Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
subterranea
ID:
629992

Status:
valid

Authors:
(R.E.Fr.) F.Ritter

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1980

Citation Micro:
Kakteen Südamerika 2: 401. 1980.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000629324

Common Names

  • Cumulopuntia subterranea
  • Subterranean Cumulopuntia
  • Subterranean Torch Cactus

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Synonyms

  • Tephrocactus subterraneus (R.E.Fr.) Backeb. [unknown]
  • Maihueniopsis subterranea (R.E.Fr.) E.F.Anderson [unknown]
  • Tephrocactus variiflorus Backeb. [unknown]
  • Pseudotephrocactus subterraneus Kreuz. [unknown]
  • Opuntia subterranea R.E.Fr. [unknown]
  • Puna subterranea (R.E.Fr.) R.Kiesling [unknown]
  • Pseudotephrocactus subterraneus brevispinus Kreuz. [unknown]
  • Pseudotephrocactus subterraneus inermis Kreuz. [unknown]

Description

Cumulopuntia subterranea (also called Subterranean Pincushion Cactus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It is a small, globose cactus, up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. It grows in dry, rocky habitats at elevations of up to 5,000 feet (1,500 m).

Uses & Benefits

Cumulopuntia subterranea is used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and other ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as an ingredient in perfumes.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Cumulopuntia subterranea sub. pulcherrima (Halda & Horáček) G.J.Charles
Cumulopuntia subterranea sub. subterranea

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Cumulopuntia subterranea has small yellow flowers with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Cumulopuntia subterranea is a slow-growing cactus that can be propagated from seed or stem cuttings. It should be planted in a sunny location in well-draining soil. It requires minimal water and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Where to Find Cumulopuntia subterranea

Cumulopuntia subterranea is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is found in dry, rocky areas and is often found in desert scrub and chaparral habitats.

Cumulopuntia subterranea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Cumulopuntia subterranea?

Cumulopuntia subterranea

What are the uses of Cumulopuntia subterranea?

Cumulopuntia subterranea is used as an ornamental plant and for its edible fruits.

What is the origin of Cumulopuntia subterranea?

Cumulopuntia subterranea is native to Mexico and parts of Central America.

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

Robert Elias Fries (1876-1966): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.E.Fr.' in the authors string.
Friedrich Ritter (1898-1989): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'F.Ritter' in the authors string.