Family: Cactaceae
Author: (Muehlenpf.) Backeb.
Bibliography: Cactaceae (Berlin) 1939(2): 12 (1939)
Year: 1939
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Austrocylindropuntia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SW. Colombia, Peru to Bolivia
Description
The Long-spine cactus, scientifically known as Austrocylindropuntia subulata, is a striking member of the Cactaceae family. This unique cactus was first described in the authoritative work “Cactaceae” published in Berlin in 1939, with further classification attributed to (Muehlenpf.) Backeb. Native to Central and Southwestern Colombia, as well as regions extending through Peru to Bolivia, the Long-spine cactus thrives in arid and semi-arid climates typical of these areas.
Austrocylindropuntia subulata is renowned for its cylindrical stems adorned with long, slender spines which not only give it its common name but also serve as a means of protection and water retention in its native habitats. Its appearance is both formidable and fascinating, drawing interest from botanists and cactus enthusiasts alike. The plant’s stems can grow quite tall, often reaching several meters in height under optimal conditions, making it a notable presence in any landscape it inhabits.
The adaptability of the Long-spine cactus to harsh environments is a testament to its resilience. It can survive with minimal water, thriving on the occasional rainfall and storing moisture in its fleshy stems. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, a landscaping method designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.
In its native regions, Austrocylindropuntia subulata plays a significant role in the local ecosystem. It provides shelter and food for various animals, while also being a part of traditional medicine practices among indigenous communities. In horticulture, this cactus is highly valued for its ornamental appeal and its ability to withstand challenging growing conditions.
Whether viewed through the lens of ecological importance or horticultural fascination, the Long-spine cactus remains a remarkable example of plant adaptation and survival. Its imposing structure and resilient nature continue to captivate those who study and cultivate it, embedding it deeply in the rich tapestry of the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: eve’s needle cactus, long-spine cactus, eve’s pin
Spa: baileya, cacto alesnado, cholla, opuntia alesnada
Afr: langdoringkaktus
Por: palma, pamatória
Swe: sylopuntia
En: Long-spine cactus, Eve’s Pin, Eve’s needle cactus
Af: Langdoringkaktus
Fi: Pylväsetelänopuntia
Fa: ستونچه درفشی
Pt: Palma, Pamatória
Es: Baileya, Cacto alesnado, Cholla, Opuntia alesnada, Kealla
Sv: Sylopuntia
Synonyms
- Pereskiopsis subulata ((Muehlenpf.) Britton & Rose)
- Opuntia subulata ((Muehlenpf.) Engelm.)
- Pereskia subulata (Muehlenpf.)
- Cylindropuntia subulata ((Muehlenpf.) F.M.Knuth)
Distribution
- Bolivia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Peru (native)
- Albania (introduced)
- Algeria (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- East Aegean Is. (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Free State (introduced)
- Greece (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Madagascar (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Sardegna (introduced)
- Sicilia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Tunisia (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 3, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Cristofher da Silva Pereira (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 16, 2019 by awpeters (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Zárate Nicolás (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Mari Trini (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 29, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Xavier Perez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 17, 2020 by Trejo Ruth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Mateus Godoi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2021 by de leon estefania (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by honey mlki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2021 by Chetouane Farida (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 18, 2020 by vicuña monteverde gerson xavier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2020 by vicuña monteverde gerson xavier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 19, 2020 by ural h (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2020 by effing fergie (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2020 by Azevedo Martins Leonardo (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Menezes Lete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2020 by leila nisaza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Sarami (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Felfoul Boualem (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Tomáš Marián (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Shayna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2019 by Fedan Hacizade (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2022 by galleli gelson (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:27133-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7282135)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Backeb.)