Opuntia megarrhiza explained

Opuntia megarrhiza Rose is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to the state of San Luís Potosí in northeastern Mexico.^[1]

It is known only from 5 populations, around the summits of La Trinidad and Álvarez Mountain Ranges, in San Luis Potosí, northeastern Mexico. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.

It is an endangered species, threatened by habitat loss, grazing, and harvest for traditional medicinal uses.

Synonyms

• Opuntia megarrhiza Rose, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 10:126. 1906.^[2]
  • Opuntia macrorhiza var. potosina Hernández-Valencia, Acta Cientifica Potosina 10:155-162. 1988.^[3]

Notes and References

1. H.M. Hernández, C. Gómez-Hinostrosa, & R.T. Barcenas. 2001. Studies on Mexican Cacti II: Opuntia megarrhiza, a poorly known endemic from San Luís Potosí, México. Brittonia 528-533.
2. Rose, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 10:126. 1906
3. Hernández-Valencia, Acta Cientifica Potosina 10:155-162. 1988.