Publication: Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 82(6): 261 (259-265; figs. 1-6). 2011 [dt. 2010; issued 25 Jan 2011]
Description
Gymnocalycium affine, is a small compact species with white pink flowers related to Gymnocalycium robustum.
Stems: Almost completely flat and freely producing offsets at the base.
Tubercles: Divided into characteristic round tubercles.
Areoles: Elongated 7-11 mm long,
Spines: Thin, unicoloured (without a coloured base), radially outspreading, almost straight to moderately bent over the tubercles.
Flowers: Pale pink. Pericarpel robust as long as the corolla, or slightly longer pink.
Seeds: Covered by a cuticle (not naked).
Origin and Habitat
Northern part of the province of Córdoba (Argentina), between the towns of San Pedro Norte and San Francisco del Chañar.
Type Locality: Dept. Sobremonte, San Francisco del Chanar … alt. 620 metres above sea level.
Habitat and ecology: Gymnocalycium affine dwells on flat grassland and in low hills on porous soils formed by disintegration of granite and covered by degraded open shrub communities of the Chaco Serrano formation.
Cultivation and Propagation
This is a species that offers no cultivation difficulties. It is a summer grower that enjoy some shade during the hottest part of the day. Water regularly in summer (but do not over-water). Keep rather dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. Hardy as low as -5° C (or less) if kept dry.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost or cuttings.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Schütziana - Gymnocalycium Online Journal “News 2010” <http://www.schuetziana.org/index.php/news/news-2010\>
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Radomír Řepka “Gymnocalycium affine Řepka sp. nov.—A neglected species of the northern part of Córdoba Province (Argentina)” Cactus and Succulent Journal 82(6):259-265. 2010
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Schütziana - Gymnocalycium Online Journal , Volume 2, Issue 2, 2011 p. 34