Parodia penicillata
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Parodia penicillata faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, where its distinctive appearance makes it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing and agricultural expansion in its restricted range further compounds population decline. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the species' specialized water storage adaptations.
Habitat
This cactus species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in semi-arid regions of southern Brazil, typically growing in well-drained soils among granite formations. It occurs in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, often in association with other specialized succulent flora adapted to harsh, sun-exposed conditions.
