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Rapicactus mandragora facts for kids

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Rapicactus mandragora
Conservation status
CITES Appendix I (CITES)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Echinocactus mandragora Fric ex A.Berger
  • Gymnocactus mandragora (Fric ex A.Berger) Backeb.
  • Lodia mandragora (Fric ex A.Berger) Mosco & Zanov.
  • Neolloydia mandragora (Fric ex A.Berger) E.F.Anderson
  • Pediocactus mandragora (Fric ex A.Berger) Halda
  • Turbinicarpus mandragora (Fric ex A.Berger) A.D.Zimmerman

The Rapicactus mandragora is a special type of plant in the cactus family. It is also known by its other name, Turbinicarpus mandragora.

This cactus only grows in one place: the state of Coahuila in Mexico. It lives in hot desert areas. Sadly, this cactus is in great danger. It is a Critically Endangered species, which means it could disappear forever. Its home is being destroyed, which is the biggest threat to its survival.

About the Mandragora Cactus

The mandragora cactus is a small plant. It is part of a group of cacti known for their unique shapes. Like many desert plants, it has adapted to live in very dry places.

Where This Cactus Lives

This cactus is found only in a specific part of Mexico. It grows in the deserts of Coahuila. This means it is "endemic" to that area. Endemic means it naturally lives nowhere else in the world.

The desert is its natural habitat. A habitat is the place where an animal or plant normally lives. It needs the hot, dry conditions of the desert to grow.

Why It Is Endangered

The Rapicactus mandragora is listed as "Critically Endangered." This is the highest risk category for wild species. It means the plant faces an extremely high risk of dying out.

The main reason it is in danger is habitat destruction. This happens when the natural home of a plant or animal is damaged or removed. For this cactus, its desert home is being changed by human activities. This makes it harder for the cactus to survive and reproduce.

Protecting its desert habitat is very important. This helps ensure the Rapicactus mandragora can continue to live and thrive.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mandrágora para niños

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