N), and nutrients (carbon and nitrogen content). The results showed a negative effect of parasitism over fitness of infected cacti. However, the higher nitrogen concentrations in cactus tissues toward the south improved overall fitness. Regarding photosynthesis, we only observed a negative effect of parasitism during the dry season (summer), which is also negatively affected by the increase in summer temperatures and decrease in winter rainfall toward the north. There were no differences in nutrient concentration or in the isotopic signature of healthy and infected cacti. Conversely, we observed a higher carbon and lower nitrogen concentration in mistletoes than in cacti regardless of latitude. The loss of temperature seasonality toward the north increases the C:N ratio, and the values between the parasite and its host diverge. ∂15N was similar between parasites and hosts while ∂13C of the parasite was enriched when compared to its host. Overall, the infection by T. aphyllus affects Echinopsis chiloensis fitness but showed no strong effects over the cactus physiology, except for the summer photosynthesis. Therefore, our data revealed that E. chiloensis response to T. aphyllus infection is sensitive to environmental changes in a way that could be strongly impacted by the desertification projected for this area due to climate change.

Factors affecting germination and establishment success of an endemic cactus of the Chihuahuan Desert

Seeds and seedlings are the most critical stages of cacti life cycles. From the thousands of seeds produced in a reproductive season, only a small fraction successfully germinate, the rest are lost to predation, go dormant, and remain viable in the seed bank, or lose viability. These early stages often depend on facilitation by nurse plants for germination and seedling recruitment. We aim to prescribe actions for the conservation of Cephalocereus polylophus by improving recruitment in the population. The viability of seeds with different storage times was evaluated as an indicator of their potential to form a short-term seed bank. Through the analysis of seed germination and seedling survival under the canopy of two nurse plant species and open areas, we assessed the importance of facilitation for recruitment. A predator exclusion experiment evaluated the intensity of granivory and herbivory on seedlings of different ages. Seeds had germination rates above 90% under laboratory conditions, even after 2 years of storage. Seed germination was only registered under one of the two nurses and after 2 years, up to 4% of the seedlings planted under both nurse plants survived. Age and protection against herbivores increased seedlings survival. Facilitation and age are crucial for the recruitment of C. polylophus, and future conservation programs should include the protection of plant communities and the introduction of seedlings instead of seeds.

Effect of imbibition treatments on the germination of Stenocereus zopilotensis (Cactaceae) native from Guerrero, Mexico

The prickly pear cactus “tuna pelona” (Stenocereus zopilotensis), is an endemic cactus species from the state of Guerrero, Mexico, it develops in semi-arid areas and has great ecological importance as it houses and forms part of the diet of multiple species in its niche. There is a constant threat to natural populations of this species due to the overexploitation of seedling collections in the f ield by unregulated trade. In order to design an alternative for the conservation management of these species, the objective of the work was to evaluate treatments for the imbibition of “hairless tuna” seeds to promote germination and the successful establishment of seedlings with economic technologies for the farmers of the area. Fruits of "tuna pelona" (S. zopilotensis) were collected, near the community of Xalitla, municipality of Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, Guerrero; the seeds were stored for 70 and 273 days after collection (dac) at room temperature in order to maintain adequate conditions for the conservation of viability until reaching dormancy. In the stored seeds, the effect of soaking treatments was evaluated: 0, 6, 12, 24 and 12 hours in water plus another treatment that consisted of immersion in a plant-based hormonal stimulant. The germination percentage per treatment was evaluated, it was found that the control treatment (zero hours in water) of seeds stored at 70 dac only obtained 2.4% of germination. The treatment of soaking in water and in the hormonal stimulant both for 6 h presented the highest germination values with 48.6 and 44.4% respectively when using seeds of 273 dac at 14 days after the application of the treatments. These results will allow the massive production of seedlings of the species for reforestation and regional marketing purposes.

Pollen‐feeding bees in Uebelmannia pectinifera subsp. pectinifera – reproductive biology of an endemic cactus from the campo rupestre of eastern Brazil

Uebelmannia pectinifera Buining subsp. pectinifera (Cactaceae) is an endangered species endemic to quartzitic rocks in campo rupestre vegetation of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Understanding its reproductive biology and pollinators is needed for effective conservation planning for the species. The study took place in the Parque Nacional Sempre Vivas where 35 individuals were monitored. Analyses of floral morphology, pollen/ovule ratio, stigma receptivity and presence of osmophores were carried out, while observations of floral visitors were made and, according to their behavior, the potential pollinators were ascertained. The reproductive system of the plant was evaluated by means of manual self‐ and cross‐pollination and growth and morphology of pollen tubes were observed. The anthesis occurs by 06 a.m. and ends around 03 p.m., the flowers re‐opening for two days and finishing on the third day, being protandrous and melittophilous, offering pollen only. Two species of solitary bees (Ceratina sp. and Chilicola huberi) were observed pollinating the flowers, the female bees collecting pollen. The reproductive system is allogamic with endogamic self‐incompatibility and is served by specific pollinators. U. pectinifera subsp. pectinifera occurs in small populations, its reproduction relies on the presence of pollen‐gathering bees that also depend on the associated flora for nectar provision, highlighting the importance of maintaining its surrounding habitat in good condition.

