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CoronaCactus Nursery LLC. �Cactus & Succulent
growers. |
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NOTES: It has been said
that these species have adapted themselves to flower while still in the juvenile
stage. Survival rate for small seedlings is very low, so if the plant flowers
sooner in its life span, then there�s more chance of seed dispersal and more
chance of seedling survival in habitat. |
Plant of the Month January 2009 � The Turbi that thinks it�s a Loph! Turbinicarpus
lophophoroides Cactaceae (Cactus Family) Form: Turbinicarpus lophophoroides is generally a
solitary bodied plant, but multi-headed plants or clumps can occur. Its
habitat is Las Tablas, San Luis Potosi, M�xico around 800-1150m
elevation. Turbinicarpus
as a genus is popular with enthusiasts for their small size and are easy to
flower. But with an increase in demand, came an increase in illegal poaching.
As a result, the whole genus of Turbinicarpus
has been placed under Appendix I of CITES. It has a large tuberous taproot
that stores a lot of moisture to sustain itself. Dark green to grey/green
body. Starting out spherical in shape, it can then take on a conical shape.
Short, white spines, approx. 2-5 per areole in a cross like formation, often
curved toward the body. Once mature, the apex is covered in a dense white wool. The plant can retract itself into the
soil in times of serious heat and drought. Even just a few inches below the
soil surface, the temperature can be significantly cooler. This can also
occur in cultivation when the plant has not been watered for a long time. It
may also turn more grey-green. These are normal occurrences for this plant. Size: Typically growing
to around 2-3inches in height and diameter. Flowers/Fruit: The flowers are
rather large for this plant, 1.5 to 2inches in diameter. White to pale pink,
darkening to a deeper pink in the center. Stamens are yellow and the stigma
is white. The fruit are a pale green and sometimes have scales on them. Sun/Water: T. lophophoroides can take full sun in
most regions, but care should be taken to protect from the intense afternoon
Southwest USA heat and sun ( Propagation: From offsets or
seed. They don�t offset very often, so seed raising
is much more common. Relatively easily grown from seed, but they can be slow.
They also don�t really like transplanting too much. Care should be taken when
repotting this specie. Books/Websites: The Genus Turbinicarpus in San Luis, |
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These plants can
flower as small as 1inch in diameter. |
Mature specimen in
flower showing the dense covering of white wool. Photo courtesy of Ian N. (BCSS & CactiGuide) |
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All photos taken are
from our personal collection or of our sales plants. (Except where
noted) |
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Plant of the Month Archives June 2008 � Cylindropuntia bigelovii July 2008 � Ferocactus cylindraceus var.
cylindraceus August 2008 � Echinocereus engelmannii November 2008 � Pachypodium namaquanum December 2008 � Copiapoa humilis ssp. humilis January 2009 �
Turbinicarpus lophophoroides |
Copyright � 2008 -
2009 CoronaCactus Nursery LLC.������������������ ������������������������������������Page
Update:
All photos are property
of CoronaCactus Nursery LLC.� (except where noted)������������������������ ����1-8-09
