Tobusch Fishhook Cactus

(Sclerocactus brevihamatus ssp. tobuschii)

Date of Listing: Endangered, 1979

© Photo courtesy Paul M. Montgomery

Tobusch fishhook cactus has 3 to 5 central spines that are light yellow with red tips. The upper 2 to 3 central spines are straight and about 1 to 1.5 inches long. The lower central spines are hooked at the tip, like a fishhook. The 7 to 12 outer or radial spines are smaller (0.5 to 0.75 inches long), straight and needle-like. The fruit is fleshy and green, ripening to pink or pinkish- brown by late spring or early summer. The seeds are black.

Note: Special thanks to the photographers for providing images of Texas endangered and threatened plants. All rights to these images are reserved. Educational use permitted.

Tobusch fishhook has been affected by over-collecting and habitat alteration. Since this cactus is so small, the best time to look for it is during the spring flowering period.

Size:

Round, usually 2 to 3 inches tall and up to 3.5 inches in diameter.

Habitat (where it lives):

Very shallow gravelly soil over limestone, shortgrass areas within live oak-juniper shrublands.

Range (where found in Texas):

Western Edwards Plateau in Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, and Val Verde Counties.

Reproduction:

Produces yellow to cream flowers about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and wide during February through March.

Population Numbers:

About 35 populations in 8 counties.