Sclerocactus brevihamatus is a species of cactus known by the common name shorthook fishhook cactus.
Sclerocactus brevihamatus | |
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Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. tobuschii | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
Genus: | Sclerocactus |
Species: | S. brevihamatus |
Binomial name | |
Sclerocactus brevihamatus | |
It is endemic to Texas, and is an endangered species.[1] Threats to the species and subspecies include collecting and development in its habitat.[2]
Sclerocactus brevihamatus is a small, dark-green to grey globose cactus.[3] It has a short, central taproot with many fine, fibrous offshoots.[3] Its stem has 10–12 ribs, divided into tubercles with shallow, wooly grooves on the upper surface.[3] The areoles are circular with white-colored wool.[3] Its central spines are white or yellowish, and often hooked, occasionally red-tipped, and may become grey as they age.[3] The radial spines are straight and irregularly spread.[3] Its small, funnelform flowers vary in color from shades of green, yellow, and white.[3] The fruits are egg-shaped and pinkish-green, and contain kidney-shaped, dark brown to black seeds.[3]
Sclerocactus brevihamatus grows in shallow, gravel and clay soils.[3] It prefers slightly alkaline soils, and often grows in soils heavy with limestone sediments.[3] Its natural habitat is open areas with sparse vegetation, such as hilltops, floodplains, and rocky plains.[3]
Subspecies and varieties of this cactus include:
Taxon identifiers | |
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Sclerocactus brevihamatus |
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Echinocactus brevihamatus |
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