PJB-2020-287
AUSTROCYLINDROPUNTIA SUBULATA (MUEHLENPF.) BACKEB. (CACTACEAE - OPUNTIOIDEAE): A NEW CACTUS ADDITION TO THE FLORA OF SAUDI ARABIA
SAMI ASIR AL-ROBAI
Abstract
Austrocylindropuntia subulata is a new addition generic opuntioid cactus to the flora of Saudi Arabia collected from Al-Sarah highlands (south-western region). This is the second newly cylindrical cactus from the family Cactaceae recorded in the Kingdom after the discovery of Cylindropuntia rosea in the same region. It differs from C. rosea by lacking jointed cladodes and spine sheath and having long conspicuous leaves. The plant was not widespread in the region only confined to limited protected areas at an elevation of 1630 – 2160 m above sea level. Taxonomic key, general descriptions, diagnostic features and colour photographs are provided. As A. subulata is one of the restricted invasive plants worldwide, actions must be taken by the government to minimise the spreading risks of this taxon into the environment.
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