Pelecyphora

Pelecyphora is another extraordinary genus from Mexico — small, slow-growing, and highly sought after by collectors.

It belongs to tribe Cacteae, subfamily Cactoideae. The genus contains only two species:

• Pelecyphora aselliformis
• Pelecyphora strobiliformis
  (formerly also known as Encephalocarpus strobiliformis)

Pelecyphora aselliformis was described in 1843 by Ehrenberg. The name comes from Greek — pelekys (hatchet) and phora (bearing), referring to the distinctive hatchet-shaped tubercles. Strobiliformis means "cone-shaped", referring to its resemblance to a pine cone.

Both species are small and globular, rarely exceeding 10 cm in height.

P. aselliformis has flat, elongated tubercles with comb-like rows of tiny white spines, giving it a unique feathery texture unlike almost any other cactus. It somewhat resembles a woodlouse (asellus in Latin), hence the name.

P. strobiliformis has triangular, overlapping tubercles arranged in a spiral pattern, giving it a striking pine cone appearance. It is arguably one of the most visually unusual cacti in existence.

Both species produce beautiful pink to magenta flowers from the crown, which are surprisingly large relative to the plant body.

Both species are endemic to a very restricted area in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, growing on rocky hillsides and gypsum-rich soils at relatively high altitudes. Their natural range is extremely limited — just a handful of known localities.

Both species are CITES Appendix I protected, meaning international trade in wild-collected specimens is strictly prohibited. They are threatened by illegal collection and habitat loss. P. aselliformis in particular has been heavily poached from the wild due to its popularity with collectors.

Interestingly, both species contain small amounts of mescaline and other alkaloids, similar to Lophophora (peyote). This adds to their cultural and scientific interest.

• They are considered among the more challenging cacti to grow well
• They need perfectly draining, mineral-rich, low-nutrient substrate.
• Full sun and good air circulation
• Very sparing watering, especially in winter
• They are slow-growing — a plant of 5 cm may be 10–20 years old
• Grafting is commonly used to accelerate growth and improve survival rates
• Seed-raised plants are the only legal and ethical way to obtain them

Molecular studies have confirmed that Pelecyphora is closely related to Turbinicarpus and Ariocarpus within tribe Cacteae — all small, slow-growing Mexican endemics with similarly restricted habitats and conservation concerns

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