Tephrocactus

Popov & V.Gapon

D.J.Ferguson & Janeba

A low, segmented cactus with globose stems and rigid spines. Combined morphological and chloroplast data distinguish it from Tephrocactus geometricus, with which it was sometimes merged in broad species treatments.

A shrub with easily detached segments, strong spines and exceptionally high levels of polyploidy. Its fragments move across the desert surface, allowing one individual to give rise to several spatially separate plants.

An Argentine cactus with fragile connections between segments. Some plants produce broad, flat spines resembling strips of paper, while others have different armament. A detached segment is an important unit of vegetative propagation.

A cactus with cylindrical segments and yellow flowers, called Tephrocactus weberi in most earlier studies. It forms a distinct lineage within the genus and includes two currently accepted subspecies.

A small geophyte from Catamarca, with a thickened root, globose segments and comb-like spine arrangement. In older literature it appears as Puna bonnieae and Maihueniopsis bonnieae. Seed traits helped explain its placement in Tephrocactus.

A species with globose segments joined relatively firmly. Its regular habit is associated with a distinct lineage within the Tephrocactus alexanderi group, confirmed in the morphological and chloroplast study.

A globose, segmented species from San Juan in Argentina. Comparative studies distinguish it by the combination of needle-like spines, pale flowers and sharp sepal tips, with a diploid chromosome complement.

A species from Salta with globose, weakly armed segments. Chromosome studies recorded two polyploidy levels, and DNA analysis linked it with the geophytic Tephrocactus bonnieae and Tephrocactus recurvatus.

A species with elongated segments, relatively persistent leaves and red flowers. Its fleshy fruit and compact seed covering distinguish it among Tephrocactus. In older papers it appears as Maihueniopsis nigrispina.

A geophytic cactus with a low cushion, thickened roots and strong connections between globose segments. The species was formerly described as Cumulopuntia recurvata. In the DNA study it was placed close to Tephrocactus bonnieae and Tephrocactus molinensis.

A cactus with cylindrical stems, conspicuous leaves and red to orange flowers. Formerly described as Austrocylindropuntia verschaffeltii, it combines the outline of a different opuntioid group with a relationship to Tephrocactus nigrispinus.