Synonyms:

Andinopuntia floccosa
Andinopuntia floccosa subsp. yanganucensis
Austrocylindropuntia floccosa subsp. crispicrinitus
Austrocylindropuntia floccosa subsp. floccosa
Austrocylindropuntia floccosa subsp. yanganucensis
Austrocylindropuntia hirschii
Austrocylindropuntia lauliacoana
Austrocylindropuntia machacana
Austrocylindropuntia punta-caillan
Austrocylindropuntia tephrocactoides
Austrocylindropuntia yanganucensis
Cylindropuntia tephrocactoides
Opuntia atroviridis
Opuntia atroviridis f. longicylindrica
Opuntia atroviridis f. parviflora
Opuntia atroviridis f. paucispina
Opuntia blancii
Opuntia crispicrinita
Opuntia crispicrinita subvar. flavicoma
Opuntia crispicrinita var. cylindracea
Opuntia crispicrinita var. tortispina
Opuntia cylindrolanata
Opuntia floccosa
Opuntia floccosa subvar. aurescens
Opuntia floccosa var. canispina
Opuntia floccosa var. cardenasii
Opuntia floccosa var. crassior
Opuntia floccosa var. denudata
Opuntia floccosa var. ovoides
Opuntia hempeliana
Opuntia hirschii
Opuntia lagopus var. aureopenicillata
Opuntia pseudo-udonis
Opuntia pseudoudonis
Opuntia punta-caillan
Opuntia rauhii
Opuntia senilis
Opuntia tephrocactoides
Opuntia udonis
Opuntia verticosa
Opuntia yanganucensis
Tephrocactus atroviridis
Tephrocactus atroviridis var. longicylindricus
Tephrocactus atroviridis var. parviflorus
Tephrocactus atroviridis var. paucispina
Tephrocactus blancii
Tephrocactus crispicrinitus
Tephrocactus crispicrinitus subvar. flavicomus
Tephrocactus crispicrinitus var. cylindraceus
Tephrocactus crispicrinitus var. tortispinus
Tephrocactus cylindrolanatus
Tephrocactus floccosus
Tephrocactus floccosus subvar. aurescens
Tephrocactus floccosus var. canispinus
Tephrocactus floccosus var. crassior
Tephrocactus floccosus var. denudatus
Tephrocactus floccosus var. ovoides
Tephrocactus hirschii
Tephrocactus lagopus var. aureopenicillatus
Tephrocactus pseudo-udonis
Tephrocactus pseudoudonis
Tephrocactus punta-caillan
Tephrocactus rauhii
Tephrocactus udonis
Tephrocactus verticosus
Tephrocactus yanganucensis

Habitat:

Austrocylindropuntia floccosa is native to the expansive region spanning from central-northern Peru to Bolivia, predominantly flourishing within the high plateaus of the Andes. This hardy succulent thrives at impressively high altitudes, ranging between 3500 to 4700 meters above sea level.
In its natural habitat, Austrocylindropuntia floccosa establishes its presence amidst the arid landscapes of the high puna. Here, it finds its footing in dry valleys, clinging to rocky slopes among sparse grasses and low-lying shrubs, thriving in the rarefied air of the tropical alpine environment. Amidst this terrain, one can spot the distinctive “wool cactus,” forming large, cushion-like clusters that, from a distance, bear a resemblance to reclining sheep. The puna region experiences distinct seasons, marked by a pronounced dry spell, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing, sometimes as low as -15°C.
Notably, the central Peruvian variant of Austrocylindropuntia floccosa boasts a dense coat of long, protective hairs. These serve as an armor against both freezing temperatures and the potent ultraviolet rays characteristic of high altitudes. Comparative observations in their natural habitat reveal that the ‘hairy’ variety maintains an epidermal temperature several degrees higher during the chilly nights.
Intriguingly, Austrocylindropuntia floccosa has been known to thrive in conditions where its roots are occasionally immersed in snow-melted water, showcasing its adaptability to diverse and challenging environments.

