The Coryphantha sneedii Complex is Indeed Complex and Continuously Intergrades with Coryphantha vivipara

A comprehensive study challenges the distinctiveness of the Coryphantha sneedii complex, revealing it as a morphologically fluid assemblage that continuously intergrades with Coryphantha vivipara. The research identifies significant phenotypic overlap among nine proposed varieties (orcuttii, organensis, sandbergii, villardii, albicolumnaria, leei, guadalupensis, sneedii) and questions their taxonomic validity due to potential phenotypic plasticity. It also disputes the geographic range of these varieties, particularly in relation to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Big Bend National Park, and Bishop's Cap. The study proposes subsuming the entire complex under C. vivipara, supported by shared characteristics such as lenticular druses (0.5–1.0 mm diameter) and green fruits/pericarpels, despite occasional indistinguishability between the two species in sympatric distributions.

Gorelick, R. (2021). The Coryphantha sneedii Complex is Indeed Complex and Continuously Intergrades with Coryphantha vivipara. Haseltonia, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.2985/026.027.0106