Search / Plant Profile / Pediocactus despainii

Plant Profile

San Rafael Cactus (Pediocactus despainii)

Flowering Pediocactus despainii Photo Credit: Dorde Woodruff

Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: Federally Endangered
Family: Cactaceae
State: UT
Nature Serve ID: 147621
Lifeform: Shrub
Categories of Interest: Cacti/Succulents
Date Inducted in National Collection: 02/10/1987

Description:

This is the most recently described species in this genus after only being discovered in 1978 by graduate student Kim Despain. It is no surprise that this species was overlooked for so long; it is easy to miss due to its small stature and peculiar habit of receding underground for several months a year during dry or cold seasons. It is only noticeably visible for a short time in spring when it flowers. The San Rafael Swell region, where this cactus resides, is the most floristically diverse community in Utah and is host to 50% of Utahs rare/endemic species (120 species). This cactus is considered endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This designation protects P. despainii from being traded internationally for commercial purposes (USFWS 2008). This small solitary barrel-type cactus is subglobose ovoid in shape and sends out a yello bronze to peach colored blossom between April and May, depending on moisture and temperature.

Where is San Rafael Cactus (Pediocactus despainii) located in the wild?

Habitat:

This cactus occurs in the Great Basin Grassland in habitat characterized by scattered junipers, pinyon pines, low shrubs, and annual and perennial herbs. It grows on the calcium rich, fine textured soils derived from the Carmel Formation and the Sinbar Member of the Moenkopi Formation. It occurs on benches, hill-tops and gentle slopes between 1450 2800 meters.

Distribution:

Emery County, Utah in the San Rafael Swell region

States & Provinces:

San Rafael Cactus can be found in Utah

Which CPC Partners conserve San Rafael Cactus (Pediocactus despainii)?

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Not Sponsored

Conservation Actions

Assigned 06/09/17

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

Tina Stanley

01/08/2024

In 1990, Red Butte Garden staff made a wild seed collection representing 25 seeds from an unknown number of individuals of Pediocactus despainii. These seeds are held in long term storage at Red Butte Garden.

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

Known from about 21 occurrences. Off-road vehicles and livestock trampling are serious threats. In addition, about half of this species' small range is covered by leases for oil and gas exploration and mining claims for gypsum and other minerals.

Rita Dodge

01/01/2010

The small, restricted populations of P. despainii make it particularly vulnerable to human disturbances. It is a target for illegal collecting, and incidental damage from off-road vehicle use, human and livestock trampling. Its habitat is threatened by

Rita Dodge

01/01/2010

Three small populations totaling ~20,000 individuals (USFWS 1995).

Rita Dodge

01/01/2010

About half of the population area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with the remainder managed by the National Park Service, Capital Reef National Park. The collection of plant material is prohibited by both federal agencies.

Rita Dodge

01/01/2010

Inventory suitable habitat Conduct population viability studies Determine the biological factors controlling species distribution and abundance Control activities, such as mining, which affect these populations and their habitat Develop successful propagation techniques Prevent illegal collecting by promoting commercial trade of legal specimens.

Rita Dodge

01/01/2010

Continues seed banking Develop propagation protocol in greenhouse from collected seed Learn how to achieve successful pollination and seed production in the greenhouse Evaluate the phylogenic relationshipd between P. despainii and P. winkleri and cogeneric species