Acanthocalycium ferrarii
| Acanthocalycium ferrarii | |
|---|---|
| File:Acanthocalycium ferrarii.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Trichocereeae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Acanthocalycium |
| Species | Acanthocalycium ferrarii |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015–2019), with alternative classifications noted below. |
Description
Acanthocalycium ferrarii is a solitary cactus species forming globose to short cylindrical stems, green in color, reaching up to 12 cm in diameter.
The ribs are numerous, up to 18, rounded and often swollen at the areoles. Areoles are oval and whitish. Spines are horn-colored to brown, usually straight and awl-shaped. Central spines number 1–4 and reach up to 1.5 cm in length. Radial spines number 7–9 and may reach up to 2 cm.
Flowers are relatively large and showy, ranging in color from yellow to orange-red to carmine. They reach up to 5.5 cm in length and about 5 cm in diameter. Fruits are oval, up to 10 mm long and 8 mm in diameter.
Distribution
- Argentina – Tucumán Province
Taxonomy
According to Joël Lodé, this species is accepted within the genus Acanthocalycium.
In broader classifications, it may be included in Echinopsis, reflecting a wider genus concept based on molecular phylogeny.
Synonyms
The following names have been associated with this species:
- Acanthocalycium variiflorum – not validly published
Notes
- Described by Rausch (1976).
- Closely related to other species within the genus.
- Shows variation in flower coloration.
Cultivation
This species is relatively easy to cultivate:
- requires well-draining mineral soil
- prefers bright light
- tolerates cooler temperatures if kept dry during winter
