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Acanthocereus atropurpureus

Acanthocereus atropurpureus

Mexico
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Freshwater, Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
C3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Acanthocereus cuixmalensis. MEXICO. Jalisco. La Huerta, Bahía Cuixmala, por la ribera del río Cuixmala, a 1 km de la desembocadura, 15 m, 30 Mar 1986, Arreola-Nava 152 (IBUG); Estación Biológica, Chamela, eje central, 85 m, 30 Jun 1982, Lott 1125 (MEXU); 09 Jul 2001, Gómez-Hinostrosa 1987 (MEXU); Playa Careyitos, 10 Jul 1986, Ayala 795 (MEXU); Playa Blanca de Careyitos, creciendo en cantiles, Nov 1969, Sánchez-Mejorada 69 - 1101 (MEXU); Rancho Cuixmala, lomerío cercano al mar, entre la selva tropical, 45 m, Nov 1969, Sánchez-Mejorada 69 - 1101 (MEXU); Rancho Cuixmala, a la orilla del Río Cuixmala, 11 Nov 1969, Tomatlán, Sánchez-Mejorada 69 - 1101 (MEXU); Playón de Mismaloya, 10 km al N del campamento de pesca de la población de Loreto, 5 m, 11 Mar 1988, Arreola-Nava 906 (IBUG), El Tamarindo, 1 km al N del club privado El Tamarindo, 30 m, 31 May 1997, Arreola-Nava 1462 (IBUG). Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus. MEXICO. Jalisco. Jilotlán de los Dolores, 14 km delante de Tazumbos hacia San Antonio, 620 m, 14 Oct 1984, Arreola-Nava 98 (IBUG). Michoacán. Carácuaro de Morelos, sobre el camino de Erendira a Carácuaro, 730 m, 04 Jul 1992, Arias et al. 985 (MEXU). La Huacana, Rancho La Caja, a 4 km al SE del km 9 de la carretera Zicuirán-Nuevo Churumuco, creciendo en selva baja caducifolia sobre ladera rocosa, 23 Jul 2010, Soto-Núñez et al. 18216 (MEXU). Arteaga, Infiernillo, 5 km al NW del poblado, creciendo en matorral crasicaule en cuenca del río Tepalcatepec, 300 m, Ago 1970, Sánchez-Mejorada 70 - 0701 (MEXU).
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Acanthocereus atropurpureus is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, freshwater, desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of c3 autotrophic photosynthesis, deep root mineral absorption, and carbon sequestration. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a deciduous summer foliage, vernal flowering, and seasonal seed dispersal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 150 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Acanthocereus atropurpureus.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeMexico
Habitat RangeForest, Freshwater, Desert
Lifespan150 Yrs
StatusData Deficient
ScientificAcanthocereus atropurpureus
Registry Info
Lifespan150 years
KingdomPlantae
FamilyCactaceae