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Fruits, seeds and germination in five species of Globose Cacteae (Cactaceae)

March 2012
Interciencia 37(3):197-203

Authors:

Teresa Terrazas

National Autonomous University of Mexico

Lauro Lopez-Mata

Colegio de Postgraduados

The morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds, and the germination responses of freshly matured seeds of five species of Cacteae (Coryphantha bumamma, C. clavata, C. cornifera, Ferocactus histrix and Mammillaria uncinata) were studied at room temperature under laboratory conditions. The aim of the study was to record the macro- and micro-morphology of fruits and seeds of these species and to investigate specific requirements for germination. Variance analysis detected significant differences (p80%) are observed on the sixth day in F. histrix and M. uncinata. It is concluded that some morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds can be used to support further systematic studies of Cactoideae genera and will contribute new knowledge for their potential use and conservation

Fruits of globose Cacteae. a:. Coryphantha cornifera, b: Ferocactus histrix, c: Mammillaria uncinata.

…

SEM of Coryphantha species seeds, whole seeds and seed surface view. a,b: Coryphantha bumamma; c,d: C. clavata; e,f: C. cornifera. Bar= 1mm in a; 500μm in c,e; 50μm in b, d and f.

…

SEM of Ferocactus histrix and Mammillaria uncinata seeds. Complete seed and details of testa Ferocactus histrix (a, b). Mammillaria uncinata (c, d). Bar= 500μm in a, c; 100μm in b; 200μm in d.

…

SEM of the hilum-micropylar region, HMR. a: Coryphantha bumamma, b: C. clavata, c: Ferocactus histrix, d: Mammillaria uncinata. Bar= 400μm in a; 500μm in b-d.

…

Percentage of germination of seeds of five species of globose Cactoideae. Bars represent mean ±standard deviation of three replicates of 50 seeds each. Cb: Coryphantha bumamma, Cc: C. clavata, Cco: C. cornifera, Fh: Ferocactus histrix, Mun: Mammillaria uncinata.

…

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Loza Cornejo, Sofía; Terrazas, Teresa; López Mata, Lauro

Fruits, seeds and germination in five species of globose Cacteae (Cactaceae)

Interciencia, vol. 37, núm. 3, marzo, 2012, pp. 197-203

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197

MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

Introduction

Cacti are a typical compo-

nent of arid and semiarid en-

vironments in the Western

Hemisphere, and the second

largest plant family restricted

to the New World (Anderson,

2001). Mexico is one of the

main centers of diversication

of the Cactaceae family

(Goettsch and Hernández,

2006); around 560 species

belonging to 50 genera are

KEYWORDS / Coryphantha / Ferocactus / Fruits / Germination / Mammillaria / Seeds /

Received: 10/28/2011. Modied: 02/17/2012. Accepted: 02/23/2012.

Sofía Loza-Cornejo. Ph.D. in

Botany, Colegio de Postgradua-

dos (COLPOS), México. Profes-

sor-Researcher, Centro Univer-

sitario de los Lagos, Mexico.

e-mail: oalo@culagos.udg.mx

Ter e s a Terrazas. Ph.D. in Biol-

ogy, University of North Caro-

lina at Chapel Hill, USA. Pro-

fessor, UNAM, Mexico. Ad-

dress: Instituto de Biología,

Universidad Nacional Autóno-

0378-1844/12/03/197-07 $ 3.00/0

distributed in this country

(Guzmán et al., 2003). Indeed,

73% of the genera and 78%

of the species are estimated to

be endemic to Mexico

(Hernández and Godínez,

1994), and the tribes Cacteae

and Echinocereae are almost

exclusively distributed in

Mexico (Anderson, 2001).

Members of Cacteae range

from globular or depressed to

short columnar cacti, varying

in size from dwarf (Turbini-

carpus and some Mammillaria

species) to giant (Ferocactus

and Echinocactus) gene r a .

Recently, signicant progress

has been made in understand-

ing various aspects of the bi-

ology, phylogeny, and mor-

pho-anatomy of Cactaceae

(Nobel, 2002; Godínez-Álva-

rez et al., 2003; Terrazas and

Arias, 2003; Hernández-

Hernández et al., 2011). The

current understanding of cac-

ti, particularly of Cacteae

members, is based on scarce

analysis of the morphology,

anatomy and composition of

stems, fruits and seeds. Some

species of this tribe produce

edible fruits. For example,

Ferocactus histrix produces a

small and acidic fruit called

‘tuna of biznaga’, which is

traded in regions of Hidalgo,

Querétaro, and San Luis Po-

tosí. The small red fruits of

Mammillaria species are gen-

erally edible and consumed

FRUITS, SEEDS AND GERMINATION IN FIVE SPECIES OF GLOBOSE

CACTEAE (CACTACEAE)

Sofía Loza-Cornejo, Teresa Terrazas and Lauro López-Mata

SUMMARY

The morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds, and the

germination responses of freshly matured seeds of ve species of

Cacteae (Coryphantha bumamma, C. clavata, C. cornifera, Fero-

cactus histrix and Mammillaria uncinata) were studied at room

temperature under laboratory conditions. The aim of the study

was to record the macro- and micro-morphology of fruits and

seeds of these species and to investigate specic requirements

for germination. Variance analysis detected signicant differen-

ces (p<0.05) for several variables: number of seeds per fruit,

weight, and fruit width. Larger fruits with more seeds are ob-

served for F. h i s tr i x, whereas smaller fruits with less weight and

fewer seeds are seen for C. clavata. Seed germination is a rapid

process and usually starts on the third day. High percentages of

germination (>80%) are observed on the sixth day in F. hi s t ri x

and M. uncinata. It is concluded that some morphological cha-

racteristics of fruits and seeds can be used to support further

systematic studies of Cactoideae genera and will contribute new

knowledge for their potential use and conservation.

ma de México, Apartado Pos-

tal 70-233, México, D.F. 04510.

México. e-mail: tter razas@

ibiologia.unam.mx

Lauro López-Mata. Ph.D. in

Biology, University of North

Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.

Professor, COLPOS, Monte-

cillo, México.

198 MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

locally (Bravo-Hollis and Sán-

chez-Mejorada, 1991). How-

ever, most of these species

are threatened because they

have been removed from their

natural populations or their

habitat has been modied by

changes in land usage (Her-

nández-Oria et al., 2007). For

several genera of Cactaceae,

studies on the morphological

variability of fruits and seeds

are scarce or have focused

exclusively on well-known or

economically important gen-

era. For example, the compo-

sition, phytochemicals, and

nutritious elements have been

analyzed in Opuntia (Joubert,

1993; Domínguez-López,

1996; Sáenz, 1997; Sáenz et

al., 1998; Butera et al., 2002;

Duru and Turker, 2005;

Stintzing et al., 2005), Hylo-

cereus (Wybraniec and Miz-

rahi, 2002), and Myrtillocac-

tus (Barrera et al., 1998). The

study of seed morphology and

germination processes is im-

portant for supporting system-

atic studies (Arias and Terra-

zas, 2004; Arroyo-Cosultchi

et al., 2006) and may also

help explain patterns of popu-

lation dynamics of Cactaceae

species under eld conditions.

