MONSTROSE GROWTH OF SENITA (Lophocereus schottii) Cacti occasionally show abnormal growth forms - called "monstrose" forms, uncharacteristic of the species. An interesting example of this is where the senita cactus has a genetically stable variant form. Instead of the ribbed stems of a normal senita, these plants have raised tubercle-like swellings along the stems, and few (if any) spines. This growth form of senita is sterile and yet, interestingly, it occurs naturally in at least two wild populations in Baja California. In these two locations the plants persist because stem sections break off periodically and root to produce new plants.
For other examples of montrose growth forms, go to Saguaro or Cardon OR, GO TO: Cactus Gallery? |
