(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED; CACTUS and CORY
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CARYOPHYLLALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CACTACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - CORYPHANTHA,
SPECIES AND SSP - RAMILLOSA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CORYPHANTHA RAMILLOSA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Bunched Cory Cactus
Coryphantha ramillosa Cutak
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Cactaceae
Stems are usually single, dark grayish-green, globose, 60 to 90
mm in diameter; roots fibrous, or with heavy tap root; tubercles free
from each other, conical, acute, 6 mm long, 12 to 15 mm broad,
protruding 8 to 20 mm; spines numerous, not or half-obscuring stem;
central spines 4 or 5, sometimes with 1 to 4 accessory ones above,
straight or somewhat curved, the lower porrect, 25 to 40 mm long,
aculeate or acicular; radial spines dull white, 9 to 20 per areole,
irregularly spreading, almost straight, 12 to 20 mm long, acicular;
flowers 38 to 65 mm long, 30 to 50 mm in diameter, funnelform, pink
to rose purple; outer floral bracts about 21, more or less lanceolate,
entire, greenish-purple, to 25 mm long and 5 mm wide; inner floral
bracts about 34, narrowly oblanceolate, entire, white basally, pink to
rose purple above, 17 to 25 mm long, 3.5 to 4.5 mm wide; filaments
white, 5.5 to 5.8 mm long; stigma lobes 6 to 7 in number, white, 3.5
to 3.7 mm long; fruit ovoid, 10 to 25 mm long, green; seeds reniform,
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
brown, 1.4 to 1.5 mm long (01,02,03,04,05,06,07).
Weniger believes that Coryphantha belongs in Mammillaria (04).
However, most other students of the Cactaceae accept Coryphantha (02,
03,07). In Warnock's Wildflowers of the Big Bend, ramillosa is
spelled "ramulosa" (08). The common name bunched cory cactus and cory
cactus are used for this species.
The holotype (A.R. Davis s.n.) is housed at the Missouri
Botanical Garden (MO #1242260) (02,03). Other specimens may be found
at the following herbaria: ASU, MO, RSA, SRSC, TEX, and UNM (02,07).
Descriptions, photographs, and/or illustrations may be found in
several works: (01,02,03,04,05,06,08,09).
A photograph of C. ramillosa, miscaptioned as Neolloydia
conoidea, appears in a recently published book on Texas wildflowers
(07,10).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
Non-consumptive recreational
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Bunched cory cactus (Coryphantha ramillosa) has been
designated an Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including Mexico and the State of Texas.
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Texas
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
STATE STATUTE: Chapter 88 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Rules for Protected,
Threatened and Endangered Native Plant Species,
Sec 57.401-57.413
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
This species is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has horticultural value and is commercially
available from cactus and succulent dealers. It's rarity makes it
particularly desirable to collectors. It has value as a component of
Texas's natural heritage of biotic diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed Threatened
79/11/06:44 FR 64247/64250 - Listing as Threatened
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Transportation, communications, and Util
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Bare Exposed Rock
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Coryphantha ramillosa appears to be randomly distributed in the
shrub and brush rangeland of the Chihuahuan Desert. At the north edge
of its range, C. ramillosa is mostly confined to the lowest available
altitudes, such as rocky, well-drained, fully sunlit sites of the
steep canyon sides and hill summits along the canyons of the Rio
Grande (01,07). However, one population is known from hills well-
removed from the Rio Grande (between Dove Mountain and Reagan Canyon)
(07). Farther south, C. ramillosa occupies a wider variety of
habitats (07). In north-central Coahuila, Mexico, the cactus occurs
along hill slopes and summits (01,07). C. rammillosa grows on
limestone gravel or limestone rock in ledges, cliffs and other
outcrops (01). The elevation is between 750 and 1050 meters (01).
The mean annual precipitation is about 12 inches, and the mean annual
temperature is about 64 to 66 degrees F (11).
One large population was recently discovered along a remote and
little used county road (07).
