Aylostera steinmannii
| Aylostera steinmannii | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Aylostera |
| Species: | A. steinmannii |
| Binomial name | |
| Aylostera steinmannii (Solms) Backeb. | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Aylostera steinmannii is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family.[3]
Description
Aylostera steinmannii is a small, clustering cactus species. Its stems are spherical to short-cylindrical, growing up to 2 centimeters tall and 1 to 3.5 centimeters in diameter. It has a thick, beet-like root. The plant has 8 to 10 spirally arranged ribs, which are divided into low tubercles. Its oval areoles vary in color from brown to whitish. The cactus lacks central spines, but has 8 to 13 marginal spines that are yellowish-white. These spines are needle-like, slender, flexible, and can be either protruding or spreading—often intertwined—and measure 3 to 10 millimeters long. The bell-shaped flowers are bright red to violet, up to 5 centimeters long, and about 4 centimeters in diameter. The pericarpel and floral tube are sparsely covered with grayish hairs. The stigmas are pale yellow or sometimes a delicate pale green. This species is native to regions from Bolivia to northwestern Argentina, primarily growing in tropical mountain environments.[4]
Distribution
Aylostera steinmannii is found in northwest Argentina[2] (in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta) and Bolivia (in the departments of Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, La Paz, Tarija, Potosí, and Oruro).[1] The species is native to montane tropical areas,[2] and occurs at elevations from 3,400 to 3,800m.[1]
In 2010, the species was assessed as of Least Concern, facing no major threats. IUCN notes that the population is stable, and that the species is locally abundant.[1] The species is cultivated as an ornamental plant in specialized collections.[1]
Plant growing in Challa Baja, Bolivia
Taxonomy
It was first described in 1907 as Echinocactus steinmannii by German botanist Hermann zu Solms-Laubach in Botanische Zeitung. The species name honors the German paleontologist and geologist Gustav Steinmann.[5] Later, botanist Curt Backeberg reclassified it into the genus Aylostera, giving it the current name Aylostera steinmannii. This change was published in his 1959 book Die Cactaceae: Handbuch der Kakteenkunde.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Rebutia steinmannii". IUCNRedList.org. IUCN Red List. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Aylostera steinmannii (Solms) Backeb". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ "Aylostera tuberosa (F.Ritter) Backeb". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ "Aylostera steinmannii". www.llifle.net. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
- ↑ Eggli, Urs; Newton, Leonard E. (29 June 2013). Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-3-662-07125-0. Retrieved 14 July 2026.
External links
Media related to Aylostera steinmannii at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Aylostera steinmannii at Wikispecies