Tobusch Fishhook Cactus (Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. tobuschii)
TPWD ©
- Other Names
- Shorthook Fishhook Cactus
- Texas Status
- Endangered
- U.S. Status
- Endangered, Listed 11/07/1979
- Description
- The Tobusch fishhook cactus is a small, round cactus, usually 2 to 3 inches tall and up to 3.5 inches in diameter, with light yellow spines with red tips. It produces yellow to cream flowers about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and wide during February through March. The lower central spines are hooked at the tip, like a fishhook. The fruit is fleshy and green, ripening to pink or pinkish- brown by late spring or early summer. The seeds are black.
- Life History
- 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.
- Habitat
- This cactus grows in very shallow gravelly soil over limestone, in shortgrass areas within live oak-juniper shrublands.
- Distribution
- It is found on the western Edwards Plateau in Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, and Val Verde Counties.
- Other
- This cactus produces yellow to cream flowers about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and wide during February through March.