Structure, habitats, biology and research findings. Four genera, current names and links to older literature.
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Low, strongly branched cacti from southern South America, retaining small, fleshy leaves. The two accepted species form the separate subfamily Maihuenioideae. Their wood and parenchyma combine water conduction with the capacity for substantial changes in hydration. [2-WWW] [de Vos et al. 2025] [Mauseth 1999]
Czytaj about the genus MaihueniaA genus of South American opuntioids comprising plants made up of short segments, often forming cushions. Studies of selected species describe protection of other plants from extreme temperatures, seed dormancy and bacteria present inside seeds. [2-WWW] [Masini et al. 2014] [Díaz et al. 2024] [Oses Pedraza et al. 2023]
Czytaj about the genus MaihueniopsisGlobose and cylindrical segments, papery spines, large leaves retained on young growth and underground storage organs occur in different lineages of this genus. DNA studies revealed their shared ancestry despite the markedly different appearance of individual species. [Las Peñas et al. 2019] [2-WWW]
Czytaj about the genus TephrocactusPterocactus store much of the plant underground. Thickened roots and underground stem sections replace short-lived above-ground segments, and mature fruit releases seeds surrounded by a broad wing. The genus is associated mainly with dry regions of Argentina. [Las Peñas and Bernardello 2021] [2-WWW]
Czytaj about the genus PterocactusIn study descriptions, the current name is accompanied by the name used in the cited publication. Accepted names were checked in POWO on 9 October 2026. [2-WWW]
| Name in the source | Accepted name and profile |
|---|---|
| Maihueniopsis darwinii var. hickenii | Maihueniopsis hickenii [2-WWW] |
| Puna clavarioides | Maihueniopsis clavarioides [2-WWW] |
| Puna bonnieae | Tephrocactus bonnieae [2-WWW] |
| Tephrocactus paediophilus | Tephrocactus aoracanthus [2-WWW] |
| Tephrocactus weberi | Tephrocactus aulacothele [2-WWW] |
| Tephrocactus weberi var. deminutus | Tephrocactus aulacothele subsp. deminutus [2-WWW] |
| Maihueniopsis nigrispina | Tephrocactus nigrispinus [2-WWW] |
| Cumulopuntia recurvata | Tephrocactus recurvatus [2-WWW] |
| Austrocylindropuntia verschaffeltii | Tephrocactus verschaffeltii [2-WWW] |
| Pterocactus valentinii | Pterocactus valentini [2-WWW] |