Abstract

Candy Barrel Cactus ( Echinocactus platyacanthus Link Otto [C Mex.]): A Traditional Plant Resource in Mexico Subject to Uncontrolled Extraction and Browsing. The candy barrel cactus (Echinocactus platyacanthus) is an endemic of the Chihuahuan Desert in M,xico that is used as an ornamental plant, for fodder, and for human consumption. The uncontrolled use of this species has resulted in its being put under special legal protection. Although now illegal to harvest, many candy barrel cacti continue being destroyed in situ by both gathering and livestock grazing. This study describes the uses of this species and the characteristics of its natural population in central Mexico. In order to estimate density, percentage of damaged cactus, and height of candy barrel cactus, censuses were carried in stands of 2,500 m(2). The anthropogenic disturbance in each site was estimated by an environmental disturbance index (DI). Results show that the state of Hidalgo has the best conserved population (mean density = 1,111 ind/ha, stratus height = 137 cm, and only 2% of the total cacti injured). Populations in Puebla represent an intermediate state of conservation, while Quer,taro has populations with the lowest density (435 ind/ha), the shorter height (62 cm), the highest foraging (18%), and the greatest DI (71.30). We recommend that conservation strategies for this species be implemented immediately, and that areas be established that exclude livestock and prevent extraction by humans.