Description and discovery site
The name Quiabentia pelodaserra J.A.Siqueira & Zappi was published in the paper by Taylor and coauthors in volume 44 of “Bradleya”, on pages 79–93. The known population lies on Bambuí Group limestone in the Irecê biogeographic district. The nearest known Q. zehntneri population is about 300 km farther south. [Taylor et al. 2026]
Stems, leaves and areoles
The plant forms a shrub or small tree up to about 2,5 m tall. Terminal stem segments are about 7 mm in diameter. Fleshy leaves reach about 10 × 3–4 mm and are shed seasonally. Areoles are covered in white felt. Numerous thin spines, 4–15 mm long, are barbed and detach easily from the plant. This character set distinguishes the species from the genus's two larger-leaved members. [Taylor et al. 2026]
Wieczorne kwiaty
Flowers cluster near shoot tips in arrangements of five or more flowers. They reach about 5,5 cm in length and 3 cm in width. Inner tepals are pure white. Opening began at about 16, with full opening around 18. Flowers remained partly open until the following late morning. [Taylor et al. 2026]
At the base is a covered nectar chamber, and numerous stamens surround the style. Colour, opening time, scent and nectar position form the basis of the bat-pollination hypothesis. The authors described drooping of spent flowers. This phase should be distinguished from flower orientation when fully open. [Taylor et al. 2026]
Habitat and conservation
The known site includes limestone outcrops in seasonally dry Caatinga forest. Threats include land transformation, agriculture, rock extraction and intensive grazing. The protologue authors proposed Critically Endangered (CR), citing a single known location and continuing degradation of its surroundings. The assessment applies to data presented in the protologue. [Taylor et al. 2026]