Neoporteria villosa
Synonyms:
This name is a synonym of Eriosyce villosa. No other synonyms are recorded for its name.
Habitat:
Neoporteria villosa is indigenous to the regions of Totoral Bajo to Carrizallilo, Huasco, Coquimbo, and Atacama in Chile, spanning an approximate area of 5,000 km². This species of plant flourishes in stony soil located in the coastal hills at altitudes that range from 0 to 800 m above sea level. Despite being prevalent and having a secure population, this species faces significant threats due to illicit harvesting and industrialization for steel processing. The vegetation in this area corresponds with the Huasco coastal desert, and the occasional rain provides stability and continuity to the flora. This district is home to various endemics, such as Copiapoa echinoides, Copiapoa malletiana, Eriosyce napina, and Neoporteria villosa var. laniceps. The region is also renowned for its vast geophyte coverage, providing an awe-inspiring view of the desert.
Description:
Neoporteria villosa is a small cactus that grows alone and has long, hair-like radial spines. This cactus has several small magenta flowers at a time and becomes columnar as it ages. Its stem is subglobose to globose and can become elongated or short cylindrical. It ranges in color from grayish-green to very dark green or dark blackish-purple and can grow up to 15 cm tall and 8 cm in diameter. It has a large tuberose tap-root, 13-15 prominent deeply notched ribs, and large felted areoles. The number of spines, especially the bristly radials, can be quite variable, and they range from bristle- to hair-like and come in whitish, grey or brownish tones. The central spines are usually darker than the radials and are 3-4 cm long, bristle-like, glassy gold-brownish to black. Its flowers are bright magenta, showing various shades of purple-pink with a clearer throat, pericarpels, and floral tubes with long, wooly, and gassy white bristles. They are born at the plant apex on young areoles and are tubular to narrow funnel-form, with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm. It blooms early in the year, but occasionally forms some buds late in the previous year, and it can sometimes flower during the winter, with the main burst of flowering in April. Its fruits are elongate, red