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, usually solitary cactus with globose to short cylindrical stems, often exhibiting a characteristic bluish-green (glaucous) epidermis. Plants typically reach up to 10 cm in height and 8 cm in diameter.
The ribs are 8–12, well defined, with slightly rounded margins. Areoles are small and bear numerous fine radial spines along with a few central spines. Spines are slender, straight to slightly curved, whitish to pale yellow, sometimes aging to gray.
Flowers are diurnal, funnel-shaped, usually pale yellow to creamy white, occasionally with pinkish tones. They arise near the apex and display a floral tube covered with small scales bearing spines, hairs, and bristles.
Fruits are small, spherical, dry, and dehiscent. Seeds are dark, small, and papillose.
Distribution
- Argentina – Catamarca, La Rioja
Taxonomy
According to Joël Lodé, this species is placed in the genus Acanthocalycium.
Synonyms
Notes
- Recognized for its bluish (glaucous) stem coloration.
- Sometimes treated within Echinopsis in broader classifications.
- Shows moderate variability in spine density and coloration.
Cultivation
This species is relatively easy to cultivate:
- prefers well-draining mineral substrate
- requires bright light to full sun
- moderate watering during active growth
- keep dry and cool in winter
