web viewthe word “cholla” pronounced “ “cho-ya” is the mexican word...

Plant Profiles - Cactaceae

ASTROPHYTUM MYRIOSTIGMAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: AstrophytumSpecies: myriostigmaCommon Name: Bishop’s CapRecommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 9b-10Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20°F (-6°C) for short periodsSun Exposure: Full sun to light shadeOrigin: Highlands of central and northern Mexico

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus, up to 2 feet long (60 cm) by 8 inches in diameter (20 cm); 4 to 6 ribs (usually 5); no spinesWatering Needs: Moderate water in summer. Propagation: Seeds that germinate rapidly. Some cultivars are grafted. They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Cultural Practices:If planted outdoors, sharp drainage is important for avoiding rot during wet winters since this time of year is dry in its habitat. Mealy bugs and root mealy bugs can be a problem. Blooming Habits:The glossy yellow, sweet scented flowers appear intermittently during the summer. They are followed by a reddish fruit, 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm). The plants known as A. coahuilense have a reddish orange throat.

ASTROPHYTUM ORNATUMFamily: CactaceaeGenus: AstrophytumSpecies: ornatumRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-10Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20° F (-6°C)Heat Tolerance: GoodSun Exposure: Full sun to light shadeOrigin: Mexico (Querétaro, Hidalgo)

Growth Habits: Solitary columnar cactus, up to 4 feet tall (1.2 m), 6 inches in diameter (15 cm); usually 8 ribs; 1 central spine; 5 to 10 radials.

Watering Needs: Moderate water in summer.

Propagation: Seeds that germinate rapidly. Some cultivars are grafted. They take up to 6 years to bloom.

Blooming Habits: The Astrophytum ornatum blooms in summer. The 2.5 inch wide flowers (6 cm) are pale yellow and scented. It needs to be 6 inches tall to bloom (15 cm). This might take six years or more depending on the length of its growing period in your local conditions.

The Astrophytum ornatum is the largest and one of the easiest to grow of the Astrophytums. It has 5 to 8 ribs (generally 8) and areoles have 5 to 11 brownish yellow spines, over 1 inch long (2.5 cm).

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AUSTROCYLINDROPUNTIA SUBULATAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: AustrocylindropuntiaSpecies: subulataCommon Name: Eve's-Pin Cactus

Eve's-Pin Cactus, is a large tree-like cactus native to the higher elevations of Ecuador and Peru. In nature, the cactus lives at an elevation of 8000-12000 feet (2400-3600 m). Round cylindrical joints will reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6.5 cm) thick. Plants will reach about 13 feet (4 m) tall and 10 feet (3 m) wide. They are easily identified by their persistent, nearly cylindrical leaves. Leaves will reach about 3-5 inches (7.5-13 cm) long. New growth rarely has spines, but as the plants age they develop 1-2, 3 inch (7.6 cm) long yellow spines per areole. The plants are easy to grow and are hardy in the landscape in USDA zones 9-10.

Blooming: In cultivation, the plants rarely bloom, but when they do the bloom the flowers are red 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Blooms are quite showy.

Culture: Austrocylindropuntia subulata needs full sun to light shade, with a well drained soil mix. This cactus likes a little more water than other cacti. Regular watering helps to keep the leaves from dropping.

Propagation: Austrocylindropuntia subulata is propagated from cuttings and from seeds when available.



CEREUS HILDMANNIANUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: CereusSpecies: hildmannianusCommon Name: Queen of the Night, Apple CactusSynonym: Cereus peruvianusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9-11Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 15°F (-10°C)Sun Exposure: Full sunOrigin: Southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus branching from the base, up to 30 feet tall (9 m), clump up to 15 feet in diameter (4.5 m), stems are 5-7 inches in diameter (12-17 cm), often no spines on younger stems, spines grow progressively as the stem ages.

Watering Needs: Does best with moderate water.

Propagation: One of the easiest cactus to propagate by cuttings This species is popular in cultivation and often encountered in southern Californian gardens, as well as in Phoenix. The stems have 5 to 8 narrow ribs with areoles 1-inch apart. Depending on the variety, the areoles are either almost spineless or with 7 radial spines and a central spine, measuring around 0.4 inch long (1 cm).

Blooming Habits: The 6-inch (15 cm), white flowers open at night in late summer to early fall. They are followed by large, smooth red, egg shaped edible fruits that split open when ripe.

CLEISTOCACTUS HYALACANTHUSFamily: Cactaceae Genus: CleistocactusSpecies: hyalacanthusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 10-11

Cold Tolerance: To low 20’s F

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix in summer

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Argentina to southern Bolivia

Growth Habits: Clustered erect cylindrical stems to 6 feet tall densely clad in bristly white to brownish-yellow spines. Stems about 2.5 inches in diameter (6 cm).

Watering Needs: Water generously during the summer.

Blooming Habits:Pinkish-red to orange-red tubular diurnal flowers, 1.6 inches long (4 cm)



CLEISTOCACTUS SEPIUMFamily: CactaceaeGenus: CleistocactusSpecies: sepiumSynonym: Borzicactus websterianusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-10Heat Tolerance: Light shade in hot interior climatesSun Exposure: Light shade to full sun

South America has many kinds of clump-forming cacti with slender columnar stems, growing upright initially, but often tending to sprawl as they elongate. As with so many groups of cacti, these have gone through multiple name changes as different authors have come up with differing taxonomic treatments. In recent years many of them have been included in the genus Cleistocactus. One of these is a plant named Cleistocactus sepium from the Andes mountain range in Ecuador.

