Stems and spines
The field account reports a height of 5–7 m and stems with six blunt ribs. Young branches have a bluish bloom. Short radial spines surround a longer central spine. The original description emphasizes strongly six-angled stems, large round areoles and greyish wool visible during flowering. [Véliz Pérez 2008] [Britton and Rose 1920]
Flowers, fruits and the original description
Dark purple buds open into pale flowers. The inner tepals are creamy white and spread widely. Numerous stamens surround the pale pistil, and small fruits ripen to wine red. The original description was based on a plant sent from Guatemala by Federico Eichlam in 1909 that later flowered in Washington. The authors distinguished it from M. geometrizans partly by its larger, greener branches and different spines. [Britton and Rose 1920]
Habitat and seasonal rhythm
The El Progreso field account describes sites in low thorn forest that sheds its leaves during the dry season. Flowering was observed in January and February and fruiting in February and March. These dates refer to the local observations. [Véliz Pérez 2008]
Range and conservation
POWO accepts this species and places its native range in south-central Guatemala. The displayed IUCN Red List assessment assigns CR, Critically Endangered. Historical reports of few recorded plants document knowledge at the time of publication, while current population size requires new surveys. [2-WWW]