Studies on seed germination

in this plant family have fo-

cused on the relationship be-

tween germination and differ-

ent attributes of the plant,

such as the effect of seed

mass and size on regeneration

strategies, mechanisms of re-

production, abundance of rare

species, and ecophysiological

requirements (Rojas-Aréchiga

et al., 1997; Rojas-Aréchiga

and Vázquez-Yanes, 2000;

Flores and Briones, 2001;

Ayala-Cordero et al., 2004;

Ra mí rez-Padilla and Valverde,

2005; Sánchez-Salas et al.,

2006; Jiménez-Aguilar and

Flores, 2010; Flores et al.,

2011). In the present study,

differences in fruit and seed

macro- and micro-morpholo-

gy, and the rates of germina-

tion processes were investi-

gated in members of Cacteae

that co-exist in the scrub of

Jalisco, Mexico.

Materials and Methods

Mature and healthy fruits

of Coryphantha bumamma

(Ehrenb.) Britton et Rose, C.

clavata (Scheidw.) Backeb, C.

cornifera (DC.) Lem., Fe-

rocactus histrix (DC.) G.E.

Linds., and Mammillaria unci-

nata Zucc. ex Pfeiff. were

collected from their native

populations in Jalisco, Mexi-

co. An analytical scale (Pre-

cisa XT 220 A) and a Mitu-

toyo digital caliper were used

to record the size and weight

of 30 fruits per species. The

fruits were dissected in the

laboratory and the seeds were

then washed in tap water to

eliminate pulp remains and

mucilage. The seeds were im-

mediately placed on absorbent

paper until they dried and

were stored in paper enve-

lopes at room temperature.

The number of seeds per fruit

for each species was regis-

tered. Two hundred seeds per

species were used to record

quantitative morphological

traits (weight, length, width)

and qualitative morphological

traits (shape, color, structure

of the testa) using an analyti-

cal balance and a dissecting

microscope Leica Zoom 2000

(Z45V) adapted to an image

analyzer (Media Cybernetics,

2006). The roundness index

(width/length ratio) was calcu-

lated from the length and

width measurements. For

scanning electron microscopy

(SEM), three or four seeds

per species were washed us-

ing ultrasound and 95% etha-

nol. Dry seeds were xed to

aluminum specimen holders

with double-sided adhesive

tape and coated with gold in

a JEOL-JFC-1100 sputter

coater. Morphological obser-

vations and micrographs were

carried out with a JEOL-JSM-

5310LV field-emission scan-

FRUTOS, SEMENTES E GERMINAÇÃO DE CINCO ESPÉCIES DE CACTEAE GLOBOSAS (CACTACEAE)

Sofía Loza-Cornejo, Teresa Terrazas e Lauro López-Mata

RESUMO

As características morfológicas dos frutos e sementes, e a

resposta germinativa de sementes maduras e recém colhidas de

cinco espécies de Cacteae (Coryphantha bumamma, C. clavata,

C. cornifera, Ferocactus histrix, e Mammillaria uncinata) foram

estudadas sob condições de laboratório e temperatura ambien-

te. Registraram-se as características macro e micro morfoló-

gicas dos frutos e sementes destas espécies e investigaram-se

os requerimentos especícos de germinação. A análise de va-

riação mostrou diferenças signicativas (p<0,05) para algumas

variáveis, tais como número de sementes por fruto, peso e lar-

gura de fruta. As frutas maiores e com maior número de se-

mentes são as de F. h istr ix, enquanto que os frutos menores e

leves com o menor número de sementes são as de C. clavata. A

germinação é um processo rápido que inicia ao terceiro dia. A

porcentagem de germinação mais alta (>80%) se observou ao

sexto dia em F. h istr ix e M. uncinata. Conclui-se que algumas

características morfológicas dos frutos e as sementes podem

apoiar futuros estudos de sistemática nos gêneros de Cactoide-

ae e que o conhecimento gerado contribuirá a seu uso poten-

cial e conservação.

FRUTOS, SEMILLAS Y GERMINACIÓN DE CINCO ESPECIES DE CACTEAE GLOBOSAS (CACTACEAE)

Sofía Loza-Cornejo, Teresa Terrazas y Lauro López-Mata

RESUMEN

Las características morfológicas de los frutos y semillas, y

la respuesta germinativa de semillas maduras y recién cose-

chadas de cinco especies de Cacteae (Coryphantha bumamma,

C. clavata, C. cornifera, Ferocactus histrix, and Mammillaria

uncinata) fueron estudiadas bajo condiciones de laboratorio y

temperatura ambiente. Se registraron las características ma-

cro y micromorfológicas de los frutos y semillas de estas espe-

cies e investigaron los requerimientos especícos de germina-

ción. El análisis de varianza mostró diferencias signicativas

(p<0.05) para algunas variables tales como número de semi-

llas por fruto, peso y ancho de fruto. Los frutos más grandes

y con mayor número de semillas son los de F. hist ri x , mientras

que los frutos más pequeños y ligeros con el menor número de

semillas son los de C. clavata. La germinación es un proceso

rápido que inicia al tercer día. El porcentaje de germinación

más alto (>80%) se observó al sexto día en F. h istr ix y M. un-

cinata. Se concluye que algunas características morfológicas

de los frutos y las semillas pueden apoyar futuros estudios de

sistemática en los géneros de Cactoideae y que el conocimien-

to generado contribuirá a su uso potencial y conservación.

199

MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

ning electron microscope. The

morphological descriptions of

the seeds followed the termi-

nology proposed by Barthlott

and Hunt (2000).

The germination experi-

ments were carried out under

laboratory conditions using

three replicates of 50 seeds

per species. Seeds were disin-

fected by immersion in a so-

lution of 10% commercial

bleach during 5min (Vega-

Villasante et al., 1996),

washed several times with

distilled water, and sown on

Whatman Nº 2 filter paper

saturated with 10ml of dis-

tilled water in 9cm diameter

sterile Petri dishes. The mean

temperature in the laboratory

was measured using a Data-

logger Dickson SP125/175

Pro series thermometer. The

mean temperature was

25°C ±2°C during the day,

which has been mentioned to

be optimal for seed germina-

tion of cacti (Nobel, 1988;

Rojas-Aréchiga and Vázquez-

Yanes, 2000), and 12°C ±3°C

during the night. Germina-

tion was recorded at three

day intervals for 30 days,

when germination

ceased. A seed was

considered to be

germinated when

the radicle protrud-

ed. Interspecific

differences in mor-

phological charac-

ters of fruits and

seeds were evalu-

ated through vari-

ance analyses fol-

lowed by Tukey’s pair-wise

means comparison analyses

(p<0.05). Differences in the

number of seeds per fruit

were evaluated through cova-

riance analyses. All analyses

were performed with SAS

software V 9.1.3 (SAS, 2000).

