Borzicactus

Borzicactus
Borzicactus icosagonus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Subtribe: Trichocereinae
Genus: Borzicactus
Riccob.[1]
Type species
Borzicactus sepium
Species

See text.

Synonyms[1]
  • Borzicereus Frič & Kreuz.
  • Seticereus Backeb.

Borzicactus is a genus of cacti native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.[1]

Description

Plants in this genus are small to medium-sized cacti with cylindrical or tubular stems that can grow alone or in clusters. They can reach up to 30 cm in height and 6 cm in diameter and are typically bluish-green. Their stems are often covered with spirally arranged spines of varying lengths and colors. Some species have twisted or coiled stems, while others have a single or branched growth habit. The flowers are generally large and colorful, in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, or orange. They bloom mainly in summer, lasting several days, opening during the day and attracting insect pollinators. The fruit is a small, spherical berry filled with numerous seeds.

These plants are popular among cactus collectors for their beauty and adaptability to different growing conditions. However, they require specific care regarding watering and light to thrive.A notable feature of Borzicactus is its ability to easily hybridize with other cactus genera such as Echinopsis and Lobivia, due to their close evolutionary relationship. This hybridization has resulted in many new hybrids that combine traits from both parent plants.[2]

Taxonomy

The genus was described by the Italian botanist Vincenzo Riccobono in 1909. This species is named after Antonino Borzì, Curator of the Botanical Gardens in Palermo, Italy at 20th century.[3]

Species

As of October 2023, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[1]

image Scientific name Distribution
Borzicactus fieldianus Britton & Rose Peru (Amazonas, Ancash, Huanuco, Junin, Lima, Pasco, San Martin, Ucayali)
Borzicactus hutchisonii G.J.Charles Peru.
Borzicactus icosagonus (Kunth) Britton & Rose Ecuador, Peru
Borzicactus leonensis (Madsen) G.J.Charles Ecuador
Borzicactus longiserpens (Leuenb.) G.J.Charles Peru
Borzicactus neoroezlii F.Ritter Peru (Piura)
Borzicactus plagiostoma (Vaupel) Britton & Rose Peru
Borzicactus sepium (Kunth) Britton & Rose Ecuador
Borzicactus silvaticus Janke Peru
Borzicactus tenuiserpens (Rauh & Backeb.) Kimnach Peru

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Borzicactus Riccob". Plants of the World Online. 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  2. ^ "Borzicactus Genus". Botanico Hub. 2023-06-04. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
  3. ^ Herwig, Rob (1989). The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of House Plants. Hamlyn. ISBN 0 600 56774 5.
  • Media related to Borzicactus at Wikimedia Commons
  • Data related to Borzicactus at Wikispecies