Pilosocereus diersianus

Pilosocereus diersianus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Pilosocereus
Species:
P. diersianus
Binomial name
Pilosocereus diersianus
(Esteves) P.J.Braun
Synonyms
  • Pseudopilocereus diersianus Esteves

Pilosocereus diersianus is a species of cactus native to Tocantins and Goiás[2] Only around 50 remain in the wild. [3]

Description

Pilosocereus diersianus is a columnar cactus, growing up to 2 meters tall. The stems are 5–9 cm wide and bluish green in color. The ribs are thin, only 5–8 mm vwide. The oval areoles are 2-4 by 3-5mm. The pseudocephalic areoles are broad, sometimes interrupted, and are adorned with bluish-white wool up to 10 cm long. 20-30 thin and flexible spines radiate from areoles; about 10 spines are in the center. Spines are at first brown but become gray with age. The tubular white flowers emerge from the pseudocephalium, not even a little curved. Few triangular scales are found on the flower. The olive colored fruits are globose are 2.5-3 centimeters in diameter. Once ripe, the red, juicy pulp is revealed.

The type locality is located in Northeastern Minas Gerais.[4]

Taxonomy

Pilosocereus diersianus was originally described as Pseudopilocereus diersianus in 1981. When Pseudopilocereus with dissolved in 1988, it was moved to Pilosocereus.[5]

Etymology

The specific epithet "Diersianus" refers to Prof. Dr. Lothar Diers (1932–Present)[6]

References

  1. ^ Braun, P. (2013). "Pilosocereus diersianus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013 e.T152352A627112. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T152352A627112.en. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Pilosocereus diersianus (Esteves) P.J.Braun | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
  3. ^ Pierre Braun (Global Cactus Assessment) (4 June 2009). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pilosocereus diersianus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
  4. ^ Kakteen und andere Sukkulenten [Cacti and Other Succulents] (in German). April 1981. pp. 86–90.
  5. ^ "Pilosocereus diersianus (Esteves) P.J.Braun | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
  6. ^ "Pilosocereus diersianus". Dictionary of 🌵 Cactus Names. 22 February 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2025.