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Opuntioids and stapeliads

References for the new accounts

Scientific publications and archived material, with complete bibliographic details and summaries of their contents.

Article2020b

Structure of the chlorenchyma in the persistent terete leaves of Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehl.) Backeb. (Cactaceae): anatomy beyond functional limitation

Ozerova L. V., Timonin A. C., Structure of the chlorenchyma in the persistent terete leaves of Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehl.) Backeb. (Cactaceae): anatomy beyond functional limitation, Wulfenia, 2020, 27:221-232

A microscopic analysis of the persistent, cylindrical leaves of Austrocylindropuntia subulata. It describes outer palisade parenchyma and inner non-palisade parenchyma, mucilage idioblasts and the arrangement of vascular bundles. The discussion concerns the combination of assimilation and water storage in the same tissues.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntia

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Article2022

First record of Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica (Lam.) Backeb. and first data about the naturalization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Backeb. in Algeria

Sakhraoui N., Verloove F., Essl F., Hadef A., First record of Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica (Lam.) Backeb. and first data about the naturalization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Backeb. in Algeria, BioInvasions Records, 2022, 11(2):351-359, doi: 10.3391/bir.2022.11.2.07

Multi-year field observations document Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica and A. subulata in north-eastern Algeria. The paper includes diagnostic traits, descriptions of occupied habitats and a comparison of population spread rates and modes of reproduction in the two species.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntia

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Article2023

Phylogenomics of One of the World’s Most Intriguing Groups of CAM Plants, the Opuntioids (Opuntioideae: Cactaceae): Adaptation to Tropical Dry Forests Helped Drive Prominent Morphological Features in the Clade

Majure L. C., Achá S., Baker M. A., Puente-Martínez R., Köhler M., Fehlberg S., Phylogenomics of One of the World’s Most Intriguing Groups of CAM Plants, the Opuntioids (Opuntioideae: Cactaceae): Adaptation to Tropical Dry Forests Helped Drive Prominent Morphological Features in the Clade, Diversity, 2023, 15(4):570, doi: 10.3390/d15040570

An analysis of 103 plastid genes in 107 Opuntioideae taxa. The paper reconstructs geographical origins, habitat shifts and the evolution of large leaves and flattened stems. It indicates the independent establishment of long-lived photosynthetic leaves in different opuntioid lineages.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntiaCumulopuntiaPereskiopsisQuiabentia

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[2-WWW]Source website

Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

https://powo.science.kew.org/

Accepted names, synonyms and distribution. A citation beside a taxon leads to its record.

Accessed 2026-10-08.

Article2024

Distribución geográfica y estado de conservación del cactus endémico Austrocylindropuntia pachypus y nuevos registros para el sur del Perú

Taquiri-Yanqui W., Capcha-Ramos J., Orellana-Garcia A., Ostolaza Nano C., Moat J., Whaley O. Q., Distribución geográfica y estado de conservación del cactus endémico Austrocylindropuntia pachypus y nuevos registros para el sur del Perú, Revista Peruana de Biologia, 2024, 31(1):e25847, doi: 10.15381/rpb.v31i1.25847

The paper brings together 42 occurrence records for a cactus endemic to Peru, and describes its structure and new localities in the Ica region. The analysis includes modelling of the potential range, habitat conditions and threats associated with changes in land use. The authors propose raising its threat category.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntia

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Article2024

Influencia de la luz en la germinación de semillas de 14 especies de cactáceas del Perú

Jara-Peña E., Quiroz A. J., Vela Arce M., Influencia de la luz en la germinación de semillas de 14 especies de cactáceas del Perú, Acta Botanica Mexicana, 2024, 131:e2273, doi: 10.21829/abm131.2024.2273

The experiment compares the germination of fourteen cacti in light and darkness. For Airampoa ayrampo (Tunilla soehrensii in the publication), it describes scarification and culture on an agar medium.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAirampoaArmatocereusAustrocylindropuntiaBrowningiaCorryocactusCumulopuntiaEspostoaHaageocereusLobiviaOpuntiaTrichocereusTunillaWeberbauerocereus

