| Chiotilla | |
|---|---|
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| Chiotilla cactus | |
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| Ripe jiotilla fruit | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Tribe: | Echinocereeae |
| Genus: | Escontria Rose |
| Species: | E. chiotilla |
| Binomial name | |
| Escontria chiotilla | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Escontria is a genus of cactus. The only species is Escontria chiotilla, the chiotilla or jiotilla.
The tree-like Escontria chiotilla is heavily branched with flat tops, forms clear trunks and reaches a height of 4 to 7 meters. The light green, cylindrical shoots have a diameter of 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in). It has 7 or 8 acute ribs, are densely covered with dark gray, elongated areoles that sometimes flow into one another. The central spine, which is usually one red-orange to yellow, later turns gray and is up to 20 mm (0.79 in) long. The 10 to 20 marginal spines, sometimes arranged somewhat comb-shaped, are yellowish-brown, later become grayish-white and are up to 12 mm (0.47 in) long.
The yellow, tubular to somewhat bell-shaped flowers, which open during the day, appear below the shoot tip. It bears dark red fruit comparable in appearance and texture to Pitaya, but smaller (3,5 cm). [2] The spherical, fleshy, scaled fruits are purple-brown and have a diameter of 5 cm (2.0 in) or more. [3]
The species originates from Mexico (Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, southern Puebla).
The first plants were discovered in 1864 by Frédéric Albert Constantin Weber, who sent material to George Engelmann. However, the first description as Cereus chiotilla was not made until 1897 by Karl Moritz Schumann. [4] The botanical name of the genus honors the Mexican engineer and temporary governor of San Luis Potosí Blas Escontria and Bustamante (1848–1906). The specific epithet chiotilla derives from the local name “Chiotilla” for the edible fruits of the plant. Spanish common names are “Chiotilla” and “Jiotilla”. In 1906, Joseph Nelson Rose placed it in the genus Escontria, which he had established. [5]
Another nomenclature synonym is Myrtillocactus chiotilla (F.A.C.Weber ex K.Schum.) P.V.Heath (1992).
Stetsonia coryne, the toothpick cactus, is the sole species in the cactus genus Stetsonia. Stetsonia coryne is native to arid regions of South America, where it grows to a height of 15 to 25 ft tall. It contains mescaline and other alkaloids.
Leuchtenbergia is a genus of cactus which has only one species, Leuchtenbergia principis. It is native to north-central Mexico. The genus is named after Maximilian Eugen Joseph (1817–1852), Duke of Leuchtenberg and amateur botanist.
Oroya is a genus of cacti, native to Peru. The genus is widespread in the Peruvian Andes.
Brasiliopuntia is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. It contains only one species, Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis.
Ferocactus echidne is a barrel cactus in the genus Ferocactus. It is found in nature in Mexico. This cactus is known commonly as Sonora barrel, Coville's barrel cactus, Emory's barrel cactus, and traveler's friend. This plant is often sold as a houseplant.
Harrisia pomanensis is a species of cactus.
Lophocereus schottii, the senita cactus, is a species of cactus from southern Arizona and north-western Mexico, particularly Baja California and Sonora. Ultramafic soils facilitate the endemism of plant species and are often associated with their distribution.
Gymnocalycium anisitsii is a globular cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae. The specific epithet honors the Hungarian pharmacist Dániel Anisits J. (1856-1911).
Mammillaria gigantea is a species of cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae native to Mexico. It is named for its large size.
Soehrensia thelegona is a species of cactus in the Soehrensia genus.
Ferocactus flavovirens is a species of Ferocactus from Mexico.
Xiquexique gounellei is a species of plant in the genus Xiquexique of the cactus family. Common names include "Alastrado", "Chique-Chique", "Xique-Xique" and "Xique-Xique das Pedras".
Oroya peruviana is a species of cacti, originating from Peru.
Cephalocereus fulviceps is a species of Cephalocereus from Mexico.
Cephalocereus columna-trajani is a species of cactus from Mexico.
Cephalocereus polylophus is a species of cactus endemic to Mexico. Often grown under the synonym Neobuxbaumia polylopha, it is popular with cactus growers and reproduces well in cultivation.
Cochemiea wrightii is a species of Cochemiea found in Mexico and the southern United States.
Cochemiea schumannii is a species of Cochemiea found in Mexico.
Echinocereus brandegeei is a species of cactus native to Mexico.
Echinocereus maritimus is a species of cactus native to Mexico.
