Name and origin of the description
Acanthocereus veronicae was described from western Mexico using specimens from Jalisco and Nayarit and a comparison of chloroplast DNA. The plants displayed a distinct combination of juvenile stem, spine and reproductive characters. The epithet honours Verónica Chávez, who is associated with an organization studying cacti and wildlife in western Mexico. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, pp. 1–4, 10–11]
The name and scope of this account follow the original 2026 species description. The list of 17 accepted species of the genus in POWO, checked on 12 October 2026, did not yet include this new name. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, protologue, pp. 6, 10–11, POWO 295870-2, 12.10.2026] [2-WWW]
Growth form and stem development
The shrubs are semi-erect or decumbent and reach 0.7–2.1 m in height. The root is tuberous. Both juvenile and adult stems have three ribs. Adult stems are upright or arching, 2.1–3.6 cm in diameter, with a dull green epidermis. Areoles on adult stems are spaced 2.5–3.6 cm apart. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, pp. 6, table 3, pp. 11, species description]
Adult areoles bear 5–8 short central spines and four radial spines. Together with the three-ribbed juvenile stem, this structure helps identify the species. In the comparison, juvenile stems of A. castellae and A. cuixmalensis usually have five or six ribs. The similar A. maculatus has a mottled epidermis. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, pp. 6, table 3, pp. 11]
Flowers and fruits
The nocturnal flowers are funnel-shaped, 9.5–11 cm long, with cream to white inner tepals. Flowering was observed from June to July and fruiting from July to August. The fruits are red, pear-shaped or oblong, 3–4 cm long and 1.5–2 cm wide. Their surface retains areoles bearing small spines. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, pp. 11, species description]
Range and threat assessment
The description includes localities in Jalisco and Nayarit, in tropical forests with seasonal leaf fall. The authors reported three localities and estimated approximately 300 mature plants and 200 juveniles. They proposed the Endangered category, EN, under IUCN criteria. This proposal forms part of the original species account. [González-Zamora et al. 2026, pp. 11]