Publication: Kaktusy (Brno) 19: 22. 1983 cf. Repert. Pl. Succ. (I.O.S.) 34: 8 (1985):. 1983
Description
Turbinicarpus viereckii, more often known with its old name Gymnocactus viereckii, is an attractive dwarf cactus covered with characteristic glassy white and black spines with bright magenta flowers.
Habit: Usually solitary, occasionally clustering.
Stem: Dull green, globose to slightly cylindrical 3-5 (-12cm) tall, 3-5(-7) cm in diameter apex with abundant white wool.
Ribs: 15 to 18 ribs divided in tubercles.
Tubercles: 6 mm long rhomboidal conical.
Central spines: 3 to 5 white with black tips in a cross like formation, 2-4 cm long.
Radial spines: 17 to 22 rigid white translucent, some with brown tips, 0.8-1.3 cm long.
Root: Swollen bundled.
Flowers: Bright magenta or pink with greenish-white throat and darker mid-ribs, 1.5-2.5 cm long, 12-20 mm broad.
Fruits: Greenish-brown.
Origin and Habitat
Mexico, in the state of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí. Turbinicarpus viereckii has a limited range (extent of occurrence about 2,000 km²) and the population consists of less than 10,000 individuals.
Altitude range: This species is found at an altitude of 750-850 metres of altitude.
Habitat: Turbinicarpus viereckii grows in semi-desert (Tamaulipan Shrubland) among calcareous rocks in cracks, on cliff faces, so they get very little nutrients, and grow nearly free of organic matter. The only naturally occurring organic matter will be leaves blown around and getting caught on the spines. Illegal collecting threatens some subpopulations.
Cultivation and Propagation
This species is easy to cultivate in a very open mineral mix, (lots of pumice). Requires full sun or Light shade and careful watering to keep plant compact and maintain strong spines. Water sparingly during the growing season as they are sensitive to over watering. Keep dry in winter. Hardy to -4°C for a short period.
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, 2006
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Davide Donati, Carlo Zanovello “Conoscere, capire, coltivare i Turbinicarpus-Rapicactus” Cactus Trentino Sudtirol, 2004
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Fitz Maurice, W.A. & Fitz Maurice, B 2013. Turbinicarpus viereckii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 18 July 2015.
Cultivars and forms (3)
Varieties (1)
Gallery
