Publication: Cactaceae Consensus Init. 3: 6. 1997
Description
It is a low growing, mound forming, cactus which branches profusely from the base.
Stem: Dull olive-green tinged with red till dark violet, individual stems 40-50 mm in diameter, 20-30 mm tall. The stem is covered by flat tubercles (5mm wide) which vary in colour between dark green and violet. In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 16 spiral line merging in the apex.
Roots: Conical
Areoles: Long narrow with short white felt.
Radial spines: 10-12 yellow/brown, fine, bristle-like 2-4(-10) mm long. Pectinated, ± pointing diagonally and downward.
Central spines: Usually absent or 1-2 more or less erect.
Flowers: Pale to dark magenta or red sometimes bicoloured with white throats. 3-4 cm long and in diameter. Floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured scales,
Blooming season: Flowers are produced in late spring and remain open for three or four days.
Fruit: Dark brownish red., 4 - 5 mm wide.
Origin and Habitat
Chuquisaca, Bolivia
Cultivation and Propagation
It loves a very permeable, coarse mineral soil as well as to be strictly kept dry throughout the winter quiescent period since it is very sensitive to any moisture excesses. To prevent rottenness it is also advisable to surround its root neck by very rough sand or grit, this help a fast water drainage and an appropriate air circulation.
For its sensitive roots this species is frequently grafted to avoid root problems.
Watering Needs: Water moderately in the growing season, keep dry during the winter rest
Frost Tolerance: Plants are and quite frost hardy -5 (-15)° C but preferably overwinter in a cool place (at 0/10°C) this is important for the flowers as well as for plants health. Without this cool winter period they normally wont get any buds.
Sun Exposure: Needs a full sun exposure (light shadow my be useful in the hottest summer days).
Propagation: Seed, cutting, grafting.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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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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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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Anderson E. F.: “The Cactus Family” Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2001
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Ritter Fr.: “Kakteen in Südamerika” Spangenberg, 1980
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John Pilbeam “Sulcorebutia and Weingartia: A Collector’s Guide” Timber Press, 1985
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E Haustein “Der Kosmos Kakteenfuehrer (the Kosmos Cactus Guide)” Balogh Scientific Books 01 December 1998
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Cullmann W., Götz E., Gröner G.”Kakteen: Kultur, Vermehrung und Pflege - Lexikon der Gattungen und Arten” Ulmer, Stuttgart, 1984
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