Results

Morphology of

fruits and seeds

Fruits varied in

shape, size and col-

or (Table I, Figure

1). Most were juicy

berries, varying in

color from pale

green with light

red at the apex in

Coryphantha spe-

cies to red berries in M. unci-

nata and yellow-green in F.

histrix. The fruits exhibited

ovoid to claviform shapes,

and only F. hi strix showed

thick walls and was dehiscent

at the base. The smallest fruit

(1.4cm length) with the lowest

number of seeds (56 seeds/

fruit) occurred in C. clavata

and the largest fruit (3.2cm

length) with the most seeds

(>2000) was observed in F.

histrix, the species that also

had the heaviest fruits (8 ±3g,

Table I). The seeds were oval

to reniform, small to medium-

sized (Table II, Figures 2-4),

glossy or matte, and light-

brown to brown. The anticli-

nal boundaries were incon-

spicuous or raised. The

boundaries were straight ex-

cept in M. uncinata, and the

microrelief verrucose.

Interspecic comparison of

fruit and seed morphology

The analysis of variance

detected significant differ-

ences for the number of

seeds per fruit (F= 17419,

df= 4, p<0.0001), weight (F=

3295.67, df= 4, p<0.0001),

TABLE I

SEED NUMBER, MASS AND SIZE OF FRUITS OF FIVE

GLOBOSE SPECIES OF CACTEAE

Species Seeds/fruit

(number) We ight

(g) Length

(cm) Width

(cm)

Coryphantha bumamma 84 ±35 b 2.0 ±0.56 c 2.7 ±0.5 b 0.6 ±0.40 a

Coryphantha clavata 56 ±8 a 0.5 ±0.18 a 1.4 ±0.3 a 0.6 ±0.15 a

Coryphantha cornifera 99 ±2 b 1.4 ±0.22 b 2.7 ±0.9 b 1.2 ±0.80 ab

Ferocactus histrix 2100 ±90 c 8.0 ±2.80 d 3.2 ±0.6 b 2.2 ±0.40 b

Mammillaria uncinata 70 ±13 b 0.5 ±0.20 a 1.5 ±0.3 a 0.5 ±0.01 a

Means ±SD. n= 30 f ruits. Different letters in columns mean signicant differences (p<0.05).

TABLE II

MASS, SIZE AND ROUNDNESS INDEX OF FEEDS

OF FIVE GLOBOSE SPECIES OF CACTEAE

Species Weight

(mg) Length

(mm) Width

(mm) Roundness

index

Coryphantha bumamma 1.9 ±0.10 d 2.3 ±0.12 d 0.7 ±0.50 ab 0.3

Coryphantha clavata 1.8 ±0.28 d 1.4 ±0.12 c 0.9 ±0.13 b 0.6

Coryphantha cornifera 0.2 ±0.07 a 0.9 ±0.04 a 0.6 ±0.10 a 0.7

Ferocactus histrix 0.6 ±0.20 b 1.4 ±0.10 c 0.9 ±0.10 b 0.6

Mammillaria uncinata 1.1 ±0.15 c 1.0 ±0.02 b 0.7 ±0.14 a 0.7

Means ±SD. n= 200 seeds. Different letters in columns mean significant differences

(p<0.05).

Figure 1 Fruits of globose Cacteae. a:. Coryphantha cornifera, b: Fe-

rocactus histrix, c: Mammillaria uncinata.

Figure 2 SEM of Coryphantha species seeds, whole seeds and seed

surface view. a,b: Coryphantha bumamma; c,d: C. clavata; e,f: C. cor-

nifera. Bar= 1mm in a; 500μm in c,e; 50μm in b, d and f.

200 MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

length (F= 2191.58, df= 4,

p<0.0001) and fruit width (F=

1917.22, df= 4, p<0.0001). F.

histrix was characterized by

larger and heavier fruits, and

more seeds. By contrast, C .

clavata and M. uncinata had

fruits with fewer seeds and

were smaller and lighter in

weight than the other species

(Table I). Significant differ-

ences in seeds among species

were observed for weight (F=

3797.76, df= 4, p<0.0001),

length (F= 9416.14, df= 4,

p<0.0001) and seed width

(F= 429.19, df= 4, p<0.0001).

C. bumamma seeds present-

ed higher weights and

lengths than the lighter and

smaller seeds of C. cornifera

(Ta ble I I ).

Seed germination response

All species reached 100%

germination in the three rep-

etitions per species. Seed ger-

mination was a rapid process

that started 3-6 days after

sowing (DAS). In C. cor-

nifera and C. clavata, germi-

nation started on the third

day, reaching the highest per-

centages (24-28%) at 6 and 15

das (Figure 5). Seed germina-

tion of C. bumamma began

on the sixth DAS, also reach-

ing the highest percentage

(24%) 9 DAS (Figure 5). F.

histrix and M. uncinata were

characterized by higher rates

of seed germination (>80%)

on the sixth DAS. These two

species concluded their germi-

nation 12 and 8 DAS re-

spectively. By contrast,

C. bumamma concluded

its germination 21 DAS

with 10% of its seeds

germinated in that time

(Figure 5).

Discussion

Morphology of fruits

and seeds

The studied species

showed considerable

variation in fruit and

seed morphology. The

Coryphantha species had

similarities in fruit mor-

phology with other spe-

cies of the genus (C.

echinoidea Britton & Rose, C.

greenwoodii Bravo, C. scheeri

(Muehlenpf.) L.D. Benson, C.

sulcata (Engelm.) Britton &

Rose, and C. werdermannii

Bo ed.) (Bravo-Hollis, 1978;

Bravo-Hollis and Sánchez-

Mejorada, 1991). Characteris-

tics, such as red and clavi-

form fruits of 1.5×0.5cm size,

in M. uncinata were similar

to other Mammillaria species

like M. standleyi (Britton &

Rose) Orcutt, M. johnstonii

(Britton & Rose) Orcutt, M.

heyderi Muehlenpf., M. mie-

giana W.H. Earle, M. ortegae

(Britton & Rose) Orcutt, M.

pachycylindrica Backeb., M.

scrippsiana (Britton & Rose)

Orcutt and M. magnimamma

Haw. (see Bravo-Hollis and

Sánchez-Mejorada, 1991).

Other Mammillaria species

(M. gigantea Hildm. ex K.

Schum. and M. melanocentra

Poselg) can be distinguished

by their claviform fruits,

which are pink or purple in

color. Noticeable differences

were observed in the fruit

size (length) of M. uncinata

and other species such as M.

gigantea. In the latter, the

fruits were 2.5-3.0cm long

(Bravo-Hollis and Sánchez-

Mejorada, 1991), whereas the

fruits of M. uncinata were

smaller (1.5 ±0.3cm).