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Article1987

Drought‐induced shifts in daily CO2 uptake patterns for leafy cacti

Nobel P. S., Hartsock T. L., Drought‐induced shifts in daily CO2 uptake patterns for leafy cacti, Physiologia Plantarum, 1987, 70(2):114-118, doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1987.tb06119.x

The experiment compares daily CO₂ exchange in the leaves and stems of six leafy cacti during increasing drought. Three opuntioids showed a shift from predominantly daytime leaf assimilation to predominantly nocturnal assimilation, while total CO₂ uptake declined. The table includes separate day and night balances after 0, 7 and 14 days of drought.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntiaMaihueniaPereskiaPereskiopsisQuiabentia

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Article2000

Photosynthetic pathway variation in leafy members of two subfamilies of the Cactaceae

Martin C. E., Wallace R. S., Photosynthetic pathway variation in leafy members of two subfamilies of the Cactaceae, International Journal of Plant Sciences, 2000, 161(4):639-650, doi: 10.1086/314285

The study combines measurements of daily gas exchange with measurements of leaf and stem acidity in eighteen leafy cacti. It distinguishes uptake of atmospheric CO₂ from nocturnal recycling of respiratory carbon. It shows varying contributions of C₃ and CAM photosynthesis in individual organs and species.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntiaMaihueniaPereskiaPereskiopsisQuiabentia

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Article2020

Soft rot disease caused by Klebsiella aerogenes on Austrocylindropuntia subulata in Iran

Basavand E., Khodaygan P., Babaeizad V., Rahimian H., Mirhosseini H. A., Soft rot disease caused by Klebsiella aerogenes on Austrocylindropuntia subulata in Iran, Indian Phytopathology, 2020, 73(2):371-372, doi: 10.1007/s42360-020-00201-6

A description of wet rot in Austrocylindropuntia subulata from Iran. Klebsiella aerogenes was identified from isolate traits and the rpoB sequence. Its association with the disease was tested by infecting healthy plants and reisolating the bacterium. The paper's scope covers the aetiology of the disease.

Physiology and anatomyGenusAustrocylindropuntia

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Article2024

Extraction and optimization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata powder as a novel green coagulant

Meftah K., Meftah S., Lamkhanter H., Bouzid T., Rezzak Y., Touil S., Abid A., Extraction and optimization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata powder as a novel green coagulant, Desalination and Water Treatment, 2024, 318:100339, doi: 10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100339

Experiments on the use of powdered Austrocylindropuntia subulata chlorenchyma to coagulate and flocculate suspensions. They include material characterisation, sedimentation and turbidity removal tests, and the stability of dry powder and aqueous extract. The results concern specific mineral effluents and laboratory mixing conditions.

Biotechnology and applicationsAustrocylindropuntia

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Article2019

Phylogenomics in Cactaceae: A case study using the chollas sensu lato (Cylindropuntieae, Opuntioideae) reveals a common pattern out of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts

Majure L. C., Baker M. A., Cloud-Hughes M., Salywon A., Neubig K. M., Phylogenomics in Cactaceae: A case study using the chollas sensu lato (Cylindropuntieae, Opuntioideae) reveals a common pattern out of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, American Journal of Botany, 2019, 106(10):1327-1345, doi: 10.1002/ajb2.1364

The plastid genome analysis reconstructs relationships among chollas and other Cylindropuntieae. It includes biogeography, estimates of lineage ages and the evolution of morphological traits. The repeated emergence of similar traits explains some discrepancies between traditional divisions and the molecular tree.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCylindropuntiaGrusoniaMicropuntiaPereskiopsisQuiabentia

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Article2026

An extraordinary third species of Quiabentia Britton & Rose (Cactaceae-Opuntioideae-Cylindropuntieae), from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil

Taylor N. P., de Siqueira J. A., Albuquerque-Lima S., Zappi D. C., An extraordinary third species of Quiabentia Britton & Rose (Cactaceae-Opuntioideae-Cylindropuntieae), from the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil, Bradleya, 2026, 44:79-93, doi: 10.25223/brad.n44.2026.a9

The protologue of Quiabentia pelodaserra from limestone outcrops in Bahia state. It compares the new species with Q. verticillata and Q. zehntneri, and describes white evening flowers, the nectar chamber, habitat and threats. Bat pollination is presented as a hypothesis derived from the suite of floral traits.

