National Collection of Imperiled Plants

CPC National Collection Plant Profile

Photographer:

C.R. Delmatier

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CPC National Collection Plant Profile

Pediocactus winkleri

Family:	Cactaceae
Common Name:	Winkler's pincushion-cactus
Author:	Heil
Growth Habit:	Succulent Perennial
CPC Number:	3138

Distribution
Protection
Conservation
References

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Photographer: C.R. Delmatier

Pediocactus winkleri is Fully Sponsored

Primary custodian for this plant in the CPC National Collection of Endangered Plants is:

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Sylvia Torti contributed to this Plant Profile.

Pediocactus winkleri

This rare cactus is considered endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In this designation, P. winkleri joins the ranks of other endangered species such as tigers, Asian elephants, chimpanzees and humpback whales. CITES was set up by the IUCN to address the international trade in wildlife, which processes billions of dollars annually while causing massive declines in the numbers of many species of animals and plants. CITES is a voluntary agreement among countries, and signatory countries to CITES ban commercial international trade in an agreed list of endangered species (Appendix I) and their products and by regulating and monitoring trade in others that might become endangered (Appendix II). Species that are on Appendix I, such as Pediocactus winkleri, are threatened with extinction and are or may be affected by international commercial trade. This and other Appendix I species cannot be traded internationally for commercial purposes. (USFWS 2002)

This small, subglobose to ovoid cactus produces large peach to pink flowers between March and May, depending on temperature and moisture. The cactus shrinks underground or back to the ground surface during the summer and winter months.

Distribution & Occurrence

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State Range

Utah

Habitat

This species grows in fine textured, mildly alkaline soils derived from siltstone and shale substrates of the Dakota formation, Brushy Basin member of the Morrison formation, and Emery sandstone of the Mancos formation. It occurs on benches, hill tops and gentle slopes, usually with southern exposure. Usually occurs in Atriplex (saltbush) dominated desert shrub communities. (USFWS 1998)

Distribution

Endemic to a small region in Emery and Wayne counties in Utah. (State of Utah Natural Resources 2002)

Number Left

Known from four populations, totaling about 20,000 individuals. Populations are widely separated on parcels of habitat between 2.4 acres and 48 acres in size. (USFWS 1998a)

Protection

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Global Rank:	G2	11/14/2000	Guide to Global Ranks
Federal Status:	LT	10/6/1993	Guide to Federal Status
Recovery Plan:	No

State/Area Protection

	State/Area	Rank	Status	Date

Conservation, Ecology & Research

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Ecological Relationships

None known.

Threats

� This species is sought by both hobby and commercial cactus collectors--it has been listed under CITES since 1983, and so is illegal to trade or sell internationally as well as within the United States. (USFWS 2002)
� Grazing and mining development could also impact this species.
(USFWS 1998; State of Utah Natural Resources 2002)

Current Research Summary

None known.

Current Management Summary

This species is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Capitol Reef National Park.

Research Management Needs

� It is difficult to monitor the species' populations because individuals are widely scattered throughout the landscape.
� Determine the taxonomic relationship between P. winkleri and D. despainii. (USFWS 1998)

Ex Situ Needs

� Develop a propagation protocol.

References

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Conference Proceedings

Clark, D.J.; Groebner, C.M. Determining Habitat Potential and Surveying for Nine Rare Plant Species in South-Central Utah. Southwestern rare and endangered plants: proceedings of the third conference; September 25-28; Flagstaff, AZ. In: Maschinski, Joyce; Holter, Louella, editors. 2000. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Fort Collins, CO (Proceedings RMRS-P-23). p 38-43.

Heil, K.D.; Porter, M.; Flemming, R.; Rome, W. Rare Plant Diversity Between Capital Reef National Park and Canyonlands, Arches National Parks and Bridges National Monument of Southeastern Utah. Proceedings of the Southwestern Rare and Endangered Plant Conference; 30 March - 2 April; Santa Fe, NM. In: Sivinski, R.; Lightfoot, K., editors. 1992. New Mexico Forestry and Resources Conservation Division. p 78-102.

Electronic Sources

(2002). Rare Plant Profiles. [Searchable Web site] State of Utah Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources. http://www.utahcdc.usu.edu/rsgis2/Search/SearchSelection.asp?Group=PLANT&Species=PLANT. Accessed: 2002.

USFWS. (2002). U.S. Plant Profiles. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Affairs. http://international.fws.gov/animals/plantpro.html. Accessed: 2002.

Journal Articles

1988. Status Summary. Idaho Native Plant Society Newsletter: Sage Notes.

1988. Threatened and Endangered Plants Summary. Sego Lily: Newsletter of the Utah Native Plant Society. 15: 2.

Boyack, A. 1988. Threatened and Endangered Species Conference. Sego Lily: Newsletter of the Utah Native Plant Society. 15: 1, 10.

Clayton, P.W; Hubstenberger, J.F.; Phillips, G.C.; Butler-Nance, S.A. 1990. Micropropagation of Members of the Cactaceae Subtribe Cactinae. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 115, 2: 337-343.

Tepedino, V.J. 1997. Wild Bees and Floral Jewels. Wings. 20, 1: 8-10.

Tepedino, V.J. 2000. Wild Bees and Floral Jewels. Castilleja: The Newsletter of the Wyoming Native Plant Society. 19, 4: 6-8.

USFWS. 1993. Proposal to Determine the Plant Pediocactus winkleri (Winkler Cactus) to be an Endangered Species. Federal Register. 58, 192: 52059-52062.

USFWS. 1995. Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the Utah Pediocactus: San Rafael Cactus (Pediocactus despainii) and Winkler Cactus (Pediocactus winkleri) for Review and Comment. Federal Register. 60, 187: 49855-49856.

USFWS. 1998. Final Rule To Determine the Plant Pediocactus winkleri (Winkler Cactus) To Be a Threatened Species. Federal Register. 63, 161: 44587-44595.

USFWS. 1998. Reopening of the Comment Period on the Proposed Endangered Status and Notice of Availability of the Draft Conservation Agreement for Review and Comment for Pediocactus winkleri (Winkler cactus) in central Utah. Federal Register. 63, 119: 33901-33902.

Reports

1998. Pediocactus winkleri (Winkler cactus) and Pediocactus despainii (San Rafael cactus) Conservation Agreement and Strategy. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Office.

Brack, S. 1986. Germination Tips. Belen, NM: Mesa Garden. p.5.

England, L.; Rose, S. 1998. News Release: Winkler Cactus Threatened In South-Central Utah. Lakewood, Colorado: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Heil, K.D. 1984. Status Report for Pediocactus winkleri. Farmington, NM: San Juan College. p.14. USFWS Contract 14-16-0006-83-042.

Jones, A. 2001. Review and Analysis of Cattle Grazing Effects in the Arid West, with Implications for BLM Grazing Managment in Southern Utah: A literature review submitted in southern Utah. The Wild Utah Project.

USFS. 1998. Pediocactus winkleri and Pediocactus despainii: Conservation agreement and strategy. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Intermountain region.

USFWS. 1995. Utah Pediocactus (Pediocactus despainii & P. winkleri) DRAFT Recovery Plan. Salt Lak City, Utah: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Region 6.

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This profile was updated on 3/4/2010