Marc will be discussing variation in morphology and other characters, geographic isolation, polyploidy, and apogamy; and how these affect evolution and taxonomy of cacti. Marc will present examples of studies in various North American and some South American cacti.

I first began studying cacti at an academic level for my Ph.D. with Dr. Pinkava at ASU who brought to my attention problems in chollas centering on apogamy, hybridization, and polyploidy. I used various methods in an attempt to answer questions and test hypotheses with the most successful centering on cytogenetics and multivariate analysis of morphological characters. Since then, I have used these methods, along with classical taxonomic techniques to pursue problematic taxa in Opuntia, Cylindropuntia, Coryphantha, Echinocereus, and other genera.

Just a note from the program director. Tom Van Devender brought to my attention the need to have Marc Baker as a guest speaker because of his extensive knowledge of the Opuntia, Cylindropuntia and many other cacti genera. This should be a program you must not miss! Please join us for a great evening and bring a friend for an excellent program and so much more.

Thelocactus bicolor
Native to the Chihuahuan desert of Texas and northern Mexico,
Thelocactus bicolor has stunning pink to magenta blossoms. Regular
watering throughout the spring and summer can keep plants in nearly
continuous flower.