Eriosyce orientalis

Name and populations

In the 2024 revision, Eriosyce orientalis was linked to the distinct lineage represented by the Putaendo population. These plants had previously been assigned, among other treatments, to varieties of Pyrrhocactus aconcaguensis or P. horridus. POWO now accepts species rank within Eriosyce [Walter et al. 2024] [2-WWW].

Structure and flower colours

The pale-green stem measures about 7–14 cm in diameter and has approximately 20 ribs. Numerous central spines point upwards and measure about 3–4 cm. Spine arrangement and the comparatively pale stem are among the characters used in comparisons with neighbouring populations of the former complex [Walter et al. 2024].

Flowers are funnel-shaped and 4–5 cm long. The tissue surrounding the ovary and the floral tube are dark purple. Outer tepals are purple, while inner tepals are pale yellow with a red central stripe. The style is white. This combination of colours helps identify flowering plants [Walter et al. 2024].

Habitats and conservation

Localities occur around Putaendo at approximately 600–1900 m elevation, including the Río Rocín area and dry riverbeds. Road construction, aggregate extraction and mining waste are identified threats. In 2024 the revision’s authors proposed Critically Endangered, CR, with an extent of occurrence below 100 km² [Walter et al. 2024].

Hidden diversity in Eriosyce. DNA, geography and pollinators in species recognition

Materials from the author's archive

The species also appears in Konrad Szychowski's private material archive [Kaktusy i Inne 2004].

Synonyms and names in the literature

Pyrrhocactus aconcaguensis var. orientalis · Pyrrhocactus horridus var. orientalis · Horridocactus aconcaguensis var. orientalis · Neoporteria curvispina f. orientalis · Horridocactus orientalis [2-WWW]

Related plant cards

Eriosyce aconcaguensisEriosyce

Created 21 October 2026

Last modified 21 October 2026

Sources for this account

[2-WWW]Source website

Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

https://powo.science.kew.org/

Accepted names, synonyms and distribution. A citation beside a taxon leads to its record.

Accessed 2026-10-08.

Article2024

Taxonomic dissection based on molecular evidence of the Eriosyce curvispina complex (Cactaceae): identifying nine endemic species from Central Chile

Walter H. E., Cádiz-Véliz A., Meriño B. M., Villalobos-Barrantes H. M., Guerrero P. C., Taxonomic dissection based on molecular evidence of the Eriosyce curvispina complex (Cactaceae): identifying nine endemic species from Central Chile, PhytoKeys, 2024, 237:117-139, doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.107403

A revision of the Eriosyce curvispina complex recognizes nine species using molecular evidence, morphology, distribution and historical nomenclature. It provides an identification key, diagnostic descriptions, habitat information and proposed threat categories. Material from the vicinity of the original locality helps establish a narrower application of E. curvispina.

Physiology and anatomyGenusEriosyce

DOI ↗Article or source page ↗

Zeszyt czasopisma2004

Kaktusy i Inne — zeszyt 2

[Autor nieustalony, Kaktusy i Inne — zeszyt 2, Kaktusy i Inne, 2004, nr 2]

A 2004 issue preserved in Konrad Szychowski's private archive. Supplied excerpts include material on Copiapoa, Neoraimondia, Neowerdermannia and Samaipaticereus.

GenusCopiapoaNeoraimondiaNeowerdermanniaSamaipaticereus

Bibliographic details and access scope

Data according to the source used. Author unknown.

Copy in the supplied material