Quiabentia verticillata

Quiabentia verticillata is a species of cactus found from Bolivia to Argentina, infrequent in plain or mid-mountain habitats. It grows in dry sandy soils, typically found at the edge of fields, in wastelands, at the side of roads, and opportunistically in vineyards and orchards when they are not irrigated.

Quiabentia verticillata
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Quiabentia
Species:
Q. verticillata
Binomial name
Quiabentia verticillata
(Vaupel) Borg
Synonyms
  • Grusonia verticillata (Vaupel) G.D.Rowley 2006
  • Pereskia verticillata Vaupel 1923
  • Pereskia pflanzii Vaupel 1923
  • Quiabentia chacoensis Backeb. in C.Backeberg & F.M.Knuth, 1936
  • Quiabentia chacoensis var. jujuyensis Backeb.1956 publ. 1957
  • Quiabentia pereziensis Backeb. 1956 publ. 1957
  • Quiabentia pflanzii (Vaupel) Borg 1937

It is an erect woody succulent plant, growing to 6 m tall. Like many cactuses, it bears leaves which have become specialized as spines (protecting the plant from browsing by herbivores), as well as succulent leaf blades (soon deciduous). The spines actually consist of the stipules of the leaves. The stems are enlarged for water storage, and have a somewhat angular cross-section.

Cultivation and uses

Like most cactuses, it is a xerophyte, making it capable of growing in areas receiving very little rainfall. It has a laterally extensive, shallow root system.

References

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