Publication: Kakteen Sukk. 42(5): 108 (106-109). 1991
Description
Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele subs. lausseri, best known as Turbinicarpus lausseri is a tiny solitary cactus species, but occasionally the root bears several stems.
Stem(s): Body flattened globular cylindrical, 20-40mm high 25-35mm wide dark green.
Ribs: Spiralling, divided into low and rounded conical tubercles 3-5mm long.
Areoles: In new growth with white wool.
Root: up to 8 cm long taproot.
Spines: Only radials- 3-12 yellowish-brown becoming greyish mostly erect bristly and twisted 15-30mm long. Juvenile spines at the base of the stem ± radiating and pectinated, 2-4 mm long.
Flowers: from the areoles at the apex reddish-purple 25 mm long, 25 mm wide.
Fruits: The fruit is green almost round 4-6 mm diameter and bears the dried remnants of the flower. It opens with a vertical slit when ripe.
Remarks: This taxa is closely related (or identical) with Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele var. sphacellatus and very similar to Turbinicarpus krainzianus too.
Origin and Habitat
First discovered in 1986 growing on the steep rocky slopes of the Sierra del Doctor, Querétaro and Hidalgo, México.
Cultivation and Propagation
This species is fairly robust and easy to grow. Watering should be rather infrequent to keep plant compact. The fact that the plant retracts into the soil and assume a grey-green colouring between watering, is perfectly natural and doesn’t cause any damage. Hardy to -4°C for a short period.
Exposures: Full sun where it obtains a flat natural looking or part sun.
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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