Common associates are: Agave lecheguilla, Nolina erumpens (bear
grass), Yucca sp., Fouquieria splendens, Opuntia spp., and other dwarf
cacti including Coryphantha echinus, Echinocereus spp., and
Echinomastus spp. (01,07). Sometimes C. ramillosa is associated with
mat-forming Selaginella (07).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Succulent (01,02,04,05,06,08).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,02,04,05,06,07). Coryphantha ramillosa is a slow-
growing perennial, requiring several years to reach sexual maturity,
and living for many years (07).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (01,07).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination and leafing dates are unknown. Budding and Anthesis
occur in April to May or June (01,08). Fruiting occurs in summer
and fruit/seed dispersal dates are unknown (01,08).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (02,07).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Coryphantha ramillosa is pollinated presumably by solitary bees
(07). Because the fruits are juicy, they are probably removed by
vertebrates (07).
SEED BIOLOGY:
Seeds germinate easily in cultivation (01).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
According to Weniger, only scattered individuals of bunched
cory cactus occur along the major canyons of the Rio Grande River,
with none in the large intervening spaces (01). Although natural
populations appear vigorous and healthy, it is not known if the
population has expanded or declined (01).
However, Zimmerman estimates that 50 to 1000 healthy individuals
occur in Big Bend National Park and that probably tens of thousands of
individuals occur in localized populations in Texas outside the Park's
boundaries in practically inaccessible locations, except for one large
population recently discovered along a remote and little used county
road (07). The species is also widespread in north-central Coahuila,
Mexico (07).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Coryphantha ramillosa occurs on slopes and hilltops composed of
limestone gravels or limestone rock (01) in the arid climate of the
Chihuahuan Desert. The light intensity is high. The elevation is
between 750 and 1050 meters (01). The mean annual precipitation is
about 12 inches, and the mean annual temperature is about 64 to 66
degrees F (11).
In Texas, geologic formations in the area where C. ramillosa
occurs are various Quaternary deposits, Tertiary intrusive ingneous
rocks, and various Cretaceous formations: Santa Elena limestone,
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
Buda limestone and Del Rio clay undivided, Sue Peaks (limestone and
shale), Del Carmen limestone and Telephone Canyon (limestone)
undivided, Glen Rose (limestone and marl), and Boquillas (limestone,
clay, and siltstone) (13).
In Terrell County, C. ramillosa occurs on mollisols; more
specifically on the Ector series, which are very shallow, gravelly and
stony soils over limestone (14).
In Brewster County, C. ramillosa occurs on aridsols and entisols
(15). The soil series in the area of C. ramillosa are Glendale-
Harkey, Lozier, Sanderson-Upton, Tornillo, Upton, and Upton-Nickel
(15). These soils are primarily deep, well drained, occasionally
gravelly, and usually alluvial in origin (15).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (02,05,07). There are typically no trees in the
immediate vicinity of the C. ramillosa, and very few grasses. Common
associates are: Agave lecheguilla, Nolina erumpens (bear grass),
Yucca sp., Fouquieria splendens, Opuntia spp., and other dwarf cacti
including Coryphantha echinus, Echinocereus spp., and Echinomastus
spp. (01,07). Sometimes C. ramillosa is associated with mat-forming
Selaginella (07).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (07).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Coryphantha ramillosa is a member of the succulent Chihuahuan
Desert Shrub Community, a stable community (12). Usually C. ramillosa
is found in association with healthy populations of several other
species of small cacti, suggestive of a stable, undisturbed
environment (07).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Sometimes C. ramillosa is associated with mat-forming Selaginella
(07). No other information can be added concerning this species and
interrelationships at this time.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Coryphantha ramillosa occurs with several other species of the
genus, but no hybrids from the wild are known (07).
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Although the bunched cory cactus is not commonly found in the
cactus trade, recent increaseed access to its habitat may threaten its
survival (07,09). The Federal Register listing of this species cited
the threat of providing recreational access to the lower canyons of
the Rio Grande Scenic River section which could increase accessibility
for collectors. Brush eradication techniques (clearing and
herbicides) were cited as possible threats but not thought to be a
current problem (09).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Technical Draft: Recovery
Plan for the Bunched Cory Cactus. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Albuquerque, New Mexico. 29 pp.
