Cactus  (Pilosocereus fulvilanatus subsp. fulvilanatus)

Classified as Vulnerable (VU - B1ab(iii)) on the IUCN Red List 2002 (1), and listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).

This tree-like cactus is the typical subspecies of Pilosocereus fulvilanatus (2). It may reach up to 4 metres tall, or adopt a more shrubby appearance. The upright branches can reach 12 cm in diameter, in contrast to P. f. subsp. rosae, whose branches are thinner at 5.5 cm (2). This cactus has a distinctive sky blue appearance, due to the waxy outer layer that is particularly apparent near the tips of the branches. 4 to 7 ribs furrow the branches of this species, and the ribs are themselves lined by tightly packed cushion-like structures (known as areoles) from which spines grow (2). Dark brown felt and longer yellowish to brown spines extend from each areole; these structures are more hairy when producing flowers (2). The greenish, funnel-like flower tube extends from the areole, flowers are around 3.6 - 5.2 cm long (2). Distinctive, globular dark pink or purple fruits then develop with a heavily wrinkled appearance (2).

Endemic to northern Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil (2). At present only 3 populations are known from the Grão Mogol and Botumirim areas (2).

Found in the dry upland habitat of eastern Brazil, known as campo rupestre, amongst rocky outcrops and other woody vegetation (2).

Like other members of the genus Pilosocereus, this plant is believed to be both pollinated and dispersed by bats (2).

The campo rupestre vegetation is generally being undermined by cattle grazing, together with burning to produce further pasture (2). P. f. subsp. fulvilanatus is also under threat from more direct forms of habitat destruction; a part of its range is due to be covered by a lake when a nearby river is damned (1). Timber extraction for the production of charcoal is also a threat to local habitat in this area (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 plants, and thus discourages the unsustainable collection of this vulnerable species. Populations at higher altitudes are likely to be unaffected by the construction of the dam and further investigations in this little-explored area may well reveal additional populations (2).

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