Wright Fishhook Cactus
Photo copyright Dorde Woodruff; UNHP
Sclerocactus wrightiae
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Sclerocactus wrightiae is a federally listed as endangered plant known from Emery, Sevier, Wayne and Garfield County, Utah where it occurs near the Fremont River and the San Rafael Swell. This species grows on exposed, highly alkaline, often bare clay hills, desert grasslands or salt bush flats. Wright's Fishhook Cactus is a small barrel cactus with fragrant white to pink flowers and a pale green, spherical stem and a single hooked central spine.
Description
Sclerocactus wrightiae is a pale green barrel cactus with a spherical form measuring (1-) 4-8 (-11) cm tall and 4-8 cm wide. This cactus has 13-15 ribs around the stem with small round projections called tubercles. There is one hooked abaxial c
Phenology
Flowers from late April to May
Diagnostic characteristics
Although Sclerocactus wrightiae likely introgresses with and can therefor have similar features to Sclerocactus parviflorus, S. wrightiae can be positively identified by having white to pink inner tepals, red-violet filaments and its smaller stature with a total stem height of only 3-12 cm tall.
Species range
It is endemic to east-central Utah, where it is known from western Emery County, southeastern Sevier County, central Wayne County, and a small strip within Garfield County. It occurs near the Fremont River and the San Rafael Swell.
Map
Threats or limiting factors
This species is mainly threatened by loss of individuals and habitat destruction caused by grazing, recreation, illegal collection, drought, climate change, and predation (USFWS 2022).
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies