Pilosocereus catimbauensis
Pilosocereus catimbauensis is a species of cactus native to Catimbau National Park, Brazil.
Description
Growing up to tall, P. catimbauensis is trunkless, branches at the base, and 14-18 ribs. Branches are slender, only in diameter; flowers are also smaller than P. chrysostele at x. A cephalium is present was not well developed.
Taxonomy
Pilosocereus catimbauensis was originally described in 2020 as subspecies of Pilosocereus chrysostele. However, in 2022, evidence of P. catimbauensis being distinct was found. P. catimbauensis has the smallest seeds of any Pilosocereus at only, suggesting that P. catimbauensis could even be unrelated to P. chrysostele.
Pollination
Pilosocereus catimbauensis is pollinated by the bat species Glossophaga soricina and Lonchophyla mordax.
Ecology
Pilosocereus catimbauensis grows sympatrically with Catimbaua pendula, Tillandsia catimbauensis, Acritopappus buiquensis, and Mandevilla catimbauensis.
Etymology
The specific epithet "Catimbauensis" refers Catimbau National Park, where this species is endemic to.