Pilosocereus diersianus


Pilosocereus diersianus is a species of cactus native to Tocantins and Goiás

Description

Pilosocereus diersianus is a columnar cactus, growing up to 2 meters tall. The stems are 5–9 cm wide and bluish green in color. The ribs are thin, only 5–8 mm vwide. The oval areoles are 2-4 by 3-5mm. The pseudocephalic areoles are broad, sometimes interrupted, and are adorned with bluish-white wool up to 10 cm long. 20-30 thin and flexible spines radiate from areoles; about 10 spines are in the center. Spines are at first brown but become gray with age. The tubular white flowers emerge from the pseudocephalium, not even a little curved. Few triangular scales are found on the flower. The olive colored fruits are globose are 2.5-3 centimeters in diameter. Once ripe, the red, juicy pulp is revealed.
The type locality is located in Northeastern Minas Gerais.

Taxonomy

Pilosocereus diersianus was originally described as Pseudopilocereus diersianus in 1981. When Pseudopilocereus with dissolved in 1988, it was moved to Pilosocereus.

Etymology

The specific epithet "Diersianus" refers to Prof. Dr. Lothar Diers