The prime objective of the Recovery Plan is to manage and protect
the bunched cory cactus and its essential habitat so that healthy
populations can be in their natural habitat at a level that will allow
the species to be delisted. The known population occurs in Big Bend
National Park and on private land, mostly large ranches northeast of
the park. Removal of threats to bunched cory cactus populations are
recommended through:
1) Enforcement of existing collecting and trade regulations under
the Endangered Species Act, CITES, the Lacey Act and Texas
State Law.
2) A cooperative agreement with the National Park Service.
3) Establishment of safe sites on private lands carrying the
largest concentrations of bunched cory cactus, utilizing
cooperative agreements, easements, and/or purchases.
4) Development of monitoring studies.
5) Development and implementation of habitat management plans.
Ecological and population biology studies of bunched cory cactus
are needed. Information required for better management include the
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
determination of; 1) soil needs, 2) water needs, 3) the role of
animals in seed dispersal, 4) microhabitat factors involved in
seedling establishment, 5) pollinators, and 6) population dynamics of
each known bunched cory cactus population. Environmental parameters
defining and restricting bunched cory cactus's distribution need to be
determined. This information could then be used to inventory a
sufficient proportion of suitable habitat to make an accurate estimate
of range and habitat actually occupied, and the number of plants in
the wild. This new information should be used to update the
management plans recommended above.
Other management needs addressed by the Recovery Plan include:
1) Development of a comprehensive trade management plan for all
cacti.
2) Development of propagation techniques to provide nursery
stocks and seeds to reduce collecting pressure.
3) Development of public awareness, appreciation and support for
the preservation of bunched cory cactus.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, CORY, BUNCHED
Species Id ESIS702014
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Coryphantha ramillosa. On
file at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.
02 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford.
03 Cutak, L. 1942. Coryphantha ramillosa, a new species from the Big
Bend Region of Texas. Cact. Succ. J. (US) 14:164.
04 Weniger, D. 1970. Cacti of the southwest. Univ. of TX Press,
Austin.
05 Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular
plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation, Renner, TX.
06 Benson, L. 1969. Cactaceae. In: Flora of Texas, Vol. II. Texas
Research Found., Renner.
07 Zimmerman, A.D. 1984. Pers. comm. Department of Biology,
University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
08 Warnock, B.H. 1970. Wildflowers of the Big Bend country, Texas.
Sul Ross State Univ., Alpine.
09 U.S. Government. 1979. Determination that Coryphantha ramillosa
and Neolloydia mariposensis are threatened species'. Federal
Register 44:64247/64250.
10 Ajilvsgi, G. 1983. Wildflowers of Texas. Texas A & M Univ.
Press, College Station.
11 Godfrey, C.L., G.S. McKee, and H. Oakes. 1973. General soil map
of Texas. TX Agri. Exp. Sta., Texas A & M Univ., College Station.
12 Diamond, D.D. 1984. Pers. comm.
13 Bureau of Economic Geology. 1965-1983. Geologic atlas of Texas.
Univ. of Texas, Austin.
14 Turner, A.J. and R.E. Fox. 1974. Soil survey of Terrell County,
Texas. USDA.
15 Rives, J.L. 1985. Pers. comm.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Coryphantha ramillosa. On
file at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.
02 Cutak, L. 1942. Coryphantha ramillosa, a new species from the Big
Bend Region of Texas. Cact. Succ. J. (US) 14:164.
03 Benson, L. 1969. Cactaceae. In: Flora of Texas. Vol. II. Texas
Research Found., Renner.
04 Zimmerman, A.D. 1984. Pers. comm. Department of Biology,
University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
05 Weniger, D. 1970. Cacti of the southwest. Univ. of TX Press,
Austin.
06 Warnock, B.H. 1970. Wildflowers of the Big Bend country, Texas.
Sul Ross State Univ., Alpine.
07 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford.
References - 1