Germinación de Echinocereus pectinatus (cactácea) mediante tratamientos de escarificación a diferente concentración de ácido sulfúrico

Echinocereus pectinatus es una cactácea endémica de México, considerada como especie en peligro de extinción por su recolecta ilegal y dificultad de propagación y reproducción. Nuestro país, es uno de los que cuentan con una importante superficie en la cual la precipitación es menor de 300 mm en promedio anual, estimándose que la superficie supera el 40% del territorio Nacional. La presente investigación se realizó a partir de la conciencia ética de protección y multiplicación de especies de zonas áridas en riesgo con el propósito de proteger este material genético para continuar con la protección de la diversidad de la flora chihuahuense, teniendo como objetivo elevar el porciento de germinación de la semilla de Echinocereus pectinatus, utilizando procesos de escarificación a base de ácido sulfúrico (concentraciones del 10, 15, 20, 25, 30%). No se detectó diferencia estadística significativa entre tratamientos para la germinación de la semilla de esta especie de cactácea; sin embargo, se obtuvo información valiosa para explorar espacios en la concentración de ácido sulfúrico entre 10 y 20% en el rompimiento de la latencia, observándose una tendencia en la elevación del porcentaje de germinación en el rango de estos tratamientos referidos a la concentración de ácido sulfúrico. Se concluyó con base en los resultados y la literatura revisada en varias especies vegetales de zonas áridas, que los mejores resultados de germinación por escarificación ocurren en tratamientos menores a 20% de ácido sulfúrico.

<p><strong><em>Acanthocereus</em></strong><strong> <em>paradoxus</em> (Cactaceae), a new endemic species from Jalisco, Mexico</strong></p>

Acanthocereus paradoxus sp. nov., an endemic narrow cylindrical cactus from the state of Jalisco is described and illustrated. The species can be distinguished by its narrow cylindrical mature stems, stem epidermis dull green with some dark green margins, the presence of four central spines, and a greater number of ribs and spines in young stems. A morphological comparison with the other cylindrical members of Acanthocereus and sympatric species of the genus is provided. Data about its habitat and the conservation status are also given.

Comunidades endémicas de Cactáceas en peligro de extinción. Una necesidad de conservación de los recursos naturales del distrito de Pacaycasa. Ayacucho-Perú

Endemic cactus communities were studied in San Cristobal hill. It is related to a group of plants that have a series of special morpho-physiological adaptations and play an important role in a xerophytic ecosystem where survival is difficult. It was carried out during 2013, between altitudes of 2415 and 2750 meters above sea level with the pur-pose of analyzing its density, structure, and distribution, and conservation status of the species. Important infor-mation for decision making regarding these areas and species by the corresponding authorities. The sampling used is aleatory-stratified, with 24 plots of 50 x 50 m, established in three strata: low ( 2600 masl). In each of the sample units, species were identified using taxonomic keys and population characteristics were evaluated, which were processed and analyzed with the help of computer tools Software R Version 3.0.0 and Microsoft Excel 2013. The results showed 5 endemic species: B. hertlingiana, E. peruviana, C. quadrangularis, C. ayacuchoensis and O. doelzianus, four species have low population densities, O. doelzianus, C. ayacuchoensis, E. peruviana and C. quadrangularis with 16, 14, 9, and 8 plants/ha, while B. hertlin-giana has a higher density with 134 plants/ha. According to the conservation status, two endemic species, C. aya-cuchoensis and C. quadrangularis, are in the endangered category with a low population density. They present a pattern of crowded distribution and natural regeneration. However, these endemic species are endangered by differ-ent threats such as natural and anthropogenic disturbance, mainly because of the population growth that generates logging and destruction of ecosystems for housing construction

Winners and losers in the predicted impact of climate change on cacti species in Baja California

The Cactaceae is considered one of the most threatened taxa in the world. However, the extent to which climate change could compromise the conservation status of this group has rarely been investigated. The present study advances this issue under three specific aims: (1) to assess the impact of climate change on the distribution of endemic cacti species in the Baja California Peninsula (n = 40), (2) to study how the impact of climate change is distributed in this group according to the species’ conservation status, and (3) to analyze how these impacts are organized from a biogeographical and functional perspective. We addressed these objectives under three socioeconomic emission pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5), and using two extreme migration scenarios: full climate change tracking and no migration. Altogether, all socioeconomic emission pathways under the two extreme migration scenarios show consistency regarding the identity of the species most vulnerable to climate change, and depict a discrepant future scenario that has, on one hand, species with large potential habitat gains/stability (winners); and on the other, species with large habitat reductions (losers). Our work indicates that winner species have a tropical affinity, globose growth, and includes most of the currently threatened species, whereas loser ones are in arid and Mediterranean systems and are mostly non-threatened. Thus, current and future threat factors do not overlap in the biogeographic and taxonomic space. That reveals a worrisome horizon at supraspecific levels in the study area, since the total number of threatened species in the future might largely increase.