User:Monicam14/sandbox

Cardon Cactus

A factor in the growth of the Cardon Cactus are geographic factors such as latitudinal range distribution through out the Sonoran Desert. The variances in abundance of Cardon cactus is greater than the range of other columnar cacti. Certain Peninsular populations were negatively affected with its latitude while being positively affected by annual and seasonal rainfall; however, mainland populations were not affected by either factor

Medel-Narvaez, A., Leon de la Luz, J. L., Freaner-Martinez, F., & Molina-Freaner, F. (2006)

Patters of abundance and population structure of Pachycereus pringlei (Cactaceae), a columnar cactus of the Sonoran Desert. Plant Ecology, 187 (1), 1-14.

Cardon cacti can be found in various geographic distribution within the Baja California Peninsula, and among its populations different mating systems exist. The three mating systems that exist among Cardon cacti are gynodioecious, unisexual, and trioecious. These systems are found among male, females, and hermaphroditic species. Coupled with sexual differential, climatic fluctuations are a factor in the current biogeographic pattern of Cardon cactus. Geographically, latitudinal decrease is associated with a decrease in genetic diversity and isolation. Controlled sex expression and breeding systems for the cardon cactus follows a latitudinal pattern. For example, southern populations have been observed to have a lower level of genetic differentiation and higher genetic diversity than populations located in higher latitudinal coordinates. Micro-satellite markers suggest that the cactus is not panmictic but rather has five genetically diverse populations with unique mating systems. Depending on which characteristics are analzyed, geographic structure and floral morphs will vary. There is flexibility among primary and secondary flower attributes as well as significant regional variation.

Gutierrez-Flores, C., Garcia-de Leon, F. J., Leon-de la Luz, J. L., & Cota-Sanchez, J. H. (2016).

Microsatellite genetic diversity and mating systems in the columnar cactus Pachycereus pringlei (Cactaceae). Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, (22) 1-10

Bacilio, M., Vazquez, P., & Bashan, Y. (2011). Water versus spacing: a possible growth preference among young individuals of the giant cardon cactus of the Baja California Peninsula. Environmental and Experimental Biology, 70(2011), 29-36.

The Cardon cactus can be characterized by its lack of leaves which make it difficult for them to trade off their photosynthetic chlorenchyma as well as their non-photosynthetic storage parenchyma. The Cardon cactus has a low surface area to volume capacity which limits its photosynthetic capacity, and this can be characterized by examining stem diameter and plant size. Among peninsular populations the basal diameter of branched species has been characterized as being positively associated with an increase in latitude. Vertical growth helps the cactus on maximize light absorption while minimizing solar radiation. During wet months and lower temperature, the cactus receives less solar radiation compared to dry and hot months.

Delgado-Fernandez, M., Garcillian, P. P., & Ezcurra, E. (2017). The giant columnar cactus

Pachycereus pringlei adaptively modifies its stem shape from the dry tropics into the arid mid-latitude deserts. Journal of Arid Enviornments 146 (2017), 10-17.