Physiology and anatomyGenusQuiabentia

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Article2022

Polistes versicolor (olivier, 1791) nesting in a deciduous forest, Northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Vespidae, Polistinae)

Moura P. A., Jacques G. C., Teofilo-Guedes G. S., Souza M. M., Polistes versicolor (olivier, 1791) nesting in a deciduous forest, Northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil (Vespidae, Polistinae), Sociobiology, 2022, 69(2):e7691, doi: 10.13102/SOCIOBIOLOGY.V69I2.7691

A study of nesting sites of the wasp Polistes versicolor in seasonal deciduous forest in northern Minas Gerais. It documents thirty colonies on eight plant species and a preference for Cereus jamacaru. Quiabentia zehntneri is one of the nesting substrates recorded for the first time.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCereusQuiabentia

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Article2020

El género Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) en el departamento de Arequipa, Perú

Pauca-Tanco G. A., Quipuscoa V., El género Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) en el departamento de Arequipa, Perú, Darwiniana, nueva serie, 2020, 8(1):337-371, doi: 10.14522/darwiniana.2020.81.853

The regional revision includes twelve species in the authors' treatment, an identification key, morphological descriptions, habitats, phenology and type documentation. The paper introduces new combinations and typifications. Its narrow treatments of several species differ from current POWO synonymy.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCumulopuntia

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Article2023a

A new species of Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae) from Peru

Hoxey P., Pauca Tanco G. A., Quipuscoa Silvestre V., Gdaniec A., A new species of Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae) from Peru, Bradleya, 2023, 41:139-147, doi: 10.25223/brad.n41.2023.a8

The protologue of Cumulopuntia mollispina, endemic to the Río Yauca valley, includes a diagnosis, descriptions of stems, fruits and seeds, and a comparison with nearby taxa. Field accounts document soft spines, compact growth, seedling recruitment after rain and a very small known range. The flower description was based on dried remains.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCumulopuntia

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Article2021Abstract consulted

A new species of Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae) from north-western Bolivia

Hoxey P., Lowry M., A new species of Cumulopuntia (Cactaceae) from north-western Bolivia, Bradleya, 2021, 39:45-53, doi: 10.25223/brad.n39.2021.a6

A description of the new Cumulopuntia flexibilispina from north-western Bolivia. The abstract reports elevations of 4400–4650 m, hemispherical clumps and dense, flexible white spines, and announces a comparison with other high-altitude cumulopuntias. The supplied abstract was used.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCumulopuntia

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Article1994

Floral biology and pollination in stapeliads — new results and a literature review

Meve U., Liede S., Floral biology and pollination in stapeliads — new results and a literature review, Plant Systematics and Evolution, 1994, 192(1–2):99-116, doi: 10.1007/BF00985911

The study describes the structure of the gynostegium, pollinia and attachment apparatus, and the mechanics of stapeliad pollination by flies. It combines observations with a review of earlier reports. It discusses scent, flower surfaces, nectar and the fit of insect mouthparts to floral structures.

Physiology and anatomyGenusEdithcoleaHuerniaOrbeaStapelia

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Article2026

Hairy, hairy quite contrary: Pollination and functional floral traits in a hirsute carrion-scented stapeliad

Shuttleworth A., du Plessis M., Bruyns P. V., Johnson S. D., Hairy, hairy quite contrary: Pollination and functional floral traits in a hirsute carrion-scented stapeliad, TAXON, 2026, 75(3):e70174, doi: 10.1002/tax.70174

Field experiments on Stapelia hirsuta var. hirsuta, treated in the paper as Ceropegia pulvinata var. pulvinata. The authors analyse scent, colour, hairs and the height at which flowers are presented. Removing hairs shortened probing time, and raising flowers by a metre reduced the number of visits.

Physiology and anatomyGenusStapelia

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Article2014

Evolution of the stapeliads (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) – repeated major radiation across Africa in an Old World group

Bruyns P. V., Klak C., Hanáček P., Evolution of the stapeliads (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) – repeated major radiation across Africa in an Old World group, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2014, 77:251-263, doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2014.03.022

An analysis of 192 stapeliad species based on nuclear and plastid markers. It reconstructs repeated radiations in Africa and relationships between lineages with very different floral structures. The results challenge the monophyly of some traditionally recognised genera.

