Name and flower traits
The current combination is Tephrocactus aulacothele subsp. deminutus (T. weberi var. deminutus in the cited analysis). It shares cylindrical segments, needle-like spines, a yellow perianth and dry, dehiscent fruit with the nominate subspecies. [2-WWW] [Las Peñas et al. 2019]
In the 2019 trait matrix, the variety deminutus was distinguished by spiny sepal tips. This trait concerns a particular flower region, separate from spines in areoles on the main stem. Subspecies identification is based on a set of whole-plant traits, with origin considered. [Las Peñas et al. 2019, appendix 1]
Cytotype and treatment limits
The material studied was diploid, with 2n = 22. In the chloroplast tree it belonged to the lineage then described as T. weberi. The result can therefore be applied to this subspecies without extending it to all plants now included under the name T. aulacothele. [Las Peñas et al. 2019] [2-WWW]
The 2023 nomenclatural account proposed broader links between the name deminutus and other names in this group. POWO currently accepts T. abditus separately. The atlas retains this division and records the historical treatment in the source description. [Kiesling et al. 2023] [2-WWW]
Synonyms and names in the literature
Tephrocactus setiger subsp. deminutus · Tephrocactus weberi subsp. deminutus · Tephrocactus weberi var. deminutus · Ursopuntia textoris var. deminuta [2-WWW]