Matucana aureiflora is a species of Matucana found in Peru.
Description
Matucana aureiflora usually grows individually with flattened spherical, shiny dark green shoots up to 13 centimeters in diameter. There are eleven to 27 blunt ribs made up of flat protuberances. The firm, curved yellow to tan yellow spines are darker at their base. The up to four central spines, which can also be missing, are 1.2 to 2.5 inches long. The eight to 14 comb-shaped radial spines reach a length of 0.7 to 1.8 centimeters.
The broad, funnel-shaped, radial flowers are golden yellow. They are 3 to 4.5 centimeters long and have a diameter of up to 4 centimeters. The length of the egg-shaped, somewhat purple fruits is 1.4 centimeters. Their diameter is up to 1 centimeter.
Distribution
Matucana aureiflora is found in the Peruvian region of Cajamarca at altitudes of 2800 to 2900 meters. In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the species is classified as "Critically Endangered (CR)".
Taxonomy
The first description was in 1965 by Friedrich Ritter. Further nomenclature synonyms are Submatucana aureiflorus (F.Ritter) Backeb. (1966) and Borzicactus aureiflorus (F.Ritter) Donald (1971).