Cleistocactus sepium is a variable species, and different forms of it were given separate names under the genus Borzicactus in the classification system of Curt Backeberg.

At the Ruth Bancroft Garden we have a form, received under the name Borzicactus websterianus, which is quite floriferous. It is a little over 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with a stem diameter of 3 inches (75 cm). Like other forms of Cleistocactus sepium, this plant has stems which normally do not branch, but over time new ones arise from the base to form a clump.

Cleistocactus sepium has red tubular flowers which flare out at the mouth, making a brilliant display. They jut out from the sides of the stems below the apex, coming in flushes during the summer and fall months. Flower length for the species is given as 5-8 cm (about 2-3 inches); our plant at RBG has flowers about 2½ inches long. The round fruits start out green, yellowing as they mature.

This species does well as a garden subject in our area, needing only occasional water during the summer and good drainage.

It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

Text and photos by Brian Kemble



CLEISTOCACTUS STRAUSIIFamily: CactaceaeGenus: CleistocactusSpecies: strausiiCommon Name: Silver Torch CactusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9-10Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 14°F (-10°C), but the tips might get damaged below 23°F (-5°C)

Heat Tolerance: In hot interior climates appreciates light shade

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Bolivia, Argentina

Growth Habits: Clustered erect cylindrical stems to 8 feet tall (2.4 cm) densely clad in bristly white spines. Stems about 2.5 inches in diameter (6 cm).

Watering Needs: Moderate summer water

Propagation: Seeds or cuttings

Blooming Habits:The silver torch starts blooming when the columns are 18 inches tall (45 cm). They bloom freely in cultivation. The 3-inches long flowers are deep burgundy, they protrude horizontally from the side of the columns near the tips.

CLEISTOCACTUS WINTERIFamily: Cactaceae Genus: CleistocactusSpecies: winteriCommon Name: Golden Rat TailSynonym: Hildewintera aureispina, Winterocereus aureispinusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11Frost Tolerance: To 28°F (-2°C)Heat Tolerance: In hot interior climates appreciates light shadeSun Exposure: Light shade to full sunOrigin: Argentina to Uruguay

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus forming masses of columns, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm), stems 2.5 inches in diameter (6 cm); 16 to 17 ribs; spines 50, 0.16 to 0.4 inch long (0.4 to 1 cm)

Watering Needs: Regular water in summer, keep rather dry in winter

Propagation: Seeds or cuttings.

Cultural Practices:Good drainage and protection from extreme lows. If it likes its growing conditions you will also be rewarded by the pink flowers that come in abundance.This cactus is sensitive to mealy bugs that find a lot of hiding ground among the spines.

Blooming Habits: The Cleistocactus winteri has salmon-pink flowers from spring through autumn, 1.6 to 2.4 inches (4 to 6 cm) in length, 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Mature plants bloom repetitively. The flowers are followed by green fruit, 0.4 inches long (1 cm).



CYLINDROPUNTIA CALIFORNICAFamily: Cactaceae Genus: CylindropuntiaSpecies: californicaCommon Name: ChollaThe word “Cholla” pronounced “ “Cho-ya” is the Mexican word which applies to all of the Cylindropuntias including this one.Synonym: Opuntia hamiltoniiRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 8a-9bSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeOrigin: Mexico (Northern Baja California)

Growth Habits: Shrubby cactus, up to 8 feet tall (2.4 m)

Watering Needs: Little water

Propagation: Cuttings

Blooming Habits:Yellow flowers in early summer.

ECHINOCACTUS GRUSONIIFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinocactusSpecies: grusoniiCommon Name: Golden Barrel Cactus

This is one of the most popular of all cacti in cultivation. It is much admired for its large rotund form, dramatically adorned with neat rows of clustered golden spines. The flowers are also golden yellow in color, emerging from the large patch of wool at the center of the plant. They are produced a few at a time over a long period during the growing season in the warm months of the year. Large plants attain a size of over 2 feet across, and may remain single or produceplantlets at the side to form a clump.

They come from Queretaro State in Mexico, but have become very scarce in the wilddue to inundation of much of their natural habitat from construction of a dam.Echinocactus, with 6 species, is

one of the 2 genera of cacti commonly known as barrel cacti.

The other genus, with considerably more species, is Ferocactus. The two groups are widely distributed in the southwestern US and Mexico.

The Golden Barrel Cactus is one of The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s signature plants, and is a favorite of volunteers and visitors. Each September the Golden Barrel Cactus Award for Philanthropy, named for our prized plant, is presented at the Annual Dinner In The Garden benefit. This year the founder of The Garden Conservancy, Frank and Anne Cabot, will receive the award.

Photo and text by Brian Kemble


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ECHINOCACTUS PLATYACANTHUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinocactusSpecies: platyacanthus

In the early days of cactus classification, the genus Echinocactus was conceived of as a very broad category taking in many diverse globular cacti from both North America and South America. Now, however, the name is restricted to 5 species native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. These plants, along with members of the genus Ferocactus, are popularly known as barrel cacti. Although there are not many species of Echinocactus, plants are abundant in nature over a wide area from the California deserts in the north down to northern Oaxaca.

The most widely-distributed of all, and also the largest, is Echinocactus platyacanthus. It occurs from southern Coahuila southward through the dry areas of eastern Mexico to the Oaxaca-Puebla border area. Plants vary somewhat through its range,and different forms have been given separate species names. These are no longer recognized, but nurseries, collectors and gardens still often feature plants labeled as E. ingens, E. palmeri, and E. grandis, all of which are now considered forms of E. platyacanthus.