Cactoideae seeds show con-

siderable variation in their

shape, size, structure and tes-

ta color (Barthlott and Hunt,

2000). Indeed, the studied

species exhibited morphologi-

cal variability. The seeds of

C. bumamma and C. cor-

nifera were curved or reni-

form, and similar to those of

C. durangensis (Runge ex K.

Schum) Britton & Rose. C .

clavata and M. uncinata had

oval seeds, similar to other

species of Mammillaria like

M. gigantea, M. petterssonii

Hildm. and Coryphantha like

C. gracilis L. Bremer & A.

B. Lau, C. pseudoechinus

Boed., C. recurvata ( E ngel m.)

Britton & Rose, C. robusti-

spina (Ant. Schott ex En-

gelm.) Brittion & Rose (Bra-

vo-Hollis, 1978; Bravo-Hollis

and Sánchez-Mejorada, 1991;

Barthlott and Hunt, 2000;

Figure 3. SEM of Ferocactus histrix and Mammillaria uncinata seeds. Complete

seed and details of testa Ferocactus histrix (a, b). Mammillaria uncinata (c, d).

Bar= 500μm in a, c; 100μm in b; 200μm in d.

Figure 4. SEM of the hilum-micropylar region, HMR. a: Coryphantha bu-

mamma, b: C. clavata, c: Ferocactus histrix, d: Mammillaria uncinata. Bar=

400μm in a; 500μm in b-d.

Figure 5 Percentage of germination of seeds of five species of

globose Cactoideae. Bars represent mean ±standard deviation of

three replicates of 50 seeds each. Cb: Coryphantha bumamma, Cc:

C. clavata, Cco: C. cornifera, Fh: Ferocactus histrix, Mun: Mam-

millaria uncinata.

201

MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

Dicht and Lüthy, 2005). Great

variability occurs in the color

of the seed testa in Cactaceae.

A black or brown color is

characteristic in most species,

whereas a red or brown color

is common in other species,

such as C. bumamma and M.

uncinata. C. clavata and C.

cornifera exhibited dark

brown or brown seed testas,

which is characteristic of C.

duranguensis (Runge ex K.

Schum) Britton & Rose, C .

pseudonickelsiae Backeb., C.

pallida Britton & Rose, C.

macromeris (Engelm.) Lem.,

and C. sulcata (Engelm.) Brit-

ton & Rose, according to

Bravo-Hollis and Sánchez-

Mejorada (1991). Glossy seeds

were only observed in C. bu-

mamma, in agreement with

seeds of some columnar spe-

cies (Arias and Terrazas,

2004; Arroyo-Cosultchi et al.,

2007). In Cactaceae, studies

on the macro- and micro-mor-

phology of the seeds have

been successfully applied to

different taxonomic levels

(Friedrich and Glaetzle, 1983;

Glaetzle and Prestlé, 1986;

Arias and Terrazas, 2004;

Arroyo-Cosultchi et al., 2006,

2007). Buxbaum (1958) recog-

nized four subtribes, particu-

larly in the Cacteae tribe,

based on seed morphology:

Echinocactinae exhibits a

perisperm and hard, black

seed testas; Thelocactinae has

black seed testas and a mostly

warty surface; Ferocactinae

exhibits dotted or reticulated

seed testas; and Coryphan-

thinae has soft, smooth, and

brown testas, similar to the

Coryphantha and Mammil-

laria species studied herein.

More recently, Taylor and

Clark (1983) recognized that

the Ferocactus section in-

cludes species with a larger

hilum-micropylar region

(HMR), dried fruit dehiscing

by a basal pole and glossy

seed testas. By contrast, the

Bisnaga section includes spe-

cies with seeds whose HMR

is narrow with bright seed

testas (Taylor and Clark,

1983). Cota and Wallace

(1997) used chloroplast DNA

evidence to determine that the

members of one lineage (Sect.

Bisnaga) are related to F.  a-

vovirens (Sche idw.) Br it t o n &

Rose and include species dis-

tributed mainly in Central

Mexico and areas in the puta-

tive center of the origin of the

genus (Tehuacan Valley). The

morphological characteristics

of the fruit, seed characteris-

tics and distribution of F. his -

trix support its inclusion in

the Bisnaga section along

with other species like F.

glaucescens ( DC.) Britton &

Rose, F. lindsayi Bravo, F.

macrodiscus ( Mar t .) Britton

& Rose, F. recurvus ( Mil l .)

Y. Ito ex G. E. Linds., F.

latispinus (Haw.) Br itton &

Rose and F. f lavovirens, as

suggested by Cota and Wal-

lace (1997).

Potential importance of

Cacteae fruits

Most cactus fruits are edi-

ble; however, information on

their morphology and nutri-

tional value is scarce (Kies-

ling, 2001; Pardo, 2002). Ac-

cording to Esquivel (2004),

most studies have focused on

the fruit of prickly pears

(Opuntia spp.). Little has been

investigated on the composi-

tion and aspects of fruit culti-

vation of other species of cac-

ti, despite the high potential of

these fruits for industrial use

(Ortega-Nieblas et al., 2001).

For example, the presence of

red-purple pigments in the

fruit epidermis of M. uncinata

is an important source of nat-

ural dyes in foods and in

various applications (Stintzing

et al., 2001; Wybraniec and

Mizrhi, 2002; Stintzing and

Carle, 2005; Emaldi et al.,

2006). Antihyperglycemic and

antihyperlipidemic effects

found in the fruits of F. lat i s-

pinus and F. hi strix have been

demonstrated, suggesting their

application in the prevention

of diabetes (Pérez-Gutiérrez

and Mota-Flores, 2010). Fur-

ther studies involving analyses

of the nutritional composition

of fruits of Cacteae species

as well as their morphologi-

cal characterization may con-

tribute significantly in the

search for alternative medici-

nal products.

Ecological aspects of seed

germination response

Differences in the number

of seeds per fruit were found

between the species studied.

A high variability was ob-

served in this trait even with-

in the same genus. For ex-

ample, C. bumamma and C.

cornifera had 84-99 seeds,

whereas C. clavata contained

56 seeds per fruit on average.

F. hist r i x was distinguished

by larger fruits and more

seeds than the other Cacteae

species studied. Mcintosh

(2005) found 1727-3064 seeds

per fruit in F. cylindraceus

(Engelm.) Orcutt and F. wisli-

zeni (Engelm.) Britton &

Rose, so F. histrix is near the

average for the genus. Ac-

cording to Rojas-Aréchiga and

Vázquez-Yanes (2000), the

number of seeds per fruit in

Cactaceae species is highly

variable; these differences

may serve as strategies for

reproductive efforts as men-

tioned by Harper et al. (1970).

