Hatchet Cactus (Pelecyphora aselliformis)
March 3, 2008 — Vasant M. SalianHatchet Cactus (Pelecyphora aselliformis) is a cylindric cactus, native to Mexico, with flattened elongated tubercles, arranged in spirals, and 40-60 spines. It presents a heavy and fleshy root and grayish green stem, globular when young but becoming cylindrical soon, of about 10 cm high and between 5 and 6 cm. wide. The areolas are woolly at first and present a great amount of small, non sharp spines, joined together with the base with the tip free. The flowers appear on apex, between the wool of the young areolas. They measure about 3 cm. wide and are violet. It is a very rare plant, since it grows very slowly and send offsets after many years only. It flowering during the months of February-October.
Hatchet Cactus is a well known medicinal peyote sold in the markets of San Luís Potosí, Mexico, and is used as a remedy for fevers and rheumatic pains. Extracts have also been shown to have antibiotic activity.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Caryophyllales
Family : Cactaceae
Subfamily : Cactoideae
Tribe : Cacteae
Genus : Pelecyphora
Species : Pelecyphora aselliformis
Pronunciation/Meaning:
- Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ay) - The Cactus family.
- Pelecyphora (pay-lay-SIGH-for-uh) - From the Greek pelekus (hatchet) and phoros (bearing), referring to the shape of the tubercles.
- aselliformis (ah-SEL-lee-eye-form-iss)
Common Names:
- Hatchet Cactus, Woodlouse Cactus, Peyote, Peyotillo
Links:
Image Courtesy of jolie2211.
