Tacinga

(Werderm.) N.P.Taylor

A natural hybrid of Tacinga inamoena and Tacinga werneri, described from a rocky site in Minas Gerais. It combines orange-red flowers with multiple perianth series and a pentaploid count of 55 chromosomes. The flame-like perianth colour is reflected in its name.

N.P.Taylor & Zappi

(F.A.C.Weber) N.P.Taylor & Stuppy

A low-growing cactus from the Borborema Plateau, distinguished by numerous strong spines and armed young fruits. The species description from 2021 combines detailed morphology, observations of five populations and determination of a hexaploid chromosome number.

Tacinga braunii is one of the species with elongated stems that lean on surrounding vegetation. Instead of a low clump of flat segments, it forms a shrub with cylindrical and locally flattened sections. Its natural range is restricted to Minas Gerais.

The long, thin stems of Tacinga funalis climb among the branches of dry scrub. The history of the genus began with this species. In the field, numerous small glochids, a woody base and elongated fruits resembling small bottles are conspicuous.

A low, clump-forming species from Morro do Chapéu in Bahia. Its name refers to spines with a flattened base resembling a small blade. Its biology combines orange flowers, rapidly shed fruits and recruitment from detached plant parts.

The low, clump-forming Tacinga inamoena is one of the more widely studied cacti of the Caatinga. Its orange flowers, fruits and small glochids participate in different interactions with animals. Studies of seeds, population genetics and microorganisms reveal further levels of its biology.

A Venezuelan species initially identified as Opuntia lilae. Analysis of DNA and seed and fruit structure placed it in Tacinga, extending the genus’ range far beyond Brazil. Mature fruits can produce new shoots and participate in clonal expansion.

A small, tetraploid Tacinga from northern Ceará, described in 2024. It forms low clumps, and mature fruits and detached terminal segments can give rise to new shoots. Its recognition clarified some earlier reports of Tacinga palmadora in this region.

A shrubby Tacinga with orange or reddish flowers, widely studied in the Brazilian Caatinga. Pollination experiments show that pollen production, fruit set and seed number can respond differently to environmental aridity and human pressure.

A rock-dwelling cactus with yellow flowers and fruits ripening to a wine colour. Revision of herbarium specimens confirmed its presence on limestone outcrops in Goiás and Tocantins, extending the documented range of the typical subspecies beyond the previously reported Bahia and Minas Gerais.

A low Tacinga spreading in dense patches, with nearly cylindrical segments. Originally described as a subspecies of Tacinga inamoena, it is now accepted as a separate species. Its morphological distinctness is supported by a DNA marker study.

A shrubby Tacinga from Bahia and northeastern Minas Gerais. Its mature, whitish fruits with pink pulp are a clear diagnostic feature among the red-flowered species. The plant also participates in the formation of natural hybrids.