Engelmann. 1863. Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis 2(1): 201.
Herbarium specimen; Herbarium specimen; Herbarium specimen; Herbarium specimen
Original species description
Flora of North America treatment
What is Micropuntia pulchella?
Micropuntia pulchella is a geophyte; it dies back to a tuber-like organ when conditions are not favorable. The underground structure has areoles and glochids.
Details
M. pulchella sends out shoots from the tuber when moisture or warm weather returns. M. pulchella occurs in the northern Mojave Desert in NV and adjacent CA and UT on sandy soils and even dry lake beds; it is not abundant. Traditionally, M. pulchella was seen as a congener of other related plants. But, treatment as a member of the genus Grusonia (or Corynopuntia) was challenged recently. Analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (nirITS) favored placement in Micropuntia. See the publication and rationale for the placement.
Micropuntia pulchella
Micropuntia pulchella
Micropuntia pulchella
Micropuntia pulchella
Micropuntia pulchella
Micropuntia pulchella in habitat
Micropuntia pulchella, Dixie Valley, NV, Michelle Cloud Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, Dixie Valley, NV, Michelle Cloud Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, Dixie Valley, NV, Michelle Cloud Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, east of Fallon NV, Michelle Cloud Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, East of Fallon, NV, Michelle Cloud-Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, East of Fallon, NV, Michelle Cloud-Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, garden plant
Micropuntia pulchella, garden plant
Micropuntia pulchella, garden plant
Micropuntia pulchella, Gregory Gust
Micropuntia pulchella, Gregory Gust
Micropuntia pulchella, NV, Michelle Cloud-Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, NV, Michelle Cloud-Hughes
Micropuntia pulchella, NV, Michelle Cloud-Hughes