Corryocactus brachypetalus

Botanical Description

Corryocactus brachypetalus is a spiny, evergreen, succulent plant, freely-branched from near the base to form a large clump of many erect stems up to 4 metres tall, with stems around 6 - 10cm 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.. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fuel. The fruit is probably edible. Corryocactus brachypetalus has a relatively restricted range and low population densities. It is threatened by human activities as well as natural factors, such as droughts, and parasitic insects. This has led to reductions in number of mature individuals and in the population size of around 50% in the last 10 years. Also, a reduction in habitat quality has been observed. The reasons for its decline are understood, but have not ceased and are not reversible. In Camaná, Peru, the species is considered locally extinct or extirpated. The plant is 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. ].