Echinocactus platyacanthus is not a fast--growing plant. After over 30 years in the ground at RBG, our largest specimen is about a foot and a half in height (½ meter), as compared to the giants found in some parts of its range, which may be over 2 meters in height.

This cactus has an unusual progression from seedling to adult. When young, plants are quite blue in color, followed by a stage in which they become green with striking red or purple stripes.

After this, they settle into their solid-green mature appearance. In some of the wild populations, plants remain globular throughout their lives, even when they become huge specimens 4 feet tall (over a meter). In the southern part of the species’ range, however, plants go on to become stout-columnar and may attain heights of 7 or 8 feet (2½ meters). The name E. grandis was coined for this tall-growing Form, but in other respects these plants do not differ significantly from other forms, so modern taxonomists do not consider the difference sufficient to warrant even a separate variety.

The spines on E. platyacanthus are stout, but they are shorter and less numerous than those of their close relative E. grusonii (the golden barrel cactus), so the plant body is less obscured by them. In both species, there is a large pool of buff-colored wool covering the central growing point, and the flowers are produced at the rim of this area. Both species have bright yellow flowers, but those of E. platyacanthus are larger. Many other kinds of cacti have a particular time of year when they produce a concentrated burst of flowering, but E. platyacanthus flowers on-and-off throughout the summer (this is true of E. grusonii as well).

Text and Photos by Brian Kemble



ECHINOCEREUS CINERASCENSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinocereusSpecies: cinerascensCommon Name: Hedgehog Cactus (applied to various species in the genus)Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9-11Frost Tolerance: Hardy at least to 25° F (-4°C)Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sunOrigin: Central Mexico

Growth Habits: Clumping stems, 12 inches tall (30 cm), 2 (to 4) inches in diameter (4-10 cm); 5 to 8 (to 12) blunt prominent ribs, slightly warty; 1 to 4 (to 6) central spines, 0.8 to 1.8 inches long (2-4.5 cm); 7-10 radials, 0.4 to 1.4 inches long (1-3.5 cm)

Watering Needs: Little water, needs porous well drained soil.

Propagation: Branches freely from the base

Blooming & Fruiting Habits:Large pink to purple flowers in abundance, up to 5 inches in diameter (12 cm) with usually with yellow or cream center, stigma with 11 lobes. They come from the side areoles and are followed by edible greenish spiny fruits tasting like strawberry.

ECHINOCEREUS VIERECKIIFamily: Cactaceae Genus: EchinocereusSpecies: viereckii


Origin: Mexico (Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas)

Growth Habits: Semi-prostrate yellowish green stems branching From the base to form a clump. In the variety morricalii (pictured here), the spines are absent, showing off the wrinkly-skinned chubby stems.

Watering Needs: Little water, needs porous well drained soil.

Blooming Habits:Large magenta flower.

ECHINOPSIS BRUCHII



Family: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: bruchii

Synonym: Soehrensia bruchii

This month’s plant profile features Echinopsis bruchii and also provides a lesson in plant taxonomy. Echinopsis, as currently defined, is a large genus of cacti from South America which range from tall, saguaro-like columnar plants to small globular ones. This expanded concept of the genus takes in several groups that were previously classed as separate genera, but there were always problems in keeping them separate because of plants that straddled the border between the groups. The 3 largest of these groups are: 1) Echinopsis (in the narrow sense) -- mostly globular plants with long funnel-form night-opening flowers, usually white but sometimes pink or pale yellow; 2) Lobivia – small globular plants with short, day-opening flowers, usually brightly-colored; 3) Trichocereus – tall columnar, or short-columnar clumping, plants with large flowers, typically white and night-opening. On the border between the Lobivias and the Trichocerei is a smaller group formerly known as Soehrensia.

They have a globular form and short colorful day-opening flowers, but are large compared to Lobivias. They might be thought of a squat Trichocerei with

colored flowers, or as giant Lobivias. But now that all these groups have been swept up into Echinopsis, we don’t need to worry about which side of the fence to put them on.

Echinopsis bruchii is the least spiny and most clumping-prone of the former Soehrensia group, and it comes from northwestern Argentina. The heads may range in size from softball-sized to cantaloupe-sized or even larger, and the flowers are red or red-orange. We have several specimens of this plant at The Garden, and they have performed very well under our conditions. Neither freezing spells in winter nor hot spells in summer seem to deter them. The plant pictured is the largest-growing and heaviest-flowering of the ones in our collection, and also has the most polished appearance. It produces several flushes of red flowers in April to June.


ECHINOPSIS CANDICANS



Family: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: candicans

Among the plants included in the genus Echinopsis is a group which used to be considered a separate genus, Trichocereus. These have large funnel-form flowers (usually white) and columnar stems. In some cases, like the San Pedro cactus, the stems are tall and erect. In other species, such as Echinopsis candicans, the stems initially grow upright, but sprawl to the side as they lengthen. E. candicans sprouts new stems from the base, so eventually the plant gives the appearance of a cluster of stems radiating outward from a central growing point.

The large white flowers of Echinopsis candicans emerge in May-June, often coming in several successive flushes. The buds, as with other species of Echinopsis, are furry. As they emerge, they swell into enormous trumpet-like blooms about 6 inches across. Most other species in the genus are unscented, but these are an exception and perfume the air with a

delightful fragrance.The blossoms are short-lived, but people visiting at the right time are often amazed to see a profusion of flowers which can almost completely cover the plant.E. candicans comes from western Argentina, which does not experience the dry summers and wet winters which characterize California’s climate. However, it thrives here if given a modest amount of water during its summer growing period. It can endure temperatures down to the low twenties Fahrenheit without injury, and flowers reliably each spring.

