Publication: Lazaroa 17: 53. 1996
Description
Echinopsis pugionacantha subs. rossii is a pretty little species, with a low thick flat to cylindrical stem up to 7 cm in diameter. Felted areoles line the edges of 25 to 30 ribs.
Habit: Usually with solitary stem or slowly ramifying from the base to form clusters, size depending on the clone.
Spines: 4-7 or more, of variable length, the lower one are shorter, whitish or reddish.
Flowers: orange or reddish with a usual clearer centre, approx. 60 cm long, 5 cm in diameter.
Blooming season: Blooms are produced in spring and remain open for about three days.
Roots: tap root.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Northern Bolivia and the Andean plateaus and slopes of Southern Peru.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a summer grower species that offers no cultivation difficulties. Water regularly in summer (but do not over-water ) Needs a large pot to accommodate a large root system. Use a very draining and porous substrate, since it’s natural habitat is in volcanic soil, it has adapted to more acidic conditions; keep rather dry in winter.
It is quite frost resistant if kept dry (hardy to -5° C) Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.
Propagation: Propagate by seed or shoots.
Notes
This plant belogs to the Lobivia pentlandi group that is is a complex that comprises many different varieties, forms and ± similar related species.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Lowry, M. & Demaio, P. 2013. Echinopsis pugionacantha. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 19 June 2015.
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David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. “The New Cactus Lexicon” dh books, 2006
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Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
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James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
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