Pilosocereus rosae

Pilosocereus rosae is a species of tree cactus found in Minas Gerais, Brazil.^[1]

Pilosocereus rosae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Genus:	Pilosocereus
Species:	P. rosae
Binomial name
Pilosocereus rosae P.J.Braun.
Synonyms
Pilosocereus fulvilanatus subsp. rosae (P.J.Braun) Zappi

Description

It is a moderately branched plant growing to a few meters tall, often found on rocky outcrops. The stem consists of 5-7 thin ribs 2-3.5 centimeters (1-2 inches) wide. Areoles are round or oval, 3-4 millimeters wide, 3-4 millimeters wide, and have brownish hairs on mature stems. The cephalium is very thin consisting of 3-4 centimeter long hair of golden brownish orange. Spines are up to 5 centimeters long, with radial spines between 1-2 centimeters. All spines are dark at the base and become greyish as they age. The fruits are 2-5cm, globose, and will reveal there red flesh when they ripen.^[2]

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of the species and other Pilosocereus has only been cleared recently. This species was formerly known as Pilosocereus fulvilanatus subsp. rosae.

Pollination and dispersal

like other Pilosocereus, Pilosocereus rosae is likely pollinated by bats or insects as the flowers have a strong, rotten smell. Fruits are dispersed by frugivores such as bats.