devil's-tongue cactus

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• devil's-tongue cactus
• Devil's Tongue Barrel Cactus

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Melocactus latispinus
• Mammillaria latispina
• Bisnaga recurva subsp. latispina
• Echinocactus recurvus var. latispinus
• Echinocactus cornigerus var. latispinus
• Cactus latispinus
• Echinocactus latispinus
• Bisnaga latispina
• Ferocactus recurvus var. latispinus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Cactaceae. Within this hierarchy, its specific genus is identified as Ferocactus, leading to its species designation, Ferocactus latispinus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Ferocactus latispinus, exhibits a wide-ranging presence across several distinct regions of Mexico. Its distribution begins in the central parts of the country, specifically within Mexico Central. Moving toward the eastern coastlines, the species can also be found throughout Mexico Gulf. Additionally, the plant is documented inhabiting the landscapes of Mexico Northeast. Finally, its natural range extends into the arid terrains of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ferocactus latispinus is characterized by the production of highly uniform, minute seeds that play a critical role in its dispersal and survival strategies. Analytical data regarding its seed characteristics reveals a remarkable level of consistency, with a recorded seed mass mean of 0.00025 g. This uniformity is absolute across the observed sample, as both the maximum and minimum seed mass values are identical at 0.00025 g. Such minimal and consistent seed mass suggests a reproductive strategy optimized for high-volume output, where lightweight seeds facilitate efficient movement through environmental vectors to colonize new habitats.

Seed mass mean:

0.00025 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ferocactus latispinus has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Diosmetin, Saponins, Tannins, gentisic acid.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Diosmetin

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Saponins

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Tannins

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

gentisic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

nicotinic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Ferocactus latispinus has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antioxidant

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Cytotoxic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)