Description:

Austrocylindropuntia floccosa, also known as Tephrocactus floccosus, is a low-growing cactus that forms large clusters or tight bunches, sometimes reaching over 60 centimeters in diameter. This cactus is covered in thick, soft, white hairs and has yellow spines. It also produces bright yellow flowers.
The segments of this cactus are short and shaped like cylinders, and sometimes they can be round or oval. They can grow up to 15 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide, with a bumpy texture.
The areoles, where the spines and hairs emerge, are found on the shoulders of the tubercles. The leaves are very small and shaped like awls. They are dark green and stay on the plant for a long time, reaching up to 7 millimeters in length.
The glochids, which are tiny hair-like structures, can be long, soft, and hairy. They can be twisted or straight, and sometimes they may not be present at all. They are usually whitish or grey in color.
This cactus may have a few or numerous yellow spines that stand upright and can be about 2 centimeters long. Its flowers can grow up to 3 centimeters in length, with orange-red petals (or sometimes yellow) and a yellow center. The fruit is round with a flat top, and it may have small bumps. When unripe, it is yellowish, but as it ripens, it turns sugary orange and becomes slightly hairy.

Cultivation:

Cultivating and propagating Austrocylindropuntia floccosa can be a bit challenging due to the extreme mountainous conditions it naturally thrives in. These areas experience fluctuating temperatures, ranging from hot to freezing, and are exposed to intense ultraviolet light at high altitudes.
This species is relatively small in size, but under optimal conditions, it can form expansive clusters with hundreds or even thousands of individual heads.
For successful growth, it’s crucial to provide a well-draining mineral-based potting mix. When repotting, ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating.
During the summer, feeding with a fertilizer high in potassium can promote healthy growth. Additionally, these plants thrive when exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible. This encourages the development of robust spines and the distinctive wooly covering. Plants in shaded areas may grow elongated and might not exhibit the characteristic hairy appearance.
In terms of watering, it’s best to provide average moisture during the summer, being cautious not to overwater as these plants can be susceptible to rot. In winter, keeping them dry is essential. However, it’s worth noting that Austrocylindropuntia floccosa has shown the ability to endure outdoor conditions in various temperate climates, like parts of Europe and North America, provided they are planted in well-draining substrates. Still, they tend to grow slowly and form their large clusters over time.
During the winter, it’s important to keep them in a cool environment, ideally between 0 to -10°C. This period of rest is crucial for both their overall health and the development of their flowers. While they are reasonably hardy in winter, if cultivated outdoors, they should be shielded from excessive rain and kept dry.
In terms of pests and diseases, well-maintained plants are generally resilient. However, there are some potential issues to be mindful of. Red spiders can be dealt with by watering the plants from above. Mealy bugs, although infrequent, can sometimes take residence in the new growth, particularly among the woolly covering. The most problematic types of mealy bugs develop underground on the roots and can be harder to detect. Scales are seldom a concern. Regarding rot, it’s more likely to occur if the plants are overwatered and lack proper ventilation. Adequate watering and ventilation practices are crucial in preventing this issue.
Austrocylindropuntia floccosa is an excellent choice for container gardening, maintaining an attractive appearance while staying compact. It also thrives in cold greenhouses and frames. In its native Peru, it’s utilized as a hedge plant and planted atop loam walls to provide added protection for farms.

Propagation:

Austrocylindropuntia floccosa can be propagated either from seeds or cuttings. This plant has a robust branching tendency, and offsets are easily obtained. When removing an offset, it’s important to allow it to air dry for a few days. This downtime is crucial for the wound to properly heal, as cuttings that are planted too soon are susceptible to rot before they can establish roots. Once sufficiently dried, gently lay the offset on the soil and partially insert the stem end into the substrate. It’s advisable to keep the cutting somewhat upright to facilitate downward root growth.

Curiosity:

The fruit of Austrocylindropuntia floccosa is edible, and when applied to bruises, it has been known to aid in reducing swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to note that this plant possesses very sharp spines, so caution must be exercised when handling cultivated specimens.

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