Acanthocalycium glaucum

Acanthocalycium glaucum
File:Acanthocalycium glaucum.jpg
Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Cactaceae
Subfamily	Cactoideae
Tribe	Trichocereeae
SubTribe
Genus	Acanthocalycium
Species	Acanthocalycium glaucum
Notes	Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015–2019).

Acanthocalycium glaucum is a species of cactus in the genus Acanthocalycium, native to Argentina.

Description

Acanthocalycium glaucum is a small cactus species, typically solitary, with globose to short cylindrical stems. The epidermis is characteristically bluish-green (glaucous), giving the species its name.

The ribs are well defined, usually numbering between 8 and 12, with slightly rounded margins. Areoles are small and bear numerous fine radial spines and a few central spines. Spines are slender, straight, and pale, often whitish to light yellow, becoming gray with age.

Flowers are diurnal, funnel-shaped, and generally pale yellow to creamy white, sometimes with slight pinkish tones. They arise near the apex and have a floral tube bearing small scales with hairs and spines.

Fruits are small, spherical, dry, and dehiscent. Seeds are small, dark, and papillose.

Distribution

• Argentina – Catamarca, La Rioja

Taxonomy

According to Joël Lodé, this species is recognized within the genus Acanthocalycium.

Synonyms

• Acanthocalycium glaucina
• Acanthocalycium aurantiaca
• Echinopsis glaucina
• Echinopsis aurantiaca

Notes

• Named for its characteristic glaucous (bluish) stem coloration.
• Shows moderate variability in spine density and coloration.
• Includes taxa previously described under different names, later unified under this species.

Cultivation

• prefers well-draining mineral substrate
• requires bright light to full sun
• moderate watering during active growth
• keep dry and cool in winter