Quiabentia chacoensis

Quiabentia chacoensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Core eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Opuntioideae
Genus:	Quiabentia
Species:	Q. chacoensis
Binomial name
Quiabentia chacoensis Backeb. in Backeb. & F.M.Knuth

The plant Quiabentia chacoensis is a species of cactus native to the Gran Chaco of South America, infrequent in plain or mid-mountain habitats. It grows in dry sandy soils, typically found at the edge of fields, in wastelands, at the side of roads, and opportunistically in vineyards and orchards when they are not irrigated.

It is an erect woody succulent plant, growing to 6 m tall. Like many cactuses, it bears leaves which have become specialized as spines (protecting the plant from browsing by herbivores), as well as succulent leaf blades (soon deciduous). The spines actually consist of the stipules of the leaves. The stems are enlarged for water storage, and have a somewhat angular cross-section.

Cultivation and uses

Like most cactuses, it is a xerophyte, making it capable of growing in areas receiving very little rainfall. It has a laterally extensive, shallow root system.

References

This article draws from , , and on the internet, which were accessed in the version of 27 July 2006.