Consolea millspaughii subsp. corallicola (Consolea corallicola)

Native to the Florida Keys, this plant is a spiny shrub or small tree reaching about six feet tall. An upright main trunk supports flattened green stem segments. The small, bright red flowers are followed by yellow, egg-shaped fruits. It grows in coastal limestone habitats and reproduces mainly when fallen stem segments take root; seed production is rare. This critically endangered cactus is federally listed as endangered in the United States. Crown rot, the invasive cactus moth and rising sea levels threaten its remaining populations and restoration efforts. Photographed in Florida.