Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada (Short-Joint Beavertail)
Credit: schizotypalvamp
about the species
Opuntia basilaris var brachyclada is a California endemic, entirely restricted to the Transverse Ranges, occurring in San Diego and San Bernardino counties, and known from only about 200 populations. It occurs along the boundary of the Mojave Desert and Southern California Mountains and Valleys USDA Ecoregions.
why species was selected
Opuntia basilaris var brachyclada is considered vulnerable because of its narrow geographic range. Opuntia basilaris s.l. has a complex taxonomic history with several varieties now recognized in synonymy. A large-scale dataset that captures intraspecific variation and all currently and previously recognized taxa will allow researchers to test these taxonomic hypotheses, and better understand and recognize the diversity of these cacti.
