Xiquexique is genus of cactus from Brazil.
Description
The genus
Xiquexique comprises cacti that range from columnar to shrubby in shape. Their main stems grow upright, often with arched branches that run parallel to the ground. These stems typically have 4-15 ribs, and their fruits commonly display floral remnants that stand erect rather than being sunken into the apex of the pericarp. This morphological distinction from
Pilosocereus is characterized by
Xiquexique's candelabra-like branching stems, sinuated ribs, and the absence of sunken floral remnants on the fruit pericarp.
Taxonomy
The genus
Pilosocereus was divided into two subgenera in 1994 by Zappi, one of them being
Pilosocereus subg.
Gounellea based on its candelabra-like branching stems. In 2020, a
phylogenetic analysis by Lavor, Calvente, and Versieux led to the elevation of the subgenus to its own genus, named
Xiquexique. This new genus was named after the common name of
Pilosocereus gounellei, which is known as
xique-xique in Brazil.
[
]
Species
Species of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online :[
]|
|
Brazil (Bahia) |
Brazil |
Brazil |
|
Natural hybrids
Natural hybrids of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online :[
]
Distribution
Plants are found in the eastern region of Brazil, both in the north and the south.[
]
External links