SafePlants

Coryphantha robustispina: Long-tubercle Beehive Cactus

Explore the fascinating world of Coryphantha robustispina, commonly known as the Long-tubercle Beehive Cactus. This perennial plant, belonging to the Cactaceae family, exhibits unique morphological features and a distinctive appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• This cactus has spines which may be sharp and present a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

• This cactus has spines which may be sharp and present a physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Coryphantha robustispina (Schott ex Engelm.) Britton & Rose
• Common Names: Long Tubercle Beehive Cactus, Pima Pineapple Cactus
• Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (Coryphantha robustispina subsp. robustispina, Coryphantha robustispina ssp. scheeri), Variety (Pima Pineapple Cactus Coryphantha scheeri var. robustispina)
• Synonyms: Cactus robustispinus (Schott ex Engelm.), Mammillaria robustispina H.W. Schott ex G. Engelmann
• Note: The text mentions multiple names and ranks, reflecting the complex taxonomic history of this plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Long-tubercle Beehive Cactus is found in the Sonoran Desert region, which includes parts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
• Specific locations mentioned include Arizona, such as near Horseshoe Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County.

Morphological Characteristics

• Coryphantha robustispina is characterized by its compact, globe-shaped stems covered in elongated tubercles.
• The tubercles are notably long, bearing thick spines.
• The plant is typically small in size.
• Other Coryphantha species are described as having cylindrical stems and varying lengths of tubercles. Some tubercles feature a groove on their upper surface.
• Flowers are borne between tubercles. Some Coryphantha species have pink flowers that mature plants have.

Quirky Facts

• The tubercles on Coryphantha macromeris are described as "mammarylike," giving rise to common names like "Long Mamma" and "Nipple Beehive Cactus."
• The text mentions that tubercles, which are a defining feature of cacti, originated approximately 125 million years ago.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions "Companion Plants," suggesting that Coryphantha robustispina is sometimes cultivated alongside other plant species.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page with more information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Coryphantha robustispina.
• The Drone-Application-Server database also has information on Coryphantha (biodroid.Taxa. 162083).