Cactus restoration: do transplants stand a chance? Lessons from Echinocereus arizonicus in Central Arizona

Resumen

In October 2021, we began a project to test effectiveness of harvesting stems from wild plants of the endangered Arizona hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus arizonicus subsp. arizonicus) plants to root under controlled conditions for transplant into native habitat, in order to augment population numbers. With this technique, we have produced mature, reproductive individuals in less than one year, compared to propagation by seed (estimated 8-10 years), at a size that can survive and establish under field conditions. We transplanted 300 asexually propagated individuals in three sites, on the Tonto National Forest from January through April 2023. Site choice allows us to compare survivorship between a post-fire site, a post-construction site and a control site with healthy habitat. We have watered our transplants twice to date: once at planting and a second time in June 2023. We have measured/monitored transplants five times between 2023 y 2024. Preliminary results as of September 2023 showed high survivorship (97 %) and good/excellent condition (77 %). Results as of May 2024 showed survivorship at 89 % on average and good/excellent conditionat 73 % on average. We consider that this methodology can be replicated as a conservation option and/or restoration for other currently threatened species of Cactaceae with caespitose habit.

Citation: Puente Martínez, R. & Butler L. 2025. Cactus restoration: do transplants stand a chance? Lessons from Echinocereus arizonicus in Central Arizona. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46 (Número especial 1): 93.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Biodiversidad y Conservación.