Text and photos by Brian Kemble.

ECHINOPSIS PACHANOIFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: pachanoi

Common Name: San Pedro Cactus

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 8b-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 15°F (-10°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun

Origin: Mountains of Ecuador and Peru, between 5000 and 9000 feet elevation (1500m and 2700m)

Growth Habits: Multi-stemmed columnar cactus, up to 20 feet tall by 6 feet spread (6 by 1.8 m)

Watering Needs: Little water when established

Propagation: Cuttings, seedsThe San Pedro Cactus stems contain small quantities of mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug.

Blooming Habits:The San Pedro cactus is night blooming, Its white flowers, in July, are up to 9 inches in diameter (22 cm)

ECHINOPSIS SPACHIANUS



Family: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: spachianus

Common Name: Golden Torch Cereus


Frost Tolerance: Frost tender


Origin: Western Argentina, Bolivia

Growth Habits: Multi-stemmed columnar cactus, basally branching, 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter (5-6 cm), 7 feet tall (2 m); 10 to 15 ribs; yellowish areoles turning grey as they age; 1 to 3 yellowish centrals, 0.5 inch long (12 mm); 8 to 10 radials, 0.5 inch long (12 mm).

Watering Needs: Moderate waterPropagation: Cuttings

Blooming Habits:Large white nocturnal flowers in late spring. The flowers are up to 8 inches long (20 cm), 6 inches in diameter (15 cm)

ECHINOPSIS TARIJENSISFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: tarijensis

Synonym: Helianthocereus poco

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 10-12

Hardiness: Hardy to the mid-twenties F. or lower

Sun Exposure: Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.

Origin: Argentina, Bolivia

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus, solitary at first, then branching from the side, dark green stems, up to 18 feet tall (5 m), 8 to 14 inches in diameter (20-35 cm); about 15 ribs; large, close set areoles with gray felt; 3 to 4 centrals, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm); many radials, 20 or more, up to 1.6 inches long (4 cm)

Watering Needs: Little water, needs good drainage

Blooming Habits:Reddish purple diurnal flowers, near the stem tips, in summer, 4 to 4.8 inches long (10-12 cm). The fruit is ovoid, 1.4 to 2 inches long (3.5-5 cm), 0.8 to 1.2 inches in diameter (2-3 cm)

ECHINOPSIS TERSCHECKII



Family: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: terscheckii

Synonym: Trichocereus terscheckii

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 8b-11Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 18° F (-8° C)Sun Exposure: Full sunOrigin: Northern Argentina

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus branching above ground, reaches over 25 feet tall (7.5 m), branches are around 10 inches in diameter (25 cm); 8 to 14 ribs; large brownish areoles, 1 inch apart (2.5 cm); 8 to 15 yellowish spines, 3.2 to 4 inches long (8-10 cm).


Propagation: SeedsThe Cardon Grande is probably the largest Echinopsis. It is occasionally used in landscaping as a faster growing substitute to the Saguaro. It has 8 to 14 ribs. Areoles are about 1 inch apart (2.5 cm). They have up to 15 strong, yellow, spines sometimes over 3 inches long (7 cm), generally less.

Blooming Habits:The flowers are white, nocturnal, up to 8 inches long (20 cm).

ECHINOPSIS THELOGONAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: EchinopsisSpecies: thelogona

Synonym: Trichocereus thelogonus

Origin: ArgentinaRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: Takes some limited frost

Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in very hot climate


Growth Habits: Sprawling columnar cactus, with the stems normally staying upright for only a short time before they begin to spread horizontally along the ground. New stems sprout from the base from time to time.


Propagation: Cuttings, seeds

Blooming Habits:Echinopsis thelegona has white nocturnal funnel-shaped flowers in summer, about 8 inches long (20 cm). The fruit is red, hairy, about 2 inches long (5 cm) When ripe, it splits on one side, revealing black seeds.

ESPOSTOA LANATA



Family: CactaceaeGenus: EspostoaSpecies: lanata

Common Name: Peruvian Old Man Cactus

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11Origin: Southern Ecuador, northern Peru

Frost Tolerance: tolerates down to 25°F (-3°C) for short periods, but frost should still be avoided.


Growth Habits: Clump-forming columnar cactus, slow-growing but eventually up to 10 ft tall (3 m).

Watering Needs: Rot prone in winter, keep it dry

Propagation: SeedsThe name of the genus, Espostoa, comes from the Peruvian botanist Nicholas Esposto.

Blooming Habits:The Peruvian Old Man Cactus has nocturnal flowers, 2 inches in diameter, white to purple in late spring, early summer.

FEROCACTUS ECHIDNEFamily: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: echidne

Origin: Eastern Mexico

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11Frost Tolerance: Will take some frost


Origin: Central Mexico

Growth Habits: Barrel cactus, globose when young, but eventually becoming short-columnar. Though armed with sharp spines, these are not as dense as many other barrel cacti, so the plant body is readily visible.

Blooming Habits:Diurnal yellow flowers, 0.8 to 1.8 inches long (2-4.5 cm), 1.2 to 1.4 inches in diameter (3-3.5 cm), in late spring.

FEROCACTUS GLAUCESCENS


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Family: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: glaucescens


Frost Tolerance: Will take some frost

Sun Exposure: Part sun to full sun

Origin: Eastern central Mexico (Hidalgo).

Growth Habits: A modest-size barrel cactus with a globose stem under 2 ft. tall and yellow spines. May be solitary or form a clump.

Propagation:Ferocactus glaucescens is a magnificent species with glaucous grey body and golden spines.

Blooming Habits:Yellow flowers, 1.2 to 1.5 inches in diameter (3-4 cm), in summer. White fruit, 0.8 inch long (2 cm).

FEROCACTUS HISTRIXFamily: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: histrix

Common Name: Electrode Cactus


Frost Tolerance: Will take some frost



Growth Habits: A round-bodied barrel cactus to 4 ft. tall. Somewhat resembles the Golden Barrel cactus, but the spines are less dense and have a pale-yellow color, rather than golden yellow.

Watering Needs: Little to no water when established

Blooming Habits: Pale yellow flowers in April – June.

FEROCACTUS LATISPINUS



Family: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: latispinus

Members of the genus Ferocactus are commonly called barrel cacti, and they occur in the southwestern United States and in the drier areas of Mexico. One species with an extensive distribution in central and southern Mexico is Ferocactus latispinus, which normally remains a solitary plant, without dividing or producing offsets.

Ferocactus latispinus is modest-sized for a barrel cactus, and all of the plants at the Ruth Bancroft Garden are under a foot in diameter, though they may attain a size of up to 16 inches. In the cactus family the spines radiate out from nubs called areoles, and the spines are divided into central spines (usually stouter and at the center of the areole) and radial

spines (usually finer and at the outside). F. latispinus has several central spines, but one is conspicuous since it is very wide and flat and hooked or curved at the end. This prominent spine is usually red, but may be yellow.

The other central spines are still stout, but much narrower and not curved. The smaller radial spines surround these. The plants are most often wider than they are tall.

Most species of Ferocactus flower in spring or summer, but our plants of F. latispinus at RBG consistently bloom in the fall, usually in October. It might be noted that this is not true of the closely related F. latispinus ssp. spiralis (syn. F. recurvus); our specimen of this plant flowers in summer and is taller-growing. Our F. latispinus plants have rich-purple flowers about an inch and a half across, providing a welcome burst of color at a time of year when not many cacti are in bloom.


FEROCACTUS PILOSUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: pilosusOrigin: NE Mexico

Common Name: Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus




Growth Habits: Clumping barrel cactus (sometimes remains single), up to 8 ft tall (2.4 cm). This is an attractive short-columnar plant with intermeshed stout red spines as well as wispy hair-like spines. It flowers in spring and though its flowers do not open widely, they are notable for their vivid orange color. It is drought tolerant, but needs occasional summer water, since this is its growing season.

Propagation: Seeds

FEROCACTUS POTTSI



Family: Cactaceae Genus: FerocactusSpecies: pottsi



Origin: Mexico (Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora), in deciduous vegetation, from 800 to 3300 feet elevation (240 to 1000 m)

Growth Habits: This round-bodied cactus gets to be about 3 ft. tall usually remaining solitary. It has prominent ribs, with clusters of spines at intervals along them. Because the spines are short, the chubby smooth green plant body is on full display. The large yellow flowers come in summer, and are followed by long-lasting attractive yellow fruits. Needs occasional watering in summer.

Named for John Potts, manager of a mine in Ciudad Chihuahua.

FEROCACTUS ROBUSTUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: FerocactusSpecies: robustus

Origin: South central Mexico (Puebla)




Growth Habits: One of the smallest-headed barrel cacti, but it forms many-headed mounding clumps in time (ancient specimens in Mexico are up to 10 ft. across). The heads on our plants do not exceed 5 in. across, though they can get somewhat larger than this. This species can be distinguished from the similar-looking F. flavovirens by the number of ribs: 8 for F. robustus vs. 11-13 for F flavovirens . Ferocactus rubustus has 1.5 in. yellow flowers at intervals during the fall months. It needs little water once established.

Propagation: Seeds, offsets

GYMNOCALYCIUM SAGLIONIS




Family: CactaceaeGenus: GymnocalyciumSpecies: saglionis

Common Name: Giant Chin Cactus


Frost Tolerance: 20°F (-7°C)


Origin: Argentina

Growth Habits: This species is a giant among the gymnocalyciums, or chin cacti, reaching a foot in diameter. The body is divided into chubby, rounded tubercles with creases between them with about 12-15 spreading pinkish-gray spines sprouting from the areoles atop each one. The white to pinkish-white flowers emerge near the top in successive flushes during summer. It needs occasional watering in summer, and is propagated from seeds since it does not make offsets.

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HARRISIA POMANENSISFamily: Cactaceae Genus: HarrisiaSpecies: pomanensis

Origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay

Common Name: Applecactus, Dragon Fruit


Frost Tolerance: Avoid frost


Growth Habits: A clump-forming scrambling cactus with stems up to 2 in. or so in diameter. The stems are initially erect, but then arch to the side unless supported by surrounding vegetation. The spine length is variable. The large nocturnal white flowers bloom at RBG in late summer, but start earlier in warmer climates. The vivid red fruits which follow in autumn are round or oval in shape, with pointed red bract leaves at intervals, but no spines. The fruits look similar to those of Hylocereus undatus, also called Dragon Fruit, but Hylocereus fruits have larger and longer bracts which are usually green-tipped.

HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS



Family: Cactaceae Genus: HylocereusSpecies: undatus

Origin: Widely cultivated, origin uncertain, probably West Indies and Caribbean basin

Common Name: Night-blooming Cactus, Dragon Fruit


Heat Tolerance: Avoid frost

Sun Exposure: Full sun to afternoon shade

Growth Habits: A clamboring cactus which can climb up trees or spread laterally, rooting as it goes. The stems are 3-sided, with wavy margins and clusters of very short spines at intervals. It is an aggressive grower, and will root readily from cuttings, but is has a very limited tolerance for cold and is easily damaged by freezes. Its huge nocturnal flowers come in summer to early fall. They are white with a little yellow on the narrower outermost petals. The red edible fruits which follow are similar to those of Harrisia pomanensis, but with larger bracts. Our plant in the Winter House at RBG lacks suitable pollinators and does not set fruit.

Watering Needs: Regular water

MAMMILLARIA HAAGEANAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: MammillariaSpecies: haageanaSynonym: Mammillaria dealbata


Frost Tolerance: Hardy to at least 25°F (-4°C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Growth Habits: There are many species of mammillarias, most of them from Mexico, though a few occur in the SW United States. These plants are very popular with collectors and are often seen as potted plants. Mammillaria haageana is one of the white-spined species, with spiraling rows of fine white spines covering the plant. It is normally single-headed, but sometimes offsets to make a clump. The heads are up to 4 in. across, and produce a ring of small magenta or deep pink flowers in late winter to spring. Good drainage is essential.

Propagation: Seeds

MAMMILLARIA GEMINISPINA



Family: Cactaceae Genus: MammillariaSpecies: geminispina

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 10



Origin: Central Mexico (Hidalgo state)

Watering Needs: Regular water in summer

Growth Habits: Mammillaria geminispina is a clumping species, forming large mounds of 3 to 4 in. heads in time. It has needle-like white spines, as well as white wool between the tubercles. It produces small deep pink to lavender-pink flowers in fall and early winter, and these are scattered here and there rather than arranged in a tight ring as with M. haageana. It should be protected from too much cold and wetness in winter, and can be propagated from seed, or by removing heads.

Propagation: Seeds, the best clones are propagated by offset.The Mammillaria geminispina clumps readily and make large mounds in the wild. The sap of the Mammillaria geminispina is milky.

NEOBUXBAUMIA POLYLOPHAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: NeobuxbaumiaSpecies: polylopha


Frost Tolerance: Takes some frost

Origin: Mexico (Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí)

Growth Habits: Solitary columnar cactus, up to 40 feet tall (12 m), with many narrow ribs and fine yellowish spines. It has occasional bouts of flowering in summer, first forming stubby cylindrical buds which are green at the base and dark red at the tips. When the flowers open, the petals curve outward to display the pink flower face and the cluster of creamy anthers.

OPUNTIA BASILARIS



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Family: CactaceaeGenus: OpuntiaSpecies: basilarisCommon Name: Beavertail Cactus Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 7-10Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-18°C)Sun Exposure: Full sunOrigin: Southwest USA (Arizona, California, Nevada) from 200 to 3000 feet elevation (60 to 900 m), northwestern Mexico (northern Baja California and northern Sonora)Growth Habits: Succulent to 2 feet tall (60 cm), 4 feet spread (1.2 m); green or slighly purplish segments 3.2 to 5.6 inches long (8-14 cm), 1.6 to 4 inches wide (4-10 cm), glabrous or slightly pubescent; slightly pleated during the dry season; areoles, many with white or brown wool and

brownish Glochids; occasional spine in the upper areoles, or spineless.Watering Needs: little or no water once established, in its natural distribution area, it receives mostly winter rains.Propagation: CuttingsThe Beaver-tail Cactus is a smaller prickly pear cactus, and it will often start blooming when it has only two pads. Beware that the glochids (these little barbed bristles organized in clusters) can penetrate the skin.In the wild, its principal range is limited to the Mojave-Colorado desert.Blooming Habits:The beaver tail cactus has 2.6-3 inches wide (6-7 cm), fuschia colored flowers in March-April. The spineless fruit is dry when ripe. The seeds are 0.24 to 0.4 inch in diameter (6-10 mm)

OPUNTIA ENGELMANNIIFamily: CactaceaeGenus: OpuntiaSpecies: engelmannii

Origin: Arizona, California (USA)

Common Name: Engelmann's Prickly pear, Calico Cactus



Growth Habits: A shrubby prickly pear which can grow to 6 or 7 ft. tall, but is usually less. It has rounded to oval green pads with spines up to 2 in. long, and yellow flowers in spring. These are followed in fall with many red edible fruits. Easy to grow and needs very little water.





OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA Family: Cactaceae Genus: OpuntiaSpecies: ficus-indicaCommon Name: Prickly Pear

Origin: Mexico

Hardiness: to mid 20s; damaged in low 20s

Size: to 15ft, spread to 10ft

Exposure: full or reflected sun

Water: natural rainfall; pads shrivel in times of drought indicating need for supplemental water

Growth Habits: A trunk-forming prickly pear to 15 ft. tall, with green pads which may be oval or paddle-shaped. It has few spines, but glochids can still cause trouble, so the pads should be handled with care. This is the most commonly cultivated prickly pear, grown both for its edible young pads (nopales) and for its tasty fruit (tunas). It has yellow or orange flowers in spring, and showy fruit in the fall, which may be orange, red or purplish-red. Severed pads root and grow readily.

OPUNTIA LEUCOTRICHA Family: Cactaceae Genus: OpuntiaSpecies: leucotricha

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11 (to 25°F/-3.8°C)

Origin: Mountains of central Mexico

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Danger: Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Growth Habits: Tree-like prickly pear, up to 16 feet tall (5 m). The oval pads have fine white spines, which cover the trunk as well (leucotricha means “white hairs”). Its light yellow to greenish-yellow flowers open in June and July at RGB, and they are followed by round fruits 1½ in. across. Though initially green, the fruits turn pale yellow at maturity in the fall. Needs little water.



OPUNTIA ROBUSTAFamily: Cactaceae Genus: OpuntiaSpecies: robusta

Common Name: Silver Dollar Prickly Pear, Dinner Plate Cactus




Growth Habits: A large growing prickly pear which may develop a trunk, but could also grow more like a large shrub. It is notable for its large round or oval bluish pads. It has bright yellow flowers in spring, and an abundance of large, juicy reddish-purple fruits in fall. Drought tolerant.

OPUNTIA TOMENTOSA Family: CactaceaeGenus: OpuntiaSpecies: tomentosa

Common Name: Wooly Joint Prickly Pear, Velvet Opuntia, Velvet Tree Pear


Origin: Mexico, Guatemala

Height: 6 – 15 feet (1.8 – 4.7 m)

Hardiness: USDA: 8b-10b (to 15°F/-9.4°C)

Growth Habits: A large prickly pear with a trunk. The oval pads are modest in size and with very short spines, but they are unusual in being pubescent (with a coating of “peach-fuzz”). The flowers are red-orange, with the main burst of flowering in June, but a few flowers continuing through summer. The abundant red fruits are present all through the fall.



OREOCEREUS CELSIANUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: OreocereusSpecies: celsianusCommon Name: Old Man of the Andes




Origin: Bolivia, Peru, northern Argentina

Growth Habits: Columnar cactus which can grow to a height of over 10 ft. (3 m); our largest specimen in the garden is nearly 12 ft. tall, with a stem diameter of 8 in., but plants are normally less than this. It normally branches from the base to make a cluster of columns, but plants also occasionally branch higher up. The stems are covered with long wispy white hairs, with stout spines protruding from this. The tubular 3 in. to 3½ in. flowers are pink at their flared tips, and emerge in May and June. This plant needs little water and good drainage, and is winter-hardy in our area.

Propagation: Seeds

OREOCEREUS DOELZIANUS



Family: Cactaceae Genus: OreocereusSpecies: doelzianus


Origin: Andes of central Peru

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun

Watering Needs: Let the soil dry between watering

Growth Habits: This Oreocereus is much smaller than O. celsianus, forming large clumps of stems which do not exceed 3 ft. in height. The stems start out erect, but tend to splay to the side as they get older. Its wool is not as thick or long as its larger cousin, and the spines are not as stout. However, it has a much longer blooming season, with beautiful magenta-pink flowers. Needs no frost protection in our climate zone.

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

PARODIA HORSTIIFamily: Cactaceae Genus: ParodiaSpecies: horstiiSynonyms: All plants formerly placed in the genus Notocactus have now been moved into ParodiaOrigin: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul)Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 25°F (-4°C)Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sunParodia is a South American genus of cacti, occurring in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Typically they are globose, though some elongate into short cylinders over time. The flowers emerge near the apex of the plant, and are often very showy. Yellow is the most common flower color, though some

species have flowers in other colors (orange, pink, red or green).Growth Habits: This modest-size globular cactus is one of many Parodia species native to southern Brazil. It may be solitary, or may produce offsets to form a small cluster. Plants grow to be 6 to 8 in. in diameter (15 to 21 cm), with a height of up to 1 ft. (30 cm). The spines are bristly rather than stout and stiff, and there is a pool of wool at the center concealing the growing point. The flowers, which are up to an inch across or a little more (13 cm) emerge from this wool in flushes all year long. The flower color ranges from yellow-orange to magenta.Watering Needs: Regular water in summer. Keep rather dry in winter, rot easily if the substrate is wet and cold, tends to lose its roots in winter.Propagation: Seeds

PARODIA LENINGHAUSII



Family: CactaceaeGenus: ParodiaSpecies: leninghausiiCommon Name: Golden Ball CactusSynonyms: Notocactus leninghausii, Eriocactus leninghausiiRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11

Frost Tolerance: 25°F (-4°C), or possibly colder


Origin: Southern Brazil (Rio Grand do Sul)

Growth Habits: This clustering species has short-cylindrical stems to 2 ft. or more high (60 cm) and 4 in. in diameter (10 cm), densely clad in fine bristly golden-yellow spines. Its satiny light-yellow flowers open widely to about 2 in. across (5 cm), with flowering coming at intervals from summer to early fall. This plant is easy to grow if given periodic water in summer, and it can be propagated by removing offsets or by growing it from seed.

PARODIA MAGNIFICAFamily: CactaceaeGenus: ParodiaSpecies: magnifica

Synonyms: Notocactus magnificus, Eriocactus magnificus

Recommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9a-11

Frost Tolerance: 20°F (-7°C)


Origin: Brazil

Growth Habits: A clustering spherical-bodied green or blue-green cactus with sharply-defined ribs, each with a fringe of fine bristly spines running down its length. The stem diameter reaches 5 to 6 in. (12.5 to 15 cm) on mature heads. It flowers in flushes during the summer and early fall, with clusters of light yellow flowers to nearly 2 in. across (5 cm). Needs occasional water in summer, and can be grown from seed or by separating the offsets.

PARODIA WARASII



Family: CactaceaeGenus: ParodiaSpecies: warasii

Parodia warasii is a solitary-growing species from the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil.

Young specimens are spherical, but eventually they grow into a cylinder up to 2 feet tall.

Plants have 15 or more ribs running vertically down the plant body, with deep grooves between them. The ribs are lined with closely-spaced areoles, each with a cluster of bristly brownish-yellow spines.

The large, pale-yellow flowers appear in summer, opening at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in July and August.

This species, like other members of the genus, is a summer grower. Plants should be watered periodically through the warm season. P. warasii prefers filtered light or half-day sun, rather than being exposed to the full brunt of the sun all day. It has been growing at the garden for many years, though its position with tree branches overhead gives it some protection from cold spells.

Plant Highlight by Brian Kemble

STENOCACTUS OCHOTERENANUSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: StenocactusSpecies: ochoterenanusSynonym: Echinofossulocactus ochoterenanusCommon Name: Brain CactusRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 9b-11Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 25°F (-4°C)Sun Exposure: Some direct sunOrigin: Mexico (Hidalgo, Queretaro, Guanajuato)Growth Habits: A modest-size clobular cactus which may remain single-headed or offset to form a clump. The stem

diameter is up to 4 in. (10 cm). This plant has many narrow wavy ribs, but these are often obscured by densely interwoven spines, with a few longer and stouter spines (up to 2½ in. long or 6.5 cm) protruding outward. The newest spines may be more intensely colored, varying from dark brown to yellow, but older spines are pale (straw-colored or whitish). The flowers emerge early, from late March to April, and range in color from white, with a purplish-red stripe down the middle of the petal, to pink or purplish-pink.

TEPHROCACTUS ARTICULATUS



Family: CactaceaeGenus: TephrocactusSpecies: articulatesCommon Name: Paper Spine Cactus

Origin: Western ArgentinaRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 8b-10Sun Exposure: Full sun

Watering Needs: little or no water once established

Growth Habits: Plants in the genus Tephrocactus are relatives of the Opuntias which come from Argentina, where they can be found quite far south, in areas which get winter freezes, and also in cold high altitude zones. However, they do not really like wet winters, so good drainage is essential for growing them out in the garden. Many names have been assigned to various groups, but modern taxonomy treats most of these as synonyms, recognizing only a handful of species. The most

commonly grown of these is Tephrocactus articulates. Like the other species, it is a short-growing clumper with stems in distinct segments, and these may be rounded or elongated. The color of the plants is variable depending on the clone and the growing conditions, ranging from green to gray-green to purplish-gray to brownish. The stems can be up to an inch or more in diameter (2½ to 5 cm) and become wrinkled under dry conditions. A common form of the species has very prominent wide white papery spines; this is often seen under the name T. articulates var. papyracanthus. However, other forms are lacking the spines altogether. The stem segments are easily dislodged, and rooting them is the usual way of propagating the species.

When they can be persuaded to flower, these plants have attractive white or pinkish-white flowers up to an inch and a half across (3½ to 4 cm).

THELOCACTUS CONOTHELOSFamily: CactaceaeGenus: ThelocactusSpecies: conothelosRecommended Temperature Zone:USDA: 8b-11

Origin: Northeast Mexico

Growth Habits: A globular cactus, usually single, with a stem diameter of 3 to 6 inches or more (7½ to 17 cm). The green body is composed to many tubercles which are not arranged in ribs, each topped with a cluster of light grayish-brown or whitish spines.

The longer protruding central spines are surrounded by many smaller spreading radial spines. While the density of the spines varies, they are usually not so dense as to obscure the plant body. The showy flowers, which emerge in spring, are about 1⅓ to 1½ inches across (3½ to 4 cm). The usual flower color is magenta, though yellow-flowered and white-flowered plants may also be encountered.

This plant likes plenty of sun, and because it seldom makes offsets it is usually grown from seed. Like the other members of its genus, it comes from a summer-rainfall



area, and needs very good drainage if grown outdoors in regions with winter rainfall.

THELOCACTUS RINCONENSISFamily: Cactaceae Genus: ThelocactusSpecies: rinconensis



Growth Habits: This is the largest-growing species in the genus, with a diameter of up to nearly 8 inches (20 cm). It is normally single, and wider than it is tall. Its color varies from ash-gray to blue-gray to blue-green.

The plant body is completely covered with large tubercles, with a cluster of a few spines atop each. The largest of the spines can be quite heavy and long, usually starting out dark, but soon graying and often becoming shredded at the margins as it ages.

This species likes a sunny position with good drainage, and it is spring-blooming. The flowers are about 1½ inches across (4 cm), and white to yellowish-white in color, sometimes with a pink or purplish-pink mid-stripe. Seed is the usual method of propagation.

THELOCACTUS TULENSIS



Family: CactaceaeGenus: ThelocactusSpecies: tulensis



Growth Habits: This species has a rounded to somewhat elongated body, covered with rounded to rounded-pyramidal tubercles topped with slender spines. In older plants, one spine is typically especially long (up to 3 inches, or 8 cm). The typical form frequently clusters, and has a stem diameter of 2⅓ to 3 inches or a little more (6 to 8 cm), but it

has varieties with wider stems (up to nearly 6 inches across, or 15 cm) which are solitary. The basic body color is green, but plants in bright light may become reddish or tinged with purple.

The flower color in T. tulensis is quite variable, ranging from white to yellow to pink or magenta. The flower diameter is 1⅓ to 1¾ inches (3½ to 4½ cm), though those of the var. matudae may be larger. As with the other species of Thelocactus, this one comes from a summer-rainfall area, and extra-good drainage is called for if it is grown outside in the winter-rainfall zone. Propagation is from seed or offsets.


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