Xiquexique is genus of cactus from Brazil.[1]

Xiquexique
Xiquexique gounellei
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Subtribe: Cereinae
Genus: Xiquexique
Lavor, Calvente & Versieux 2020
Type species
Xiquexique gounellei
Species

See text

Synonyms
  • Pilosocereus subg. Gounellea Zappi 1994

Description

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The Xiquexique genus comprises cacti that range from columnar to shrubby in shape. Their main stems grow upright, often with arched branches that run parallel to the ground. These stems typically have 4-15 ribs, and their fruits commonly display floral remnants that stand erect rather than being sunken into the apex of the pericarp. This morphological distinction from Pilosocereus is characterized by Xiquexique's candelabra-like branching stems, sinuated ribs, and the absence of sunken floral remnants on the fruit pericarp.[2]

Species

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Species of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online as of August 2023:[1]

Image Scientific name Distribution
Xiquexique frewenii (Zappi & N.P.Taylor) Lavor & Calvente Brazil (Minas Gerais)
  Xiquexique gounellei (F.A.C.Weber ex K.Schum.) Lavor & Calvente Brazil
  Xiquexique tuberculatus (Werderm.) Lavor & Calvente Brazil

Natural hybrids

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Natural hybrids of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online as of August 2023:[1]

Image Scientific name Parentage Distribution
Xiquexique × heptagonus N.P.Taylor & Albuq.-Lima Xiquexique gounellei × Xiquexique tuberculatus Brazil (Pernambuco)

Distribution

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Plants are found in the eastern region of Brazil along north and eastern regions of Minas Gerais.[2]

Taxonomy

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The genus Pilosocereus into two subgenera in 1994 by Zappi, one of them being Pilosocereus subg. Gounellea based on its candelabra-like branching stems. In 2020, a phylogenetic analysis by Lavor, Calvente, and Versieux led to the elevation of the subgenus to its own genus, named Xiquexique. This new genus was named after the common name of Pilosocereus gounellei, which is known as the xique-xique in Brazil.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Xiquexique Lavor, Calvente & Versieux". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  2. ^ a b c Lavor, Pâmela; Versieux, Leonardo M.; Calvente, Alice (2020). "Phylogenetic Relationships of Pilosocereus (Cactaceae) and Taxonomic Implications". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. PlantNow: 52-70. doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.12895124. ISSN 2675-4622.
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