Cactus  (Cipocereus laniflorus)

Classified as Endangered (EN - D) on the IUCN Red List 2002 (1), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).

This columnar, olive-green cactus may reach up to 2 metres in height (2). The cylindrical columns are woody and upright, with 5 - 7 triangular ribs (2). Numerous cushion-like structures from which spines grow, known as areoles line each rib; they have a light brown to black covering of felt, with longer white or yellow hairs, and brown to reddish spines also originating from these points. At the tip of each column, the areoles become very dense so that there is a distinctive hairy covering (2). The woolly flower buds stand out against the green cactus with their dark blue coat, reddish spines and white hairs. When open, the white or pale cream petals are visible (2). Oval fruits then develop; the ribbed outer coat is also a dark purplish-blue, marked with areoles supporting spines and woolly tufts (2).

Endemic to the state of Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil, a single population of around 320 individuals was recorded in 2002 from the Serra do Caraca area (2).

Inhabits rocky outcrops amongst the dry upland vegetation of the East Brazilian Highlands, known as campo rupestre (2). This species is always found with the aroid plant Philodendron cipoense, and is more abundant at altitudes of between 1,000 and 1,400 metres, although marginal populations persist up to 1,500 metres above sea level (1).

This cactus flowers between May and August, and fruits appear from July to September (2). It is assumed that bats are the principal pollinators (4).

This species is threatened by the small size and area of its population; a survey in 2002 recorded as few as 321 individual plants, comprising 8 subpopulations within an area that encompasses less than 10 km² (2). Cipocereus laniflorus is therefore vulnerable to any chance event that may threaten this single population (2).

This species is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3), which requires an export permit for trade in wild-taken plants and thus discourages the unsustainable collection of this vulnerable species. The single population of Cipocereus laniflorus occurs entirely within the protected Reserva Particular de Patrimonio Natural do Caraca (2). Collecting within the park is strictly by permission only; furthermore, just a small number of plants are visible from footpaths within the park. It appears that, at least at present, the small population of this cactus is safe from extinction (2).

For more on Brazilian cacti see:
Taylor, N.P. & Zappi, D.C. (in press) Cacti of Eastern Brazil. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew