ASPECTOS TAXONÓMICOS Y DE CONSERVACIÓN DE Melocactus peruvianus Vaupel Y Neoraimondia arequipensis subsp. roseiflora (Werderm. & Backeb.) Ostolaza EN EL VALLE DEL RÍO CHILLON, LIMA: CERRO UMARCATA Y QUEBRADA OROBEL.

We present the study on the taxonomy and conservation status of two cacti, Melocactus peruvianus Vaupel and Neoraimondia arequipensis subsp. roseiflora (Werderm. & Backeb.) Ostolaza, from Umarcata Hill and Orobel Valley, in the lower river basin of the Chillon River. Plants were collected in February and July 2003, and February, May, August, and December 2004, recording data on taxonomic characteristics, as well as location and condition. Melocactus peruvianus is a solitary globose cactus, from 7 to 17 cm tall, distributed from the borderline between Peru and Ecuador to Arequipa in Peru, and its conservation status is Vulnerable (VU). Neoraimondia arequipensis subsp. roseiflora is a columnar cactus, from 1.3 to 4 m tall, endemic to Peru, distributed in the departments of Ancash, Lima and Ica. Its conservation status is Least Concern (LC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]