Publication: Cactaceae Syst. Init. 20: 18. 2005 [Nov 2005] (a.k.a.as “ferocior”)
Description
Solitary, strongly armed cactus.
Stem: Dark green, depressed globose, up to 13 cm in diameter, 6-7 cm tall.
Ribs: Deeply notched, with prominent, chin-like tubercles.
Spines: Subulate, stout, thick and curving, yellowish or amber-coloured with darker tips, becoming grey with age.
Central spine: 1(-2), 18 to 20 mm long.
Radial spines: 7-11, unequal, 6 to 22 mm long.
Remarks: The taxonomy of this species is not clear. The former synonym Gymnocalycium castelanosii (As indicated by Backeberg) seems to be incorrect, and Slaba also separated it from Gymnocalycium hybopleurum (Gymnocalycium hybopleurum v. ferox backbg). Prevalently, this controversial species is now considered as Gymnocalycium mostii ssp. ferocior.
Origin and Habitat
Cordoba, Argentina
Type Location: Agua de Ramon and adjacent areas, Córdoba (Argentina)
Cultivation and Propagation
Summer-growing and pretty easy, water regularly in summer, and keep rather dry in winter. However it can handle excessive water to little water. It grows well in full sun or half sun, too (but in full sun it will form stronger spines).
Propagation: Seeds (it seldom produces offsets). Seed Collecting: Permit fruit to ripen. Fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
