Turbinicarpus  (Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus)

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1) and listed on Appendix I of CITES (3).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is a dwarf, globular cactus with a stem completely divided into hatchet-shaped tubercles, which bear linear areoles. This species has about 50 tiny, white “radial” spines, which measure up to 0.2 centimetres in length and are spread out horizontally, in a comb-like arrangement. Unlike some other Turbinicarpus species, Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus lacks central spines (2).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus may be confused with two other Mexican cactus species that also have pectinate spines, Mammillaria pectinifera and Pelecyphora aselliformis. However, the flowers of Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus arise from the top of the tubercles, while in the other two species the flowers are borne at tubercle axils (the points at which the tubercles meet the stem of the cactus) (2).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus has a wide distribution in northern Mexico, where it can be found in the states of Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas (2).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus can be found on limestone hills, growing in desert vegetation, pinyon-juniper woodland or grassland habitats, at elevations of around 1,200 to 2,000 metres. (4) (5).

The flowers of Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus grow at the top of the stem, measure about three centimetres in diameter, and are white to magenta, with a darker stripe down the middle of the petaloids (2). This species flowers in winter (4).

The fruits of Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus are olive-green to brownish, and open along a longitudinal slit from which the small black seeds are released (2).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus has a widespread distribution with many known populations, and is not currently facing any major threats. However, illegal collection has been a problem for this species in the past, and may still be a threat to some easily accessible local populations (1) (4).

Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which includes species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade. Trade in this cactus should be subject to particularly strict regulation in order not to further endanger its survival, and should only be authorized in exceptional circumstances (3).

Within Mexico, Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is also subject to special protection (Pr) on the Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-059 (6).

To find out more about Turbinicarpus species see:

• The Turbinicarpus Information Exchange:
  http://www.mfaint.demon.co.uk/cactus/turbo/
• Turbinicarpus.net Bildergallery:
  http://turbinicarpus.net/gallery/index.php