BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Pediocactus papyracanthus | Grama-Grass Cactus 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Grama-grass cactus is a native stem succulent with solitary stems 1 to 3
inches (2.5-7.5 cm) tall and 0.4 to 0.8 inch (1-2 cm) in diameter.  It
has no ribs and tubercles are elongate.  Areoles are 0.04 to 0.06 inch
(0.1-0.15 cm) in diameter and generally 0.12 inch (0.3 cm) apart.  The
spines are dense, often obscuring the surface of the stem.  The central
spines are up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and strongly flattened.  Radial
spines lie parallel to the stem surface and are up to 0.12 inch (0.3 cm)
long.  Flowers are found on new growth of the current season and are
therefore near the apex of the stem.  The fruit is green, often changing
to tan, and is dry at maturity.  The fruits are dehiscent along a dorsal
slit and around the circumscissile apex [2,17].  Grama-grass cactus has
fibrous roots that are 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long [4].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Stem succulents


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
NO-ENTRY


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Grama-grass cactus is restricted to fine, sandy clay loams and red sandy
soils of open flats at 5,000 to 7,200 feet (1,500-2,200 m) elevation
[1,2].  It is often found on highly erodable sites [11].  Grama-grass
cactus grows in or near fairy rings of blue grama, and is inconspicuous
because its spines resemble dried blue grama leaves [2,17].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
NO-ENTRY


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Pediocactus papyracanthus | Grama-Grass Cactus