Disocactus heterodoxus

Species identity

Gómez-Hinostrosa and Hernández compared morphology, herbarium records and earlier molecular results. They recognized Disocactus heterodoxus as a distinct species. Historical literature used the names Heliocereus heterodoxus and Disocactus speciosus subsp. heterodoxus. Current POWO accepts species rank. [Gómez-Hinostrosa and Hernández 2023, pp.79–88, POWO77249092-1] [2-WWW]

Structure and identification

Adult stems are thin and flattened, usually with two edges. Areoles may bear few spines or be unarmed. Flowers open during the day and are usually narrowly funnel-shaped. Described colours range from red and deep pink to creamy white, with part of the variation associated with geographical provenance. [Gómez-Hinostrosa and Hernández 2023, pp.80–86]

Mature fruits remain light green and contain pale pulp. Elongated podaria on their surface resemble ribs. Black seeds have a mucilage sheath. Fruit and seed structure supplement identification based on the flower and flattened stem. [Gómez-Hinostrosa and Hernández 2023, pp.83]

Montane forests

Documented localities include Chiapas, Mexico, and montane areas of Guatemala. Plants occur in cloud forests and wet pine–oak forests. The authors identify habitat fragmentation as a potential threat to populations and report localities in protected areas, including El Triunfo reserve. [Gómez-Hinostrosa and Hernández 2023, pp.83–85]