Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
albicephalus
ID:
1290429

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Buining & Brederoo) F.Ritter

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1979

Citation Micro:
Kakteen Südamerika 1: 108. 1979.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001289767



Common Names

  • Micranthocereus albicephalus
  • White-Headed Pitaya
  • White-Headed Night-Blooming Cereus


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Description

Micranthocereus albicephalus (also called White-Headed Micranthocereus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to South America. It is a tall, columnar cactus with long, cylindrical stems that are covered in white spines. It is found in dry, rocky habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Micranthocereus albicephalus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used as a source of food and medicine.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Micranthocereus albicephalus has white flowers with five petals and five sepals. Its seeds are small, black, and oval-shaped. The seedlings have a single cotyledon and a pair of opposite, simple leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Micranthocereus albicephalus is a small, evergreen, succulent shrub that grows up to 1 m tall. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings.

Where to Find Micranthocereus albicephalus

Micranthocereus albicephalus is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo and Querétaro and can be found in the wild in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. It is also available from specialty nurseries and online retailers.

Micranthocereus albicephalus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Micranthocereus albicephalus?

Micranthocereus albicephalus

What is the natural habitat of Micranthocereus albicephalus?

It is native to the dry forests of Mexico and Guatemala

What is the size of Micranthocereus albicephalus?

It is a small cactus, usually reaching a height of up to 20 cm

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

Albert Frederik Hendrik Buining (1901-1976): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Buining' in the authors string.
Friedrich Ritter (1898-1989): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'F.Ritter' in the authors string.
Arnold J. Brederoo (1917-1999): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Brederoo' in the authors string.