Harrisia eriophora is a species of cactus found in Cuba.

Harrisia eriophora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Harrisia
Species:
H. eriophora
Binomial name
Harrisia eriophora

Description

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Harrisia eriophora grows shrubby and often forms dense groups with upright, arching or spreading shoots with heights of 3 to 5 meters. The initially bright green shoots later become dark green. They have diameters of up to 4 centimeters and more. There are eight to twelve prominent ribs, which are deeply indented between them. The six to 13 needle-like, light brown, gray or yellow spines have a darker tip and are 2 to 4 centimeters long.

The flowers reach a length of 12 to 18 centimeters. Its flower tube is covered with a few scales and long, white hairs. The obovate to spherical, yellow to dull red fruits are edible. They have a diameter of up to 6 centimeters[2]

Distribution

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Harrisia eriophora is widespread in the United States in the state of Florida and in Cuba.

Taxonomy

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The first description as Cereus eriophorus was made in 1837 by Ludwig Georg Karl Pfeiffer.[3] The specific epithet eriophora means 'wool-bearing'. Nathaniel Lord Britton placed the species in the genus Harrisia in 1909.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Kew), Nigel Taylor (RBG; Nacional, Duniel Barrios (Jardín Botánico; Habana, Universidad de La (2011-07-25). "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
  2. ^ Anderson, Edward F.; Eggli, Urs (2005). Das grosse Kakteen-Lexikon (in German). Stuttgart (Hohenheim): Ulmer. p. 338. ISBN 3-8001-4573-1.
  3. ^ Pfeiffer, Ludwig Georg Karl (1837). Enumeratio diagnostica cactearum hucusque cognitarum /auctore Ludovico Pfeiffer. Berolini: L. Oehmigke. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.15207.
  4. ^ Club., Torrey Botanical (1908). "Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club". Torrey Botanical Club. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
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