Publication: Gen. Turbinicarpus 69 (1996), with incorrect basionym ref.
Description
Similar to the standard Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele ssp. krainzianus, but smaller.
Stems: Elongated up to 4 cm high, 8-12 mm in diameter. This taxon seems to be fairly variable in body diameter. Cultivated specimens also generally have a larger diameter than that shown in the description.
Roots: Deep napiform root.
Flowers: Same as in the type species (krainzianus): diurnal, yellow cream or greenish cream, in summer, up to 2 cm. long.
Fruit: Spherical, 3-5 mm long, with remnants of dried flower.
Remarks: This species is one of those Turbinicarpus which pass a purely radial-spined youth stage in which they are already floriferous. Most of the plants after several years develop the long curled central spines, giving the plant its fuzzy appearance.
Cultivation and Propagation
It’s a fairly easy and robust species to cultivate, but very slow growing. It needs a very well-drained soil, and requires strong sun to part sun to keep the plant compact and low and to develop a good spinal growth. Waterings should be rather infrequent to keep the plant compact, and avoid its becoming excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance. Furthermore it has a tap root, and watering it properly is often difficult, because it tends to crack open or rot if over-watered. Careful watering away from the body of the plant will allow the areoles to keep their wool. Keep dry in winter, or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. It is hardy to -4°C for a short period. Assure a good ventilation.
Reproduction: From seed, since the plant rarely produces plantlets, or grafted.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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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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David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. “The New Cactus Lexicon” dh books, 2006Jackie M. Poole, William R. Carr, Dana M. Price, Jason R. Singhurst “Rare plants of Texas: a field guide” Texas A&M University Press, 30/Dec/2007
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Milan Zachar, Roman Staník, Alexander Lux, Igor Dráb “Rod Turbinicarpus (Gattung Turbinicarpus)” Vydavateľstvo Roman Staník, 1996
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