Research and Conservation in Southern Sonora, Mexico

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum (etcho, cardón barbón)

This is the most common columnar cactus in lower tropical deciduous forest of southern Sonora. In upper TDF it is largely replaced by Stenocereus montanus. The nocturnal flowers bloom in January to March and are an important food source for migrating lesser longnosed bats (Leptonycteris curasoae).

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum on the edge of an arroyo bottom near Alamos, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt	Large specimen of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum in dense tropical deciduous forest near Alamos, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt
Flower of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. Photo: Mark Dimmitt	Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum stem tip with fruit. Photo: Mark Dimmitt

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum in Foothills Thornscrub, Sierra de Mazatán, Sonora. Photo: Cory Martin

Fruit of Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum. Photo: T.R. Van Devender

Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum in fruit. Road to San Antonio, Sonora. Photo: T.R. Van Devender