Epithelantha

Epithelantha
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactaceae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Epithelantha
F.A.C.Weber ex Britton & Rose
Species

Epithelantha (button cactus) is a genus of cactus that is native to northeastern Mexico, and in an area from western Texas to Arizona. Epithelantha has two species, Epithelantha micromeris and Epithelantha bokei. The name Epithelantha refers to the flower position near the apex of the tubercles.[1]

Description

Epithelantha are very small cacti with globe-shaped or cylindrical stems typically up to one inch in diameter, rarely reaching two inches long. Tiny whitish spines completely cover the surface of the stem. The flowers are also tiny, growing from the tip of the stem. Fruits are bright red.[2]

The fruit of all species is said to be edible.

References

  1. A. Michael Powell; James F. Weedin (15 November 2004). Cacti of the Trans-Pecos and Adjacent Areas. Texas Tech University Press. p. 364. ISBN 978-0-89672-531-7. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  2. "Cactuses of Big Bend National Park". University of Texas Press. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
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