Why is it the rarest? It is a microendemic to a few keys in Florida. There are only TEN Consolea corallicola remaining in the wild.
This plant has extremely low genetic diversity as the only two natural populations are clones (both functionally male).
One of several cactus species that is attacked by the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, which arrived in Florida in 1989, and this invasive species has become a serious threat to the diversity and abundance of Consolea corallicola and Opuntia cacti in North America.
Climate change, storms, poachers, and habitat destruction are also decimating this species.
These are established pads in 6” pots. Despite all the above, it is very easy to grow and tolerant of salt, bad soil and sun. We are the last hope for this plant.
References:
Florida Fish and Wildlife: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4356
The Floristic Inventory Of South Florida
https://regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPage.asp?TXCODE=Conscora
Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you. Each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc. as they are all individuals like you and me! As always if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us within 7 days of receipt at support@paradisefoundnursery.com.
All plants are hand selected by our team, we pick out the biggest and best in stock! Smaller plants like seedlings may be shipped in pot at our discretion
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