The number of seeds per fruit

may also depend on the age

and size of the plant, the

number of owers produced,

and the origin (wild or culti-

vated species), as demonstrat-

ed for Cactoideae (Parker,

1987; León de la Luz and

Domínguez-Cadena, 1991;

Rojas-Aréchiga et al., 2001;

Guillen et al., 2011), or may

reect environmental hetero-

geneity (Harper et al., 1970).

However, more detailed stud-

ies are needed on intra-and

interspecific variability for

this characteristic.

With the exception of

Opuntioideae seeds, cacti

seeds germinate quickly

(Bregman and Bouman, 1983;

Potter et al., 1984; Del Cas-

tillo, 1986; Rojas-Aréchiga

and Vázquez-Yanes, 2000;

Mandujano et al., 2005). The

species analyzed in this study

began the germination pro-

cess between 3 and 6 DAS.

Two studied species, F. h is-

trix and M. uncinata, showed

the highest percentages of

germination at 6 DAS

(>80%), suggesting that this

process is synchronized with

available water. In contrast,

the species of Coryphantha

showed a wider period of

germination with their higher

values at 9 DAS or even 15

DAS (22 or 28% respective-

ly). Although there was a dif-

ferential time of germination

all species reached 100% ger-

mination after 22 DAS. The

germination in the species

studied is greater than those

reported by Sánchez-Soto et

al. (2010), Jiménez and Flores

(2010), and Flores et al.

(2011) for other species of

Ferocactus (62-91%), Mam-

millaria (42-99%) and Cory-

phantha (72-98%) However,

the high germination percent-

ages did not include any pre-

germination treatment, in

contrast with other studies in

which specific requirements

were needed as for light, wa-

ter availability, and mechani-

cal scarification (Nolasco et

al., 1996, 1997; Godínez-Ál-

varez and Valiente-Banuet,

1998; De la Barrera and No-

bel, 2003; Martínez-Mendoza

et al., 2004; Larrea-Alcázar

and López, 2008). The pre-

germination treatments in-

clude light-dark treatment,

different temperatures, addi-

tion of growth regulators

(Cancino et al., 1993; Flores

et al., 2006; Ortega-Baes and

Rojas-Aréchiga, 2007; Orte-

ga-Baes et al., 2010; Sánchez-

Soto et al., 2010), chemical

scarification (Rosas-López

and Collazo-Ortega, 2004),

and various stress conditions

and water potentials (Guillén

et al., 2009). In the present

study, seeds recently collected

were included. Moreover, lab-

oratory conditions during the

experiment (20-25°C) were

sufficient to promote seed

germination. Temperature is

an important factor that can

signicantly affect the germi-

nation percentage. Trujillo

(1982) mentioned that cactus

seeds germinate at tempera-

tures between 24 and 27°C.

There are species of cacti

that require temperatures

ranging from 15 to 35°C for

germination, such as T. t e r s-

checkii (J. Parm. ex Pfeiff.)

Britton & Rose (Ortega-Baes

and Rojas-Aréchiga, 2007),

Echinocactus platyacanthus

202 MAR 2012, VOL. 37 Nº 3

Link & Otto (Quintana, 1994)

and Epiphyllum phyllanthus

(L.) Haw. (Simão et al.,

2010). Other authors suggest

that alternating temperatures

increase germination rates of

globose species such as Echi-

nocactus platyacanthus, F.

avovirens, F. robustus (Pfei-

ff.) Britton & Rose, and M.

mazatlanensis (Rojas-Aréchi-

ga et al., 1998; Sánchez-Soto

et al., 2010). In addition to

temperature, germination also

depends on the species and

seed characteristics (thickness

of the seed coat, dormancy,

etc.). In some species, charac-

teristics of the testa, in par-

ticular cuticular secretions,

contribute to improve the col-

lection and distribution of

water during imbibition and

increase germination (Breg-

man and Graven, 1997). Spe-

cic features of the seed (thin

seed testa, absence of dor-

mancy and others) in the spe-

cies studied herein probably

influenced significantly the

higher germination rate, as

has been observed in germi-

nating seeds of columnar cac-

ti (Loza-Cornejo et al., 2008).

Further work on the mecha-

nisms of germination is need-

ed, particularly on the re-

quirements for the germina-

tion of seeds of other Cactoi-

deae, with the aim of contrib-

uting to their use, manage-

ment and conservation. Some

species, such as F. hist r i x, are

subject to special protection

in regions of Jalisco and other

Mexican states, and other spe-

cies, such as C. clavata, are

considered to be rare species

in Jalisco (Chávez-Martínez et

al., 2007; Harker et al., 2008).

Signicant differences were

observed for the number of

seeds per fruit, weight, and

fruit width in the cacti stud-

ied. Seed germination was a

rapid process, usually starting

on the 3 DAS, and high per-

centages of germination were

seen. Some morphological

characteristics of fruits and

seeds can be used to support

further systematic studies of

Cactoideae genera and will

contribute to knowledge for

the potential use and conser-

vation of these plants.

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Fruit esh bet acyan in pigments

in Hylocereus cacti. J. Agri c.

Food Chem. 50: 6086-6089.

BIOLOGÍA REPRODUCTIVA DE TRES ESPECIES DE MAMMILLARIA HAW. (CACTACEAE) ENDÉMICAS DEL CERRO "LA MESA REDONDA", JALISCO, MÉXICO. MÉXICO MAURICIO LARIOS-ULLOA1,*,SOFÍA LOZA-CORNEJO1,BRENDA YULIANA RAMOS GÓMEZ1,HILDA JULIETA ARREOLA-NAVA2,ADA MAGDIEL DE GUADALUPE ESPINOSA ROJAS1&LAURA MARÍA HERNÁNDEZ

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2015

RESUMEN-Se estudió la biología reproductiva de tres especies de Mammillaria Haw. (Mammillaria crinita DC. subsp. crinita, Mammillaria polythele Mart. subsp. polythele y Mammillaria uncinata Zucc. ex Pfeiff.) que se distribuyen en "La Mesa Redonda", elevación mesetiforme con vegetación de selva baja caducifolia, representativa del municipio de Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, México. Las variables analizadas incluyeron: morfología y fenología floral (calendario de floración), periodo de fructificación, caracteres morfológicos de frutos y semillas. Los resultados mostraron que la etapa reproductiva (floración-fructificación) de M. uncinata ocurre entre los meses marzo-junio; para M. crinita subsp. crinita la floración-fructificación se presenta en el periodo mayo-septiembre y para M. polythele subsp. polythele la floración es de junio a octubre, para culminar con la fructificación en enero. La morfología floral es similar en las especies estudiadas, poseen flores campanuladas, hermafroditas y antesis diurna. Las flores de mayor altura (16.66 ± 1.82 cm) y diámetro (16 ± 0.7 cm) corresponden a M. uncinata. Los valores promedio más altos para longitud, ancho, peso del fruto, número de semillas por fruto, tamaño y peso de semillas corresponden también a M. uncinata. Se concluye sobre la importancia de analizar factores microambientales para los sitios particulares de distribución de cada una de las especies y su influencia en la biología reproductiva. ABSTRACT-Reproductive biology of three Mammillaria Haw. species (Mammillaria crinita DC. subsp. crinita, Mammillaria polythele Mart. subsp. polythele y Mammillaria uncinata Zucc. ex Pfeiff.) that are distributed in the "Mesa Redonda" was studied. The "Mesa Redonda" is a mesetiform hill with deciduous forest vegetation, representative of Lagos de Moreno municipality, in Jalisco, Mexico. The variables analyzed included: morphology and floral phenology, fruiting period, and morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds. The results showed that the reproductive stage (flowering and fruiting process), of M. uncinata occurs between March-June; flowering and fruit emergency in M. crinita subsp. crinita occurs in the period from May to September and in M. polythele subsp. polythele flowering is from June to October, culminating with fruiting in January. The floral morphology is similar in the studied species: bell-shaped flowers, hermaphrodites and daytime anthesis. Flowers of greater height (16.66 ± 1.82 cm) and diameter (16 ± 0.7 cm) are present in M. uncinata. The highest average values for length, width, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, seed size and weight also correspond to M. uncinata. We conclude on the importance of analyzing microenvironmental factors for particular sites of distribution of each species and its influence on the reproductive biology.

