Pediocactus Bradyi L

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Pediocactus bradyi L. Benson Brady Plains Cactus

Family: Cactaceae Synonyms: Toumeya bradyi Earl

NESL Status: G2 Federal Status: Listed Endangered (44 FR 61784 61786)

Plant Description: Small semiglobose cacti, ranging from a 2.5 to 5 cm in diameter. Areoles white, somewhat pectinate. Central spines absent or rarely 1-2. Plants have contractile roots, pulling themselves underground during drought periods. Flowers are straw-yellow. Flowering time is from mid March to mid April.

Similar Species: Can be confused with juvenile forms of Coryphantha vivipara (Nutt.) Britton & Rose when not in flower. P. bradyi has distinct vertical elongate areoles and the radial spines tend to be shorter than those of C. vivipara.

Habitat: Kaibab limestone chips overlaying soils derived from Moenkopi shale and sandstone. It is typically found on gently sloping benches and terraces with sparse vegetation. Populations are known from 3340 – 5200 ft elevation.

Distribution: Coconino Co, AZ, vicinity of Marble Canyon rim.

Navajo Nation Distribution: South of Lees Ferry, east side of the Colorado River, south to the vicinity of Sheep Springs Wash.

Potential Navajo Nation Distribution: Lees Ferry south and west of Echo Cliffs, along the tributary canyons of the Colorado River, south to Shinumo Wash.

Survey Period: Mid March to late April. Suitable habitat can be identified year round.

Avoidance: A 200 ft buffer zone is recommended to avoid disturbance; may be more or less, depending on slope, size and nature of the project.

References: Arizona Rare Plant Committee. 2001. Arizona rare plant field guide: a collaboration of agencies and organizations. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. http://aznps.org/rareplants.html Benson, L. 1982. The Cacti of the United States and Canada. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA. Kelly, K. and J. McGinnis. 1994. Highly Safeguarded Protected Native Plants of Arizona. Arizona Department of Agriculture, Phoenix, AZ. McDougall, W.B. 1973. Seed Plants of Northern Arizona. Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ. Phillips, A.M., B.G. Phillips, and M. Butterwick. 1985. Recovery Plan for the Brady Pincushion Cactus (Pediocactus bradyi L.Benson). Prepared for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Region 2, Albuquerque, NM. Roth, D. 2004. Pediocactus bradyi (Brady Pincushion Cactus) Status Report. Unpublished report prepared for the USFWS. Navajo Natural Heritage Program, Window Rock, AZ. http://nnhp.nndfw.org/docs_reps.htm

Daniela Roth. 2001. Species account for Pediocactus bradyi. Navajo Natural Heritage Program, P.O. Box 1480, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Additional copies at http://nnhp.nndfw.org/ Revised: 15 MAY 2008 TOC Page | 18

Daniela Roth. 2001. Species account for Pediocactus bradyi. Navajo Natural Heritage Program, P.O. Box 1480, Window Rock, AZ 86515. Additional copies at http://nnhp.nndfw.org/ Revised: 15 MAY 2008