Ariocarpus bravoanus

Botanical Description

Ariocarpus bravoanus is a very low-growing, succulent, evergreen plant with a rosette-like shape, growing from a large, fleshy taproot. The short, unbranched stem is around 3 - 9cm in diameter, and is almost level with the ground[ 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.. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is highly sought after by cactus enthusiasts as an ornamental,and is often illagally collected from the wild for horticulture[ 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. ]. The population of Ariocarpus bravoanus is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline due to the impacts of illegal collection for horticulture; agricultural activities; and other human disturbance. Some of the locations have been severely depleted by collectors and at least one was completely destroyed by agriculture. Some localities are still untouched, but should collectors find these, the status of the species may need to be reassessed. Both subspecies are classified as '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. ].