Acanthocalycium spiniflorum
Habitat:
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum is native to Argentina. In particularly, it grows in the regions Catamarca, Cordoba, La Rioja, San Luis, Santiago del Estero, in an altitude range between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level. Its native climate area is the warm, humid zone of the Pampas.
Description:
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum is a solitary cactus, composed of only one globose stem which tend to elongate gradually along to the plant growth. The stem is divided into 16 to 20 ribs, covered in greyish pinkish beige spines, 10 to 20 for each areole. “Areole” is a botanic term used to describe the typical buds of Cactaceae, which are only able to form spines. The areoles are exactly what distinguish a Cactacea from any other succulents. The number of spines present on each areole is really useful to distinguish Cactaceas different species. The areoles of Acanthocalycium spiniflorum are white and woolly. Flowers are pinkish white, from 4 to 7 centimeters in diameter. Blossoming period occurs from late Spring to Summer, with abundant flowerings.
Cultivation:
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum is not too difficult to cultivate. Put it in a bright spot, in a windy room or environment. Its minimum survival temperature is 6ºC, so put it indoors in Winter. Its substrate should be well-drained to avoid root rotting. Watering should be abundant in Summer, more or less once every 3-4 days, always waiting until the substrate becomes completely dry before each watering. In Winter, once a week is sufficient. Repotting is usually not necessary because these plants remain tiny.
Propagation:
Propagation can be done through seeds, sown fresh in a humid substrate. Germination occurs at a temperature between 18 and 27 ºC.
Curiosity:
This plant’s name, Acanthocalycium, literally means “spined calix”. The flower tube contains, indeed, spines.
Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com
Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com
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