(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CACTUS, PINCUSHION and LEE
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 - SNEEDII, VAR.
SCIENTIFIC NAME - CORYPHANTHA SNEEDII VAR.
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Lee Pincushion Cactus
Coryphantha sneedii var. leei (Rose) L. Benson
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Cactaceae
Lee pincushion cactus grows in dense clusters with as many as
100 or more stems in a clump. Each stem is 1.5-3 cm tall and 1-2 cm
in diameter. The spines are numerous, deflex and drooping and whitish
in color. The flowers are a showy brownish-pink in color. The fruits
are small and green to reddish-green in color. The seeds are black,
1 mm long and 1.5 mm broad (01,02,04,14).
This species is closely related to Coryphantha sneedii var.
sneedii from which it differs by having deflexed spines, rather than
spreading, brownish - pink flowers as opposed to rose-magenta and
seeds 1 mm long as opposed to 0.75 mm in length (01,02,05).
The taxonomy history of the species is quite controversial. It
was first collected by Lee in 1925. The specimen was named by Rose in
1925 but was never published. Rose's specimens were uncovered by
Bodeker in 1933 who annotated the name that Rose had applied
(Mammillaria leei) to his new name of Escobaria leei. The fact that
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
Rose had clearly marked the specimens as Mammillaria leei indicates
that he had intended to publish it as a new species, but he never did
(03,07). As such the 1933 Bodeker description is the first published
account of this species (03). In 1969 Lyman Benson combined Escobaria
leei and Escobaria sneedii together as varieties of Coryphantha
sneedii. The result is the present treatment as Coryphanta sneedii
var. leei (02,06,10). Castetter, Pierce and Schwerin in their
unpublished Cacti of New Mexico consider this taxa as Escobaria
sneedii var. leei (06). Del Wenger in 1984 has gone back to the old
Rose name of Mammillaria leei, and has published it as such in his
Guide to the Cacti of Texas and Neighboring States (15). However, the
most widely accepted name to date is Benson's treatment of
Coryphantha sneedii var. leei (01,02,04).
The type specimen for Lee pincushion cactus is at the U.S.
National Herbarium (U.S. # 72134). The label on it reads "Rattlesnake
Canyon 30 miles southwest of Carlsbad at an elevation of 5500 ft W.T.
Lee, 1927" (07). There are presently excellent drawings and
photographs of this species stored at the New Mexico Department of
Natural Resources (13).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Lee pincushion cactus (Coryphantha sneedii var. leei) has
been designated as Threatened 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 variety has this status
wherever found including the State of New Mexico.
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 variety 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.
BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also
responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land
Management lands.
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).
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20).
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
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: New Mexico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: NM Dept. of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: NM Executive Order 83-85, and NM Stat. Annot.
1978, 9-10-10
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
Lee pincushion cactus is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has horticultural value and is commercially
available from cactus and succulent growers. It's rarity makes it
particularly desirable. It may be of value for some of its yet
undetermined phytochemical products and it has value as a component
of New Mexico's natural heritage of biotic diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed rule for listing
79/10/25:44 FR 61554/61558 - Final rule - Listed as Threatened
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - 5 year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Lee pincushion cactus is completely restricted to
limestone substrates on terraces and rimrock in the high Chihuahuan
Desert of the Guadalupe Mountains in New Mexico (02,04,06,11,13). It
occurs primarily on the tops of the limestone ridges, with the
majority of the plants growing in cracks in the rocks on north facing
slopes between 5,000-5,900 feet in elevation (10,13,14). It normally
occurs in an Agave-Juniper association in conjunction with
Muhlenbergia, Opuntia, Dasylirion, and Dalea (scrub and interior
Chaparral habitat) (11). It is found with Juniperus pinchotii,
Dasylirion wheelerii, Yucca sp., Nolina texana, Quercus sp., Opuntia
engelmanii, Opuntia phaecantha and Fallugia paradoxa. The Guadalupe
mountains represent the northernmost continuous location of this type
of Chihuahuan community (04,11,12,15). It occurs on open rocky
slopes and ridge tops, in cracks of the bedrock or in poorly developed
limestone soil, rarely under cover, usually sparsely distributed among
the scrubby vegetation (10,11,13,14). It is a minor component of this
community and probably has little to no effect on the determination
of the community (11).
The community in which this species resides is dominated by
large almost arborescent shrubs such as Dasylirion wheelerii and
Yucca torreyi (12).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
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
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
The Lee pincushion cactus is a succulent (01,02,05,06,09).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,02,06,09). This species is a long lived perennial,
forming large multi-headed clumps that are actually somewhat woody at
the base (04,12). All known cacti are perennials (02).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (02). This species produces flowers which are pollinated
producing fruit (02,04). Although all cacti can be propagated
vegetatively through cutting, this one has no natural mechanism for
such action (04).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Little to nothing is known about its seed biology, population
biology, pollination vector or seed dispersal agents (04,11).
