A distinctive new species of Thelocactus (Cactaceae) from Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

Thelocactus tepelmemensis, a distinctive new species of Cactaceae from northern Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new species is closest to T. leucacanthus but differs significantly from this and other species in the genus by a combination of morphological characters: smaller, red-purple flowers; stems with ribs consistently vertical; lower number of spines per areole, these being usually shorter; ovoid fruit; and seeds with conjunct micropyle. The new species is found in a narrow canyon growing on steep limestone rock faces protected from direct afternoon sun. The only known population appears to be locally common but geographically restricted.

Specific habitat requirements and niche conservatism for nine species of the Mexican genus Thelocactus (Cactaceae)

“…Hern., G.D. Starr & Gómez-Hin. in open xerophytic scrub in northern Oaxaca. Thelocactus is made up of 12 or 14 species (Davis et al, 2018;Guzmán et al, 2007;Hunt et al, 2006;Mosco & Zanovello, 2000), the number depends on the inclusion or not of Hamatocactus setispinus (Engelm.) Britton & Rose in Thelocactus, and on the recognition of some taxa at species or subspecies rank.…”

Livestock-Wildlife Dynamics and Subsequent Human Responses in Marginalized Communities Within Mexico’s Nationally Protected Areas

“…Community monitoring efforts have led to biodiversity findings that are crucial to future conservation objectives. From 2017-2019, communities noted ten new bat species, verified jaguar presence in the area, identified a new cactus species (which was then described and published), recognized new Hectia and Agave species, and identified the southernmost golden eagle nest on the continent (Centre, 2018; Davis et al, 2018;Martorell et al, 2017).…”