Cleistocactus winteri
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cleistocactus winteri faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in Bolivia's inter-Andean valleys. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for the international cactus trade, as its distinctive columnar form and winter flowering make it highly sought after by collectors. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture balance required for survival in its semi-arid habitat.
Habitat
Cleistocactus winteri inhabits dry inter-Andean valleys and rocky slopes in Bolivia, typically growing on steep, well-drained hillsides at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. The species thrives in semi-arid environments with sparse vegetation, often found among other cacti and drought-adapted shrubs in areas receiving minimal annual rainfall.