Name and origin
The accepted name Pfeiffera asuntapatensis (M.Kessler, Ibisch & Barthlott) Ralf Bauer is linked to the earlier name Lepismium asuntapatense. POWO records its native occurrence in western Bolivia. The type material came from La Paz department, along the route between Apolo and Charazani, at 1300 m. This elevation refers to the particular collection made in 1997. [2-WWW] [Korotkova et al. 2010, POWO record 77071384-1, 12 October 2026, p. 165]
Diagnostic features
The species key identifies P. asuntapatensis through flattened stems, inconspicuous stem armature and an unarmed outer surface at the base of the flower and on the fruit. Flowers range from intense magenta-red to orange. The generic description specifically notes the densely woolly areoles of this species. [Korotkova et al. 2010, pp. 164–165, species key]
Position within the genus
Plastid data grouped P. asuntapatensis with P. boliviana and P. paranganiensis. All three species in this group are Bolivian endemics. In the analysis, species with ribbed stems, including P. ianthothele, formed the other main group within the genus. [Korotkova et al. 2010, pp. 158, 160–161]
Synonyms and names in the literature
Bolivihanburya asuntapatensis · Lepismium asuntapatense [2-WWW]