However, it is known that this species buds in early to mid-April,
anthesis in early May and develops fruit in late summer. The seeds
are probably dispersed in October, with germination probably taking
place in late May to early June (04,11).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (12).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollinating agents are unknown, but believed to be a "sweat bee"
in the Helictrae family. These small metallic colored bees are
known to pollinate many related cactus species (04). Seed dispersal
agents are also unknown but probably rodents and ants. The fruit
when mature is not visible to vectors such as birds, but once the
seeds are disseminated they would be easily available to rodents (04).
Not enough is presently known to make accurate determination on
what would effect pollen dissemination or seed dispersion (11).
SEED BIOLOGY:
Nothing is known about annual variation in seed production in
this species. It has been observed that in greenhouse conditions
each plant produces approximately 1,000 seeds annually. Under normal
conditions these seeds are highly viable with as many as 80 percent
germinating. There are no known dormancy requirements but they do
appear to need a soil temperature of approximately 80 deg. F before
they will germinate (04).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Little to nothing is known about the population dynamics of this
species. It can vary from just a handful of plants to several
thousand in a population. It is relatively tough, not being effected
by many of the fungi and insect predators that other cacti are
susceptible to. Its recovery potential appears to be quite high as
several investigators have noted increasing numbers in population
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
size in recent years (04,11).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
This species is normally restricted to cracks in bedrock or small
fissures or loamy soil that develop in fissures or breaks in bedrock.
The bedrock in the area is a Permian limestone formed from a deep
maritime basin that occupied that area during the Permian era. In
addition to limestones various parts of the mountain contain gypsum
deposits, dolomite and silt stones (16). This species appears to need
an arid high Chihuahuan desert biome with predominantly summer
rainfall, and high spring and summer soil temperatures (04).
Experiments undertaken by Steve Brack (04) indicate that a spring soil
temperature of at least 80 deg. F is required for germination. As
such this species would not be expected above the 6,500 foot
elevational range where these soil temperatures are not as easily
reached during the spring germination cycle (04,11). There are no
other known edaphic requirements for germination or growth. It is
somewhat surprising that this species is not widespread along the
entire length of the Guadalupe Escarpment. The feeling among some
of the experts is that this is a relatively newly evolved taxon that
has yet occupied all of its potential habitat (04).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (02). This species produces chlorophyll for use
of sunlight in the production of energy (02,04,12). There is no
indication of any symbiotic, saprophytic or parasitic relationship
in its life cycle (04).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (04,11,14). The community in which this species
resides is dominated by large almost arborescent shrubs such as
Dasylirion wheelerii and Yucca torreyi (12). There is no indication
that this species has any significant influence on the environmental
conditions of the vegetation type (04,12).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Coryphantha sneedii var. leei is found in the Chihuahuan desert -
scrub and interior Chaparral (11). It is most frequently associated
with Juniperus pinchotii, Dasylirion wheelerii, Yucca sp., Nolina
texana, Quercus sp., Opuntia engelmanii, Opuntia phaecantha and
Fallugia paradoxa. The Guadalupe Mountains represent the northernmost
continuous location of this type of Chihuahuan community (04,11,12,15).
At present this community is quite stable and exhibits only
micro-successional trends in disclimax areas. However, the presence
of Eastern deciduous species such as Quercus muhlenbergia, and Viola
viarum indicates that in the recent past this range had a quite
different floral composition. Therefore, over short term geologic
time this community in New Mexico may not be that stable (12).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None known for this species (12).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
All pertinent parameters have been covered in the life history
section (12).
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
There were originally two threats to the Lee pincushion cactus
that prompted its listing. The first and most significant of these
was threat of over-collection by cactus enthusiasts (04,11,14). The
second and less extensive threat was the modification of habitat
through development of facilities in the Carlsbad National Park
(i.e., use of heavy equipment trails, picnic areas, roads, etc.) (14).
The later of these threats (habitat destruction) is under control, and
the Park Service carefully monitors all construction and development
activities in the Park. However, collecting is still a potential
problem which is almost impossible to eliminate (11). The double
protection of being listed under the Endangered Species Act and
occurring in a National Park ensure the continuation of this species
barring the development of any future unforeseen threats (11).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Sneed and Lee Pincushion
Cacti Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 53 pp.
