Myrtillocactus eichlamii

Botanical Description

Myrtillocactus eichlamii is a spiny, evergreen tree-like cactus with several more or less erect branches and distinct trunks; it can grow 5 - 7 metres tall with stems 11 - 14cm in diameter[ 1987 Title The Cactus Family Publication Author Anderson E.F. Publisher Timber Press; Portland, Oregon Year 2001 ISBN 0-88192-498-9 Description An excellent work, giving botanical descriptions of virtually all the cacti, together with their range (but not their habitats) and sometimes also a photo. it also contains a long chapter detailing the many uses of cacti and another on cultivation.. , 1996 Title Las Cactáceae de Guatemala Publication Author Véliz M.E. Publisher Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala Year 2008 ISBN 99922-2-551-3 Description ] The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. There are around 65 mature individuals of Myrtillocactus eichlamii in each of the known subpopulations, and the overall estimate infers no more than 200-300 mature individuals. Due to ongoing habitat loss for agriculture, the population is extremely threatened and rapidly declining with an estimated loss of 25% in the last 3 years. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].