Germinación y crecimiento de Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto (Cactaceae)

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

Echinocactus platyacanthus is an endemic cactus of Mexico and, this plant, it is one of the most overexploited cacti, due to food characteristics, because from this cactus it is obtained the sweet soft known as acitron, also this cactus is widely distributed in Mexico, but a management plan has not been created yet, in order to guarantees the in vitro sustainable use. In addition, it is important to note, that this specimen is listed as an extinction species risk. Consequently, the goals in this work were develop a comparative study between in vitro and ex vitro germination; in addition, to know the effects of the vegetal growth regulators for E. platyacanthus with controlled conditions. In this work was obtained 70% of germination after 28 days of cultivation after sowing enploying 50% MS from original concentration, then 60% using black soil and 46% with black soil + agrolite. Regard to growth regulators, the cytokinin BAP or auxin ANA with 0.5 mgL-1 concentration the in vitro culture acelerated the growth of apical and basal explants with vigorous seedlings with height size up to 1.8 cm, and diameter size of 2.25 cm, with fresh weight of 2.3 g in a period of 70 days of cultivation after sowing; consequently, the use of both protocols of germination and growth offers one alternative in short time for the production of vigorous seedling for later establishment of this specimen in greenhouse for their future consumption and acitron production, and contributing to specimens in situ protection.

Morfometría de fruto y semilla de poblaciones de Ferocactus pilosus del Altiplano Tamaulipeco

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2023

En México, más de 75% de las especies de cactáceas están sometidas a presión antropogénica y destrucción de su hábitat, como es el caso de Ferocactus pilosus, por lo que es importante aumentar el conocimiento para su recuperación in situ. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la manera en que el ambiente semiárido del Altiplano de Tamaulipas tiende a limitar la distribución de cinco poblaciones de F. pilosus y promueve cambios morfológicos que operan en frutos y semillas. El dendrograma definió la similitud entre poblaciones II, III y IV de la biznaga, debido a diferencias en pedregosidad y ligera condición de humedad por el tipo de clima y la elevación. El análisis Manova y Tukey demostraron la existencia de diferencias significativas en número de semillas (NS) y peso de semillas (PS) de biznaga. El NS fue estadísticamente igual entre las poblaciones II (674 ±191), III (657 ±221) y IV (643 ±246), mientras que en las mismas poblaciones PS fue 0.92 ±0.27, 0.9 ±0.3 y 0.88 ±0.34 mg, respectivamente. Las poblaciones II, III y IV de la biznaga cabuchera, aprovecharon mejor las condiciones ambientales del Altiplano de Tamaulipas prevalecientes en 2013 y 2014, lo que provocó una variación importante de NS y PS en las mismas poblaciones de F. pilosus y el rechazo parcial de la hipótesis.

Seed traits and germination in the Cactaceae family: A review across Americas

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2020

Background: Cactaceae is the fifth taxonomic group with the highest proportion of threatened species. One way to contribute to the preservation of this family is to understand the processes that promote seed germination. Questions: How common is dormancy and seed banks in Cactaceae? Are there general patterns in cacti germination response to temperature, light, water, salinity, phytohormones, hydration/dehydration cycles, mechanical or chemical scarification? Data description: A total of 333 studies on cactus germination with information on 409 taxa. Study site and dates: since 1939 to January 2020. Methods: A search of scientific articles in Google Scholar was performed with the words Cactaceae, cacti and cactus, in combination with various matters on germination in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Results: The main germination studies in cactus deal with photoblasticism (275 taxa), temperature (205 taxa) and seed longevity (142 taxa). Other lines of study in cactus germination (e.g., desiccation tolerance, vivipary, phytohormones, mechanical or chemical scarification, in vitro germination, hydration/dehydration cycles, water and saline stress, serotiny, storage in cold, high temperature tolerance and soil seed bank) include between 14 and 65 taxa. Cacti have only physiological dormancy and optimal germination for most species occur between 20 and 30 °C. Conclusions: Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are the three leading countries in the study of cactus germination.

Seed germination of Southern Chihuahuan Desert cacti: Effect of mucilage, light and phytohormones

Article

Dec 2019
FLORA

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mucilage and its removal, as well as phytohormones [gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)] in light and in darkness on germination of five cactus species (Coryphanta maiz-tablasensis, Echinocactus platyacanthus, Ferocactus latispinus, Ferocactus pilosus and Stenocereus queretaroensis) from the Chihuahuan Desert. Three of them, C. maiz-tablasensis, E. platyacanthus and F. pilosus, are at risk. The mucilage layer occurred in all species. The sterilization treatment removed the mucilage even from the micropyle. Mucilage resulted in higher germination percentage in E. platyacanthus (88.5 % vs. 21.1 % without mucilage), F. latispinus (88.5 % vs. 48.2 %) and S. queretaroensis (96.0 % vs. 1.0 %), as well as a lower germination time for E. platyacanthus (10.0 days vs. 19.5 days without mucilage), F. pilosus (14.1 days vs. 16.4 days) and F. latispinus (7.8 days vs. 14.0 days). GA3 did affect germination percentage in E. platyacanthus (higher at 500 and 1000 mg l⁻¹ than at 50 and 100 mg l⁻¹), F. latispinus (higher at 1000 mg l⁻¹ of GA3 than at the control and at the other concentrations) and F. pilosus (higher at 1000 mg l⁻¹ of GA3 than at control and 50 mg l⁻¹). The interaction of mucilage layer and GA3 was only significant for F. latispinus in that seeds with mucilage had higher germination at 0, 50, 100 and 250 mg l⁻¹ of GA3 than seeds without mucilage, but at 500 and 1000 mg l⁻¹ germination was high with and without mucilage. Most cactus seeds had no germination in darkness and auxins did not promote germination. Mucilage covers the micropyle and seeds without mucilage were internally more colored than seeds with mucilage in most species. We suggest that mucilage layer in the micropyle can function like a barrier regulating the passage of water to the inner seed.