The recovery plan calls for the removal of threats of collecting
by enforcement of existing regulations (Endangered Species Act, CITES,
the Lacey Act, and New Mexico law) and determination of the extent and
impacts of collecting by implementing a monitoring program for
Coryphantha sneedii var. leei (Cosnle). It recommends development and
implementation of a law enforcement strategy that will;
1. provide protection to impacted populations,
2. monitor cactus and succulent trade shows,
3. monitor commercial nurseries,
4. monitor interstate and international trade, and
5. publicize successful law enforcement actions.
It also calls for a comprehensive trade management plan for all
cacti. Existing habitat should be managed for protection of Cosnle
using the following steps:
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
1. the National Park Service (NPS) should keep informed on the
location and status of their Cosnle populations; and
2. NPS should develop and implement a habitat management plan for the
populations in Carlsbad National Park which includes;
a. means of alleviating present and potential threats,
b. methods for accurately determining population sizes, and
c. methods of monitoring population changes.
Population biology and ecology data, such as (a) mechanisms of
seed dispersal, (b) microhabitat factors involved in seedling
establishment, (c) pollination mechanisms and vectors, and (d) fire
ecology need to be gathered. Techniques should be developed to
artificially propagate and transplant Cosnle in case this measure
becomes necessary for the cactus to survive. Inventories and maps
of all Cosnle in the Guadalupe Mountains need to be made. This
information is needed for sound management decisions and could lead
to delisting of the species. Finally, public awareness,
appreciation and support for the preservation of Cosnle is essential
to the survival of the species.
Current recovery activity by NPS personnel have included
established monitoring plots for the species to determine the extent
of illegal collecting.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Benson, L. 1969. Cactus and Succulent Journal. Volume 41:189.
02 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press., Stanford, CA.
03 Bodeker, A. 1933. Ein Mammillarien Vergleichs., Schlussel 17.,
Neudam, Germany.
04 Brack, S. 1985. Pers. comm. Mesa Gardens, Belen, NM.
05 Britton, N.L., and J.N. Rose. 1920. The Cactaceae. 4 Vols.
Carnagie Inst., Wash., Publ. # 248.
06 Castetter, E.F., Pierce, P., and Karl Schwerin. 1975. A
reassessment of the Gebus Escobaria. Cactus and Succulent Jour.,
Vol. XLVII, Pp. 60-70.
07 Castetter, E.F. and P. Pierce. 1961. Escbaria leei rediscovered
in New Mexico. Madrona. Vol. 18, No. 5, Pp. 137-140.
08 Champie, C. 1960. Escobaria sneedii further described. Cactus
and Succulent Jour. 32:138-140.
09 Correll, D.S., and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of vascular plants
of Texas. TX. Research Found., Austin.
10 Fletcher, R. et. al. 1984. A handbook of rare and endemic plants
of New Mexico. Univ. of New. Mexico Press, Albuquerque. 291 pp.
11 Heil, K.D., and Steve Brack. 1985. The rare and sensitive cacti of
Carlsbad Caverns National Park. U.S. Park Service. 13 pp.
12 Knight, P.J. 1985. Pers. knowledge. Corrales, NM 87048.
13 Martin, W.C., and C.R. Hutchins. 1980. A flora of New Mexico.
J. Cramer, Hirschberg, Germany. xiii + 2591 pp.
14 New Mexico Department of Natural Resources. 1985. Nat. Res.
Inform. System, Santa Fe, NM. 87503.
15 Wagner, W., and D. Sato. 1977. Status report for Escobaria leei
Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Unpubl.
16 Wagner, D. 1984. A field guide to the cacti of Texas and
neighboring states. Univ. of Texas Press, Austin. 356 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Benson, L. 1969. Cactus and Succulent Journal. Vol. 41:189.
02 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Standford Univ. Press., Stanford, CA.
03 Brack, S. 1985. Pers. comm. Mesa Gardens, Belen, NM.
04 Britton, N.L., and J.N. Rose. 1920. The Cactaceae. 4 Vols.
Carnagie Inst., Wash., Publ. # 248.
05 Castetter, E.F., Pierce, P., and Karl Schwerin. 1975. A
reassessment of the Gebus Escobaria. Cactus and Succulent Jour.,
Vol. XLVII, Pp. 60-70.
06 Champie, C. 1960. Escobaria sneedii further described. Cactus
and Succulent Jour. 32:138-140.
07 Correll, D.S., and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of vascular plants
of Texas. TX. Research Found., Austin.
08 Knight, P.J. 1985. Pers. knowledge. Corrales, NM.
09 Martin, W.C., and C.R. Hutchins. 1980. A flora of New Mexico.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, PINCUSHION, LEE
Species Id ESIS702022
Date 13 MAR 96
J. Cramer, Hirscberg, Germany. xiii + 2591 pp.
10 New Mexico Department of Natural Resources. 1985. Nat. Res.
Inform. System, Santa Fe, NM. 87503.
References - 2