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In three Larrea shrublands, cacti grow under Larrea canopy at northern and southern exposures and in open spaces were counted. Cacti distribution was related to environmental variables. Seven out of the 15 cacti present were found to be associated with shrubs, whereas the other species were found in the open spaces. The lower temperature and radiation occurring under shrubs at south exposures would explain the absence of cacti in these places. The higher organic matter, nutrients, and moisture in the soils under shrubs appeared to be correlated with higher cacti density. The presence of cacti seedlings only under shrubs could be attributed to the favourable environmental conditions for cacti seed germination and seedling survival that occurred in these places. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.