Pericarp development in fruit of epiphytic cacti: implications for fruit classification and macro-morphology in the Cactaceae

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2018

The family Cactaceae exhibits an assortment of fleshy and dry fruit types with various shapes dictated by the gynoecium outline and surrounding pericarpel. Consequently, conflicting terminology exists regarding cactus fruit classification because the fruit is a complex structure in which various floral parts participate in development. We examined fruit morphogenesis in four epiphytic cacti and provided a description of developmental events from post-anthesis to fruit maturation, which unveiled new structures valuable in fruit characterisation and taxonomy of the Hylocereeae and Rhipsalideae. Succinctly, the cactus fruit is a carpellar ovary embedded in a long-shoot (pericarpel). The pericarp originates from five components: internal ovarian epidermis that delimits the fruit locule, ovary (proper), collateral vascular bundles, pericarpel (receptacular origin), and external pericarpel epidermis. In addition, cell expansion and stored mucilage, a sticky substance involved in seed dispersal, occurs during fruit development. We propose the term cactidium, a complex fruit with accessory structures of pericarpellar origin surrounding the gynoecial boundary, to describe the cactus fruit. This term is appropriate because members of the Cactaceae bear unique traits, such as areoles in the reproductive structures (pericarpel), which may produce scale-leaves, bristles, and spines.

Determination of the nutritional and seed properties of some wild edible plants consumed as vegetable in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2017
S AFR J BOT

This study was carried out to determine the some nutritional and seed properties of three wild edible plants, namely, Malva neglecta (common mallow), Polygonum cognatum (knotweed) and Trachystemon orientalis (Abraham-Isaac-Jacob), consumed as vegetable in the Middle Black Sea Region of Turkey. In this study, the plants were collected from five different localities in four different provinces (Amasya, Ordu, Samsun and Tokat) of the region. As a result, the nutritional and seed properties of wild edible plants varied considerably depending on the species and locality. Nutritional analysis showed that the wild edible plants contained important levels of protein (15.71 to 19.96%), potassium (1219.19–1867.47 mg/100 g), phosphorus (56.89–195.86 mg/100 g), calcium (282.96–688.32 mg/100 g) and magnesium (112.54–165.79 mg/100 g). The length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, volume, 1000 seed weight and bulk density of wild edible plant seeds varied from 1.71 to 3.11 mm, 1.37 to 1.83 mm, 1.00 to 1.61 mm, 1.41 to 2.06 mm, 0.60 to 0.85, 6.27 to 13.29 mm², 1.20 to 3.17 mm³, 1.40 to 3.41 g and 532.3 to 680.9 kg/m³, respectively. The germination rate and mean germination time of seeds changed from 36.33 to 64.67% and 7.00 to 12.67 day, respectively. The results clearly revealed that these wild plants had important nutritional properties. Thus, these wild plant species could serve as good and cheap food sources in human diet. Additionally, the findings of this study may provide useful information on nutritional composition and seed properties of these wild plants for researchers.

Efficiency of Opuntia ficus indica as a coagulant for gray wastewater treatment and its application in a pilot system

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022

Ingeniería del Agua | 26.3 | 2022 Jaco et al. | Eficiencia de la Opuntia ficus indica como coagulante para el tratamiento de las aguas residuales grises […] 157 Eficiencia de la Opuntia ficus indica como coagulante para el tratamiento de las aguas residuales grises y su aplicación en un sistema piloto. Efficiency of Opuntia ficus indica as a coagulant for gray wastewater treatment and its application in a pilot system. Ingeniería del agua, 26(3), 157-171. https://doi.org/10.4995/Ia.2022.17478 RESUMEN La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficiencia del Opuntia ficus indica como coagulante en el tratamiento de las aguas grises, para ello se trabajó con una serie de pruebas compuestas para diferentes cantidades de coagulante, este último se preparó en forma de polvo a partir de la Opuntia ficus indica. Se han caracterizado los parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua residual gris, se aplicó el coagulante en el equipo de prueba de jarras y se determinó la dosis optima del coagulante con base en la variación de los parámetros de calidad. Como resultado se obtuvo un agua inicialmente por encima de los Estándares de Calidad Ambiental para Agua (D.S. N° 004-2017) y la Guía de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental para reutilización de aguas residuales, una dosis optima de 1.625 g/l y al ser aplicado en el sistema piloto de tratamiento primario, se obtuvieron los siguientes porcentajes de remoción: 96.67% de SST, 88.19% de Turbidez, 72,98% de DBO 5 y 72.81% de Nitrito; en el caso de pH se alcanzó una reducción en 30.37%; se concluye que el coagulante natural es eficiente para el tratamiento de aguas residuales grises y puede usarse para riego no restringido de vegetales. ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of Opuntia ficus indica as a coagulant in the treatment of gray water, for which a series of tests were carried out for different amounts of coagulant, the latter was prepared in powder form from Opuntia ficus indica. The physicochemical parameters of the gray wastewater have been characterized, the coagulant was applied in the jar test equipment and the optimal dose of the coagulant was determined based on the variation of the quality parameters. As a result, water was initially obtained above the Environmental Quality Standards for Water (D.S. No. 004-2017) and the Guide of the Environmental Protection Agency for reuse of wastewater, an optimal dose of 1,625 g / l and being applied in the primary treatment pilot system, the following removal percentages were obtained: 96.67% TSS, 88.19% Turbidity, 72.98% DBO5 and 72.81% Nitrite; in the case of pH, a reduction in acidity of 30.37% was reached; It is concluded that the natural coagulant is efficient for the treatment of gray wastewater and can be used for unrestricted irrigation of vegetables.

Eficiencia de la Opuntia ficus indica como coagulante para el tratamiento de las aguas residuales grises y su aplicación en un sistema piloto

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficiencia del Opuntia ficus indica como coagulante en el tratamiento de las aguas grises, para ello se trabajó con una serie de pruebas compuestas para diferentes cantidades de coagulante, este último se preparó en forma de polvo a partir de la Opuntia ficus indica. Se han caracterizado los parámetros fisicoquímicos del aguaresidual gris, se aplicó el coagulante en el equipo de prueba de jarras y se determinó la dosis optima del coagulante con base en la variación de los parámetros de calidad. Como resultado se obtuvo un agua inicialmente por encima de los Estándares de Calidad Ambiental para Agua (D.S. N° 004-2017) y la Guía de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental para reutilización de aguas residuales, una dosis optima de 1.625 g/l y al ser aplicado en el sistema piloto de tratamiento primario, se obtuvieron los siguientes porcentajes de remoción: 96.67% de SST, 88.19% de Turbidez, 72,98% de DBO5 y 72.81% de Nitrito; en el caso de pH se alcanzó una reducción en 30.37%; se concluye que el coagulante natural es eficiente para el tratamiento de aguas residuales grises y puede usarse para riego no restringido de vegetales.

