Cactus  (Echinocereus pulchellus subsp. pulchellus)

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants (3), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (4).

This small cactus is the typical subspecies of Echinocereus pulchellus; it is easy to miss, being barely seen above the ground (2). The grey-green stem grows up from an underground rootstock, and only the tops of the 9 - 12 ribs are visible, lying sunken in the ground (2). Tiny, flattened spines emerge from the widely spaced areoles located on each rib. In season, flowers burst through the stem leaving a scar; the petals of these striking flowers are bright magenta in colour (2).

Endemic to Mexico, Echinocereus pulchellus subsp. pulchellus is known from the central plateau of the country in the states of Queretaro, Hidalgo, Puebla and Oaxaca (2).

Found in upland grassland at roughly 2,000 metres above sea level (2).

The stunning flowers of this cactus appear in early spring (2).

Vast areas of the central Mexican plateau have been developed for agriculture, and thus the biggest threat to the survival of this cactus is habitat destruction (2). Once the land has been overgrazed or cultivated it is highly vulnerable to soil erosion and previously documented populations of this cactus have disappeared or are in decline (2).

The Barranca de Metztitlan area within which Echinocereus pulchellus subsp. pulchellus is found is recognised as an area of outstanding importance for succulent plants and has been suggested as an area to include within the Mexican National System of Protected Natural Areas (5). In addition, this species is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (4), restricting exportation, and is protected under Mexican law (2).