Xiquexique

Xiquexique
Xiquexique gounellei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Subtribe: Cereinae
Genus:
Lavor, Calvente & Versieux 2020
Type species
Xiquexique gounellei
Species

See text.

Synonyms[1][2]
  • Caerulocereus Guiggi
  • Pilosocereus subg. Gounellea Zappi

Xiquexique is genus of cactus from Brazil.[1]

Description

The genus Xiquexique comprises cacti that range from columnar to shrubby in shape. Their main stems grow upright, often with arched branches that run parallel to the ground. These stems typically have 4-15 ribs, and their fruits commonly display floral remnants that stand erect rather than being sunken into the apex of the pericarp. This morphological distinction from Pilosocereus is characterized by Xiquexique's candelabra-like branching stems, sinuated ribs, and the absence of sunken floral remnants on the fruit pericarp.[2]

Taxonomy

The genus Pilosocereus was divided into two subgenera in 1994 by Zappi, one of them being Pilosocereus subg. Gounellea based on its candelabra-like branching stems. In 2020, a phylogenetic analysis by Lavor, Calvente, and Versieux led to the elevation of the subgenus to its own genus, named Xiquexique. This new genus was named after the common name of Pilosocereus gounellei, which is known as xique-xique in Brazil.[2]

Species

Species of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online as of June 2025:[1]

Image Scientific name Distribution
Xiquexique bohlei (Hofacker) N.P.Taylor Brazil (Bahia)
Xiquexique gounellei (F.A.C.Weber ex K.Schum.) Lavor & Calvente Brazil
Xiquexique tuberculatus (Werderm.) Lavor & Calvente Brazil

Natural hybrids

Natural hybrids of the genus Xiquexique according to Plants of the World Online as of August 2023:[1]

Image Scientific name Parentage Distribution
Xiquexique × heptagonus N.P.Taylor & Albuq.-Lima Xiquexique gounellei × Xiquexique tuberculatus Brazil (Pernambuco)

Distribution

Plants are found in the eastern region of Brazil, both in the north and the south.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Xiquexique Lavor, Calvente & Versieux". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
  2. ^ a b c Lavor, Pâmela; Versieux, Leonardo M.; Calvente, Alice (2020). "Phylogenetic Relationships of Pilosocereus (Cactaceae) and Taxonomic Implications". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. PlantNow: 52-70. doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.12895124. ISSN 2675-4622.