Aptitud agroecológica para el cultivo de Stenocereus pruinosus y S. stellatus en la Mixteca Poblana, México

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2012

Morfología de la semilla en Neobuxbaumia (Cactaceae)

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2007

Seed morphology of nine species of Neobuxbaumia and Carnegiea gigantea was examined by scanning electronic microscopy to distinguish their similarities and differences. Fourteen quantitative and qualitative features were evaluated to identify groups of species using a phenetic analysis. Two groups were recognized based on seed shape and rim position relative to the hilum-micropylar region. Neobuxbaumia species are characterized by the following features: large to extremely large, glossy, smooth seeds, with periphery keeled, border slightly expanded around hilum, hilum-micropylar region oblique, superficial, and hilum-micropyle complex oval. Neobuxbaumia multiareolata has obvious interstices and N. laui possesses convexities with high domes. Carnegiea gigantea differs from Neobuxbaumia species in that its seeds are ovoid, with border highly expanded around hilum, hilum-micropylar region superficial, and hilum-micropyle complex key-shaped. Most seed characters described are shared with member of Pachycereinae, and thus no single seed character can be recognized as a synapomorphy for Neobuxbaumia.

Demographic Trends in the Cactaceae

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2003

Although our biological knowledge regarding cactus species is thorough in many areas, only in recent years have ecologists addressed their demographic behavior. Here we attempt a first review of the present knowledge on cactus demography, including an analysis of the published information on species with different growth forms and life-history traits. Our review shows that cactus distribution ranges are determined by environmental heterogeneity and by species-specific physiological requirements. Temperature extremes may pose latitudinal and altitudinal distribution limits. At a more local scale, soil properties dramatically affect cactus distribution. Most cacti show a clumped spatial distribution pattern, which may be the reflection of a patchy resource distribution within their heterogeneous environments. The association of cacti with nurse plants is another factor that may account for this aggregated distribution. Many cacti grow in association with these perennial nurse plants, particularly during early life-cycle phases. The shade provided by nurse plants results in reduced evapotranspiration and buffered temperatures, which enhance cactus germination and establishment. In some cases a certain degree of specificity has been detected between particular cactus species and certain nurse plants. Yet some globose cacti may establish in the absence of nurse plants. In these cases, rocks and other soil irregularities may facilitate germination and establishment. Cacti are slow-growing species. Several abiotic factors, such as water and nutrient availability, may affect their growth rate. Competition and positive associations (i.e., mycorrhizae and nurse-cacti association) may also affect growth rate. Age at first reproduction varies greatly in relation to plant longevity. In general, cactus reproductive capacity increases with plant size. Populations are often composed of an uneven number of individuals distributed in the different size categories. This type of population structure reflects massive but infrequent recruitment events, apparently associated with benign periods of abundant rainfall. A few cactus species have been analyzed through the use of population-projection matrices. A total of 17 matrices were compiled and compared. Most of them reflect populations that are close to the numerical equilibrium (λ = close to unity). Elasticity analyses revealed that the persistence of individuals in their current size category (“stasis”) is the demographic process that contributes the most to population growth rate. Also, adult categories (rather than juveniles or seedlings) show the largest contributions to λ. No differences were apparent regarding this matter between cacti with different life-forms. This review shows that our knowledge of cactus population ecology is still incipient and rather unevenly distributed: some topics are well developed; for others the available information is still very limited. Our ability to preserve the great number of cactus species that are now endangered depends on our capacity to deepen our ecological understanding of their population processes.

Seed-morphology and classification in Ferocactus subg. Ferocactus

Article

Dec 1983

Seed-morphology as an aid to classifying the genus Echinopsis Zucc.

Article

Dec 1983

Seed-morphology of the genus Notocactus

Article

Dec 1986

The phylogenetic division of the subfamily Cereoideae, Cactaceae

Article

Jan 1958

F. Buxbaum

Germination Responses of Opuntia spp. to Temperature, Scarification, and Other Seed Treatments

Article

Jan 1984

Scarification in sulfuric acid consistently increased germination of Opuntia edwardsii sp. nov, O. discata Griffiths, and O. lindheimeri Engelm. ♯ OPULI seeds over that of untreated seeds. Optimum constant temperatures for germination were generally 25 to 35 C and germination was not enhanced by alternating temperatures. There was a trend for increased germination following leaching in water for 12 h which suggested the presence of chemical germination inhibitors. Seeds passed through the digestive tracts of cattle exhibited average germination percentages that were 1.5 times greater than seeds removed from ripe fruits.

Coryphantha: Cacti of Mexico and Southern USA

Book

Jan 2005

This unique reference work presents the first comprehensive taxonomy of Coryphantha, with a complete key to the genus. It contains a new taxonomic classification of all 43 species and 11 subspecies, with morphological and ecological descriptions. These cacti, which grow in Mexico and southern USA, are characterized by their typical grooved tubercles and large flowers. The book is the result of many years of viewing the literature and fieldwork by the author team and their ongoing commitment to map out the nomenclature of this genus. During this process, the authors even discovered some new plants. More than 300 high-quality colour photos showing the various cacti and their habitats as well as distribution cards and illustrations explaining the morphological details complement the text. Written in an easy-to-follow style and with a chapter on cultivation conditions, the work will not only be an invaluable reference manual for taxonomists and horticulturalists but also for hobbyists and plant collectors. © 2003 by Eugen Ulmer GmbH & Co., Stuttgart, Germany. All rights reserved.

Stenocereus beneckei seed mass variation and its relationship to germination

Article

Dec 2004
INTERCIENCIA

Seed size variation plays an important role in germination and seedling establishment. Stenocereus benekei seed germination of five mass classes in four sowing dates was studied with the aim to gain insight in species strategies within the first phases of its life cycle. S. benekei has the largest (3.2 ×0.4mm length, 2.6 ×0.3mm breadth) and heaviest (11.8 ×2.7mg) seeds of the Stenocereus genus. Number of seeds per fruit varied from 25 to 200, showing a positive correlation between fruit size and number of seeds. Seed germination percentage was higher than 75% in four categories under laboratory conditions. The lower germination percentage (11%) was found in the smallest seeds and the highest in medium size seeds (84%). Germination curves showed statistical differences among the five seed mass categories and dates, as well as among seeds of the same mass category germinated in different dates. Germination curves revealed that in the medium and large seeds (3-5) germinability was higher shortly after harvesting, but an inverse behaviour was observed in the smaller seeds (categories 1-2). The results suggest that seeds of S. beneckei respond differentially depending upon their physiological maturity and the date after sowing.

Seedcrop characteristics and minimum reproductive size of organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) in southern Arizona

Article