Recognition as a species
Under the current POWO treatment, Eriosyce mutabilis replaces the former names E. curvispina var. mutabilis and E. curvispina subsp. mutabilis. The 2024 revision combined molecular distinctness with coastal distribution and morphological characters. Los Molles and Pichidangui populations were assigned to this lineage [Walter et al. 2024] [2-WWW].
Stem, flower and seed
The stem may be green or brownish, reaches about 8–15 cm in diameter and often branches. It has approximately 16 ribs. Radial spines measure roughly 1–3.5 cm and central spines 1.5–4 cm. Variation in colour and growth form is included in the species description, so identification combines several characters [Walter et al. 2024].
Flowers are about 3–4 cm long and funnel-shaped. Tepals are pale yellow to brownish yellow with a reddish central stripe. The seed surface has both tubercles and ridging. These details assist comparison with other species separated from the former broad E. curvispina [Walter et al. 2024].
A narrow coastal range
The species occupies a narrow coastal zone between Los Vilos and Los Molles. Development, roads and fires transform its remaining localities. In 2024 the revision’s authors proposed Critically Endangered, CR, with an extent of occurrence below 100 km². Recognizing this lineage separately allows threats to its own populations to be assessed [Walter et al. 2024].
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Synonyms and names in the literature
Pyrrhocactus horridus var. mutabilis · Eriosyce curvispina var. mutabilis · Eriosyce curvispina subsp. mutabilis · Horridocactus mutabilis [2-WWW]
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