Ariocarpus retusus


Ariocarpus retusus is a species of cactus, from the genus Ariocarpus, found mainly in Mexico. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing species in this genus known for a slow rate of growth. Despite its slow growth, often taking ten years to reach flowering age, the retusus is a desirable cactus for cultivation, having attractive flowers and an unusual form for a cactus. It is also one of the most easily cultivated species in the genus.

Description

Ariocarpus retusus has flattened, spherical shoots that are gray-green, blue-green, or yellow-green, growing to heights of 3 to 25 centimeters and diameters of 4 to 30 centimeters. The erect, spreading warts protrude from the soil, crowded at the base, and are somewhat pointed or sharp-tipped with rounded or flat tops. The warts measure 1.5 to 4 centimeters long and 1 to 3.5 centimeters wide, sometimes as long as they are wide or twice as long. Occasionally, areoles are present at the tips of the warts. The flowers are cream to light yellow, white, or pinkish red, and have a diameter of 3 to 5 centimeters. The elongated fruits are 1 to 2.5 centimeters long.
The chromosome count is 2n = 22.

Distribution

Ariocarpus retusus is found in Mexico, from the states of Coahuila and Nuevo León south along both sides of the Sierra Madre Occidental to San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas in the high Chihuahuan desert at elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 meters. This species grows on limestone and rocky slopes and in grasslands.

Taxonomy

This species was first described in 1838 by Michael [Joseph François Scheidweiler], the specific epithet "retusus" comes from Latin, meaning 'blunted,' referring to the shape of the warts.

Pharmacology

, N-methyltyramine, N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine and N-methyl-4-methoxy-β-phenethylamine as well as the flavonol retusin has been found in Ariocarpus retusus. The locals use the slime from the roots of the plants as glue to repair pottery. As a medicinal plant it is used to treat fever. The Huichols use them in religious ceremonies.