Browningia is a genus of cacti, comprising 11 accepted and 3 unresolved species. It is named for Webster E Browning (1869-1942), director of the Instituto Inglés, Santiago, Chile.[1]
The bushy or tree-like, usually columnar species of the genus Browningia are branched, often have a well-developed trunk and reach heights of growth of up to 10 meters. The cylindrical shoots have a diameter of up to 50 centimeters. Large areoles sit on the numerous, low ribs. Areoles in the growth area are heavily spined, while areoles in the reproductive area usually have few or no spines.
The tubular to bell-shaped flowers are white to purple and open at night. The areoles of the flower cup and the flower tube are (almost) bare. The flower tube is slightly curved.
The usually small fruits are very different, as are the seeds.[2]
Species of the genus Browningia according to Plants of the World Online :[3]
| Image | Scientific name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Browningia altissima | N. Peru | |
| Browningia amstutziae | Peru | |
| Browningia candelaris | northern Chile and southern Peru | |
| Browningia chlorocarpa | Peru. | |
| Browningia columnaris | Peru. | |
| Browningia hernandezii | Colombia (Boyacá) | |
| Browningia hertlingiana | Peru. | |
| Browningia macracantha | N. Peru. | |
| Browningia microsperma | Peru. | |
| Browningia pilleifera | N. Peru. | |
| Browningia utcubambensis | N. Peru. | |