Physiology and anatomyGenusEdithcoleaHuerniaOrbeaStapelia

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Article2017

A revised, phylogenetically-based concept of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae)

Bruyns P. V., Klak C., Hanáček P., A revised, phylogenetically-based concept of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae), South African Journal of Botany, 2017, 112:399-436, doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2017.06.021

A proposal for a broad circumscription of Ceropegia that includes Brachystelma and the stapeliad genera. The authors present diagnoses of 63 sections, species lists and more than four hundred new combinations. The classification follows the placement of these lineages within Ceropegia in phylogenetic analyses.

Physiology and anatomyGenusCeropegiaEdithcoleaHuerniaOrbeaStapelia

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Article2006

The chemical nature of fetid floral odours in stapeliads (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae)

Jürgens A., Dötterl S., Meve U., The chemical nature of fetid floral odours in stapeliads (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), New Phytologist, 2006, 172(3):452-468, doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01845.x

A GC-MS analysis of the scents of fifteen species belonging to eleven stapeliad genera. It distinguishes groups dominated by sulphur compounds, p-cresol, aldehydes or hexanoic acid. The authors interpret the chemical profiles in relation to mimicry of different food sources and sites for fly larval development.

Physiology and anatomyGenusHuerniaOrbeaStapelia

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Article2010

Can a stench be beautiful? – Osmophores in stem-succulent stapeliads (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae)

Płachno B. J., Świątek P., Szymczak G., Can a stench be beautiful? – Osmophores in stem-succulent stapeliads (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae-Stapeliinae), Flora, 2010, 205(2):101-105, doi: 10.1016/j.flora.2009.01.002

A microscopic study of osmophores in Orbea variegata and Boucerosia indica. It describes glandular papillae, subepidermal cells, organelles and routes of secretion release. It explains the anatomical basis for the intense scent of living flowers.

Physiology and anatomyGenusBoucerosiaOrbea

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Article2017

Entering through the narrow gate: A morphological filter explains specialized pollination of a carrion-scented stapeliad

Shuttleworth A., Johnson S. D., Jürgens A., Entering through the narrow gate: A morphological filter explains specialized pollination of a carrion-scented stapeliad, Flora, 2017, 232:92-103, doi: 10.1016/j.flora.2016.09.003

The field study of Orbea lutea subsp. lutea combines fly observations, morphometry, scent analysis and measurements of pollination success. In the population studied, pollinia were carried by females of one Atherigona species whose heads fitted between the corona lobes. The paper shows how a mechanical pollinator filter works.

Physiology and anatomyGenusOrbea

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Article2018

Pollination of the “carrion flowers” of an African stapeliad (Ceropegia mixta: Apocynaceae): the importance of visual and scent traits for the attraction of flies

du Plessis M., Johnson S. D., Nicolson S. W., Bruyns P. V., Shuttleworth A., Pollination of the “carrion flowers” of an African stapeliad (Ceropegia mixta: Apocynaceae): the importance of visual and scent traits for the attraction of flies, Plant Systematics and Evolution, 2018, 304(3):357-372, doi: 10.1007/s00606-017-1481-0

The study of Orbea variegata, described as Ceropegia mixta, examines pollinators, scent composition and experiments with the visibility and colour of model flowers. Scent also attracted flies to concealed flowers, while visibility increased visits. The size and presence of dark spots did not change the frequency of visits to the models.

Physiology and anatomyGenusOrbea

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Article2026

Large-flowered stapeliad Edithcolea grandis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) is pollinated by dung- and blood-feeding African face flies (Muscidae: Musca xanthomelas)

Meve U., Heiduk A., Dötterl S., Liede-Schumann S., Large-flowered stapeliad Edithcolea grandis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) is pollinated by dung- and blood-feeding African face flies (Muscidae: Musca xanthomelas), TAXON, 2026, 75(5):e70251, doi: 10.1002/tax.70251

Observations of an Edithcolea grandis population in Tanzania document pollination by female Musca xanthomelas. A separate scent analysis was conducted on a flower from a plant cultivated in Germany. The paper describes unusual volatile p-cresyl esters and develops the hypothesis of wound mimicry as a fly food source.

Physiology and anatomyGenusEdithcolea

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