Description
Ferocactus fordii var. brevispinus is an undescribed name used in some catalogues to indicate a morphological form of Ferocactus fordii with comparatively shorter spines. However the length of spines of var. brevispinus, appears to fall within the natural variation of Ferocactus fordii, so it should be synonymized with the latter.
Origin and Habitat
This plant is a selected form known only in cultivation. The natural species occurs in the Pacific coast of Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico, Northern America.
Cultivation and Propagation
Slow growing to start but does well under cultivation. Suited for any rich, well drained soil in full sun throughout the year. Water during the aestival growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water) But needs to be avoided wetting the bodies of these plants while they are in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death. In winter keep completely dry at 10°C, but can tolerate sporadic light frost. Plant in good conditions will start to bloom when reach the diameter of only 7-8 cm.
Propagation: Seeds are the only way of reproducing.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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David Hunt, Nigel Taylor “The New Cactus Lexicon” DH Books, 2006
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Edward F. Anderson “The Cactus Family” Timber Press, 2001
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León de la Luz, J.L., Hernández, H.M. & Gómez-Hinostrosa, C. 2013. Ferocactus fordii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 28 April 2015.
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Stuart Max Walters “The European Garden Flora: Dicotyledons (Part I)” Cambridge University Press, 1989