Cactus Species That Grow on Culebra

Leptocereus Grantianus

• Leptocereus grantianus is a native cactus of Culebra. The spineless cactus is currently deemed endangered. In its natural habitat the cactus is found in the dry thickets along the southwestern rocky shores of the island. The cactus is threatened by the rapid residential and tourist development in the adjacent areas. The plant is also susceptible to damage incurred from the heavy storms common on the island. Leptocereus grantianus is an attractive cactus and is often grown as an ornamental planting.

Woolly Nipple Cactus

• Woolly nipple cactus (Mammillaria nivosa) is a cactus species native to Culebra and the other islands around Puerto Rico. The cactus is also commonly found in the Lesser Antilles. The cactus is slightly flat and spherical with a diameter of about 4 inches. The numerous tubercles bear about 10 woolly spines growing in clusters. Each tubercle bears cream-colored flowers that make way for bright red, 1/2-inch oval berries filled with brown seeds. Woolly nipple cactus is commonly found in open sites and on the dry, rocky shores of Culebra. The berries of the cactus are an important freshwater source for lizards and birds.

Turk's Cap Cactus

• Turk's cap cactus (Melocactus intortus) is an oval, upright barrel cactus belonging to a family of 36 cactus species native to the islands of Puerto Rico and Bahamas. The cactus achieves a mature height of about 3 feet and has up to 20 ribs. The cactus bears bright, pink flowers and elongated, cone-shaped fruit filled with shiny black seeds that are revealed when the fruit ripens. Turk's cap cactus occurs on the rocky, dry shores and is most common in areas where larger plants are not likely to create shade over it. The cactus is popular as an ornamental cactus, and the sweet juicy fruit is edible, preferred by a wide variety of iguanas, birds and anoles.