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Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Special Issue: Conservation of Cacti and Succulents in the 21st Century
Conservation Special Issue
Author: Columnar Cacti and Their Mutualists
Author: Theodore H. FlemingPublisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 0816547424
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
Although cacti such as the saguaro and organ pipe have come to define the Sonoran Desert for many people, they represent some 170 species of columnar cacti found in many parts of the Americas. These giant plants are so dominant in some ecosystems that many species of animals rely on them for food and shelter. They are pollinated by bats in central Mexico and Venezuela, by birds and bees in northern Mexico and Peru. This book summarizes our knowledge about the ecology, evolution, and conservation of columnar cacti and their vertebrate mutualists to show that the very survival of these cacti depends on animals who pollinate them and disperse their seeds. Contributors from the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia explore aspects of geology and evolution that have forged this relationship, review findings in anatomy and physiology, and discuss recent research in population and community ecology as well as conservation issues. Ranging from the Sonoran Desert to the northern Andes, these studies reflect progress in understanding how abiotic and biotic factors interact to influence the evolution, distribution, and abundance of cacti and mutualists alike. In addition, this book examines the ways in which humans, through the process of domestication, have modified these plants for economic benefit. The contributors also review phylogenetic relationships between cacti and nectar-feeding bats in an effort to understand how bat-plant interactions have influenced the evolution of diversity and ecological specialization of both. Because of the number of migratory pollinators feeding on columnar cacti, the authors make conservation recommendations aimed at preserving fully functional ecosystems in arid portions of the New World tropics and subtropics. Columnar Cacti and Their Mutualists provided a benchmark for both conservation efforts and future research.
Cacti
Author: Marianna Rodrigues SantosPublisher: Nova Science Publishers
ISBN: 9781536163551
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
Cactaceae is a botanical family composed of arborescent, shrub, climbing, globose, discoid or epiphytic species, being almost all endemic to the Americas. Cactaceae occurs between latitudes 35o North and South, both at sea level and up to over 5000m altitude. In this way, their species have the capacity to grow in different ecosystems. However, the greatest diversity is found in arid and semi-arid regions, where they are important sources of resources for several species of vertebrates and invertebrates, mainly in the drought season, when there is a great shortage of resources.In addition, some species of cacti represent an important source of food resources for humans and their herds, as well as having enormous ornamental value. Thus, cacti have always aroused the because of their morphological peculiarities and chemical properties. Due to this, cacti have now been the subject of diverse studies. This book brings studies of several areas of plant biology, ecology, conservation and uses of cacti.The first four chapters compose the part related to ecology and conservation. Several species of Cactaceae in Brazil and the world are seriously endangered, with about 31% of the family categorized as threatened. Chapter 1 discusses the importance and how the ex situ conservation of cacti is carried out in the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. In Chapter 2, the authors carried out population studies of two species of endemic cacti of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil, in order to evaluate the population structure of the species for decision-making in relation to their conservation. In Chapter 3, authors studied the biogeography and conservation of Discocactus species that are endemic to South America. In Chapter 4, the authors discuss the floral morphology and the ecological interactions highlighting the importance of conservation of cacti for ecosystems maintenance. Chapters 5 to 10 address issues related to the uses and significance of cacti. Chapter 5 discusses cacti of the genus Pereskia with a healthy diet alternative due to its nutritional properties. The toxicological evaluation, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of plant extracts is discussed in Chapter 6, specifically, roots of Cereus jamacaru. In Chapter 7 the use of fibers from Opuntia species in the manufacture of Agave juice is evaluated, due to the importance of including fibers in human consume, because dietary fiber may contribute in the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses. The antioxidant activity of prickly pear of Opuntia is discussed in Chapter 8, because besides betalains, prickly pear contains vitamins and phenolics. In Chapter 9, the research describes the industrial applications of the berry as well as key points for future research. And in Chapter 10, bioactive compounds of Opuntia oligacantha were determined, as well as their antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and shelf life.All the studies presented in this book are of great importance and serve as a basis for further research to be carried out to make the species of the Cactaceae family be seen beyond their ornamental value.
Cactus and Succulent Plants
Author: Sara OldfieldPublisher: World Conservation Union
ISBN: 9782831703909
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 214
Book Description
Found in a variety of forms, cacti and other succulents have elicited widespread interest and tremendous popularity worldwide. Although the subject of a certain amount of debate, about 10,000 species are recognized as belonging to the succulent group. Of these, an estimated 2,000 are threatened with global extinction in the wild and many more are regionally or nationally threatened mainly due to habitat destruction and collection for international trade.This Action Plan brings together from around the world current information on population status, threats and conservation of this particularly important group of plants. Prepared with conservationists, scientists, governments, protected area managers and grant-awarding bodies in mind, it suggests priorities for action and encourages collaboration among interested parties at all levels.
BRADLEYA SPECIAL
Author: Crop ecology, cultivation and uses of cactus pear
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsPublisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9251098603
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 244
Book Description
Cactus plants are precious natural resources that provide nutritious food for people and livestock, especially in dryland areas. Originally published in 1995, this extensively revised edition provides fresh insights into the cactus plant’s genetic resources, physiological traits, soil preferences and vulnerability to pests. It provides invaluable guidance on managing the resource to support food security and offers tips on how to exploit the plant’s culinary qualities.
1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants
Author: World Conservation Monitoring CentrePublisher: IUCN
ISBN: 9782831703282
Category : Endangered plants
Languages : en
Pages : 934
Book Description
This book represents the most comprehensive compilation of data on threatened vascular plants ever published. It includes the names of some 33,000 plant species determined to be rare or threatened on a global scale. Conservation assessments were provided by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, the National Botanical Institute (South Africa), Environment Australia, and CSIRO, The Nature Conservancy, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, together with hundreds of botanic gardens and botanists throughout the world. The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and the New York Botanical Garden have made major in-kind contributions.The result of 20 years work by botanists and conservationists around the world, it is intended as a conservation tool, a provider of baseline information to measure conservation progress and as a primary source of data on plant species. Most importantly, however, it provides the building blocks on which to base a worldwide effort to conserve plant species.
Cacti
Author: Park S. NobelPublisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520231573
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 304
Book Description
"There is nothing in the world like this book. It should be in every library and on the bookshelves of all those interested in cacti. The book will be an important resource for plant physiology, agronomy, and horticulture classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level."—Bruce Smith, Brigham Young University "Cacti: Biology and Uses is a landmark publication of one of the world's most unique group of plants. Park Nobel, a leading authority on succulent plants, has assembled a collection of contributions that spans a wide range of issues extending from basic systematics, anatomy, physiology and ecology to considerations of conservation and human uses of this diverse group of plants. This nicely-produced and well-illustrated volume provides a resource that will be of great use to a wide range of scientists, practitioners, and enthusiasts of this plant group."—Harold Mooney, Paul S. Achilles Professor of Environmental Biology, Stanford University
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