SafePlants

Consolea corallicola: The Florida Semaphore Cactus

Consolea corallicola, also known by the common names Florida semaphore cactus and semaphore pricklypear, is a fascinating and endangered plant species native to Florida.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Consolea corallicola
• Common Names: Florida semaphore cactus, semaphore pricklypear
• Family: Cactaceae
• Synonym: Cactus spinosissimus auct. non (Mill.) Martyn, Opuntia corallicola (Small) Werderm.

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to Florida in the United States.
• Notably found in the Florida Keys, including Big Pine Key where it was first discovered.
• The world's largest population lives in Biscayne National Park.
• Grows only in South Florida.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a shrub.
• Perennial plant.

Ecological Role

• Considered one of the most threatened plants in the United States.
• Endangered species in both the State and the US.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Grows alongside Opuntia stricta (prickly-pear cactus), which serves as a host plant for the cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum. The proximity to Opuntia stricta affects its survival.

Historical Context

• Discovered in 1919 on Big Pine Key by John Kunkel Small and others.
• Described as a new species by Small in 1930.

Further Information

• Information available on ResearchGate, a professional network for scientists.
• Discover Life provides information about its biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• Images may be available from Joel Sartore (www.joelsartore.com), but require licensing fees.