Autor: Berger
• ETYMOLOGY
“Articulated wax candle” because the first described species (the old type, C. microsphaericus, – Schlumbergera
microsphaerica) has segmented stems, but this Is not the case for the taxa of Arthrocereus.
• DESCRIPTION
A genus of solitary or low shrubby plants, with cylindrical stems, not segmented, erected or spreading. Areoles small, close-set, spines usually many and fine, bristle-like.
Flowers nocturnal, subapical with a long funnel-shaped floral tube, white, pinkish white to lilac pink, pollinated by moths (Sphingideae). Fruits spherical, indehiscent, floral remains persistent. Seeds egg-shaped, shiny, blackish brown. Dispersal provided by bats, other small terrestrial mammals and birds.
• HABITAT
The genus Arthrocereus grows between 450 and 1500 m in altitude, in dry savannas and rocky areas, in the shade of shrubs or among grasses, sometimes on ferruginous soils, often near more or less temporary streams (pers. obs. 1986).
• DISTRIBUTION
Brazil (Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais).
Currently 4 recognised species + 2 subspecies:
– Arthrocereus glaziovii* (K.Schum.) N.P.Taylor & Zappi 1991
– Arthrocereus melanurus (K.Schum.) Diers, P.J.Braun & Esteves 1987
– Arthrocereus melanurus subsp. magnus N.P.Taylor & Zappi 1997
– Arthrocereus melanurus subsp. estevesii (Diers & P.J.Braun) Braun & Esteves 1995
– Arthrocereus rondonianus* Backeb. & Voli 1935
– Arthrocereus spinosissimus* (Buining & Brederoo) F.Ritter 1979
References: "TAXONOMY of the CACTACEAE" - ISBN 978-84-617-3723-9 (Vol. 1)