Thursday, February 3, 2022

[Botany • 2021] Acanthocereus atropurpureus (Cactaceae: Hylocereeae) • A New Endemic Species from southern Jalisco, Mexico


Acanthocereus atropurpureus P. González-Zamora & Dan. Sánchez, 

in González-Zamora, Rodríguez-Contreras & Sánchez, 2021

Abstract
A new species of Acanthocereus, endemic from southern Jalisco, is described and illustrated. Acanthocereus atropurpureus distinguishes by the diameter of mature stems, presence of low ribs with sinuate margins, dull green stem epidermis turning purple during dry season, and the occurrence of four small central spines. We discuss the morphological differences from other Acanthocereus species and we provide information about its habitat and conservation status.

Keywords: Acanthocereus atropurpureus, dry deciduous forest, Hylocereeae, Mexican Pacific Lowlands, Sierra de Manantlán, Eudicots



Acanthocereus atropurpureus P. González-Zamora & Dan. Sánchez, sp. nov.

Etymology: —The specific epithet refers to the non-maculated purple color of the new and older stems under dry conditions.

Vernacular name: —Queen of the night (local name).
 
FIGURE 3. Comparison of mature stem and flower morphology of Acanthocereus atropurpureus and close species. 
A and E: A. castellae. B and F: A. atropurpureus. C and G: A. cuixmalensis. D and H: A. paradoxus
I: Plantlets of A. atropurpureus (top) and A. paradoxus (bottom). J: Growing apices of A. atropurpureus (top) and A. paradoxus (bottom). K: Mature stems of A. atropurpureus (left) and A. paradoxus (right) under hydric stress. L: Mature stems of A. atropurpureus (left) and A. paradoxus (right) stems under continuous watering.


Pedro González-Zamora, Aarón Rodríguez-Contreras and Daniel Sánchez. 2021. A New Endemic Species of Acanthocereus (Cactaceae) from southern Jalisco, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 522(2); 131-138. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.522.2.5