Ariocarpus

Morphological Summary

Genus of living rock cacti endemic to Mexico and the extreme southern tip of Texas, with 6–7 accepted species. Their flattened or hemispherical bodies, with triangular or leaf-like tubercles and no spines in maturity, mimic rock and soil, making them extraordinarily cryptic in their habitat. Lifespan of centuries, extremely slow growth, and high vulnerability to collection. All species are protected under CITES Appendix I.