A branching shrub

Leptocereus demissus usually forms a shrub 1–2 m tall with arching or trailing branches. The largest observed plants reached 3–4 m and had a woody trunk up to 50 mm in diameter. Terminal segments are grey-green, 0.3–3 m long and 15–20 mm in diameter. They usually have 6 ribs, within the range (5–)6(–7), with straight or slightly dentate margins. Areoles are spaced 10–15 mm apart and bear 15–25 spines measuring 10–20 mm. [Hoxey et al. 2023b, pp. 31–36]

Limestone substrate and propagation

Sites confirmed in the 2023 revision lie on the Bahoruco Peninsula, east and southeast of Pedernales. The plant grows on coral limestone in dry woodland, up to about 220 m above sea level. A more extensive population was found along the trail from Los Tres Charcos to Trudillé. Towards wetter inland habitats it was replaced by L. velozianus. Observations of stem tips rooting on contact with the ground document a capacity for vegetative propagation. [Hoxey et al. 2023b, pp. 35–36]

Flower and ripe fruit

The revision gives a nocturnal flower 50–65 mm long and 30–46 mm wide. Its tube gradually widens towards the rim and bears spiny areoles. This floral description was taken from the original species diagnosis because the revision authors did not observe its flowers in the field. Fruits described from observations measure 55–65 × 45–50 mm, with a thick wall and persistent spines. They were plum-red when fully ripe. Seeds measure 2.2–2.6 × 1.3 × 1.0 mm. [Hoxey et al. 2023b, pp. 31, 35–36]

Species limits in two studies

The 2021 phylogeny indicated a close relationship between L. demissus and L. velozianus, using one sample identified as L. demissus, Majure 5972. Hoxey and colleagues questioned that identification in 2023. In their interpretation, the stems, seeds and seedlings of the material from near Oviedo correspond to L. velozianus. Both publications distinguish these species, but the result concerning their closest relationship depends on the sample identification. [Hoxey et al. 2023b, pp. 35–36 in the 2023 revision, pp. 20–22, 27 in the 2021 study] [Majure et al. 2021a, pp. 35–36 in the 2023 revision, pp. 20–22, 27 in the 2021 study]

Synonyms and names in the literature

Neoabbottia demissa [2-WWW]