Publication: Kakteen Sukk. 23: 125. 1972
Description
Uebelmannia pectinifera var. pseudopectinifera is a more or less distinct local form of the variable Uebelmannia pectinifera. It has a significantly different appearance, is smaller than the type and the epidermis is greener with a thinner wax coating, but is the separate (not confluent) areoles with not brush-like spines, that are most characteristic. The stems is globular, fusiform or cylindrical and is reported to grow to as much as 80 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide. However the distinguishing characteristics of var. pseudopectinifera, appear to fall within the natural variation of Uebelmannia pectinifera and it should be synonymized with the latter.
For more details see: Uebelmannia pectinifera
Origin and Habitat
Near Diamantina, 1200 m, Minas Gerais (Brazil, Southern America)
Habitat: The plants are found growing in dry savanna and rocky areas in rocks cracks or in pockets or small flat areas of organic leaf mould and sand found among rocks.
Cultivation and Propagation
This tropical cactus prefers loves warm moist, humid conditions and mist spraying is a must in summer. Water regularly during the growing season and use a very draining mineral potting substrate. At the onset of winter, do not water. Uebelmannias need heat all year round and extra winter heat, minimum 10C is best. Avoid any frost. Keep cool in summer. This plant prove to be root prone if kept too cold in winter. To help stop this a good deep collar of pumice or lava grit is an excellent idea. It prefers a full sun position and possibly afternoon shade in summer. If you can place it so that this occurs the plant will be much happier.
Propagation: Seeds, but plants are often grafted making them easier to grow, particularly through the winter. If possible using a rootstock that is more hardy than the Uebelmannia is the ideal.
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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Machado, M., Taylor, N.P. & Braun, P. 2013. Uebelmannia pectinifera. In: IUCN 2013. “IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” Version 2013.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 08 January 2014.
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