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Plant Profile

Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus (Sclerocactus mariposensis)

A closeup view of this spiny plant and its fruit. Photo Credit: Kathy Rice

Global Rank: G3 - Vulnerable
Legal Status: Federally Threatened
Family: Cactaceae
State: MX, TX
Nature Serve ID: 128018
Lifeform: Shrub
Categories of Interest: Cacti/Succulents
Date Inducted in National Collection: 02/10/1987

Description:

Echinocactus mariposensis is a solitary, diminutive-sized cactus that grows to only about 10-15 cm tall, and 8 cm in diameter at maturity. The plant has a grayish appearance overall, and on closer inspection, delicate, brown-tipped central spines can be seen arising from the many-spined tubercules. Flowers are not showy or large, and are clustered at the apex of plants. Petals are whitish with the tepals brown-tinged. Light green fruits are formed beneath the apical spines, and do not dry at maturity.

Where is Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus (Sclerocactus mariposensis) located in the wild?

Habitat:

The plants are found growing out in the open sun on gentle bajadas on a rocky limestone substrate in the Chihuahuan Desert. (Texas Parks and Wildlife 2002)

Distribution:

Documented sites have been reported from many locations in the Big Bend National Park area, and from northern Coahuila, Mexico. (USFWS 2002)

States & Provinces:

Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus can be found in Mexico, Texas

Which CPC Partners conserve Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus (Sclerocactus mariposensis)?

Desert Botanical Garden

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

09/28/2020

Seeds have not yet been produced on cultivated plants grown to maturity. Additional germination studies are needed.

09/28/2020

Desert Botanical Garden staff are assisting Big Bend National Park staff in continuation of monitoring of permanent plots established by Dr. E.A. Anderson.

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

This species' range is restricted to southern Brewster County, Texas and eastern/central Coahuila, Mexico. More common than once though, the species is abundant within its habitat with many healthy populations known. Threats include wild collection for the horticulture trade and road maintenance.

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

Threats to documented sites are related primarily to illegal collection. Anderson (1986) concluded a three-year study of this species for Joint Task Force 6 with a recommendation to the USFWS for reconsideration of conservation status.

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

Known from about 30 sites, many of which occur within Black Gap Wildlife Management Area and Big Bend National Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife 2002).

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

None known.

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

Management is for elimination of direct or indirect threats to the species. Desert Botanical Garden staff are assisting Big Bend National Park staff in continuation of monitoring of permanent plots established by Dr. E.A. Anderson.

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

Research needs include understanding seed dormancy/ecology, seedling establishment and recruitment, allocation to growth and reproduction, and impact of herbivory. Monitoring of natural populations would help assess the threat of collecting on the species.

Kathleen C. Rice

01/01/2010

Seeds have not yet been produced on cultivated plants grown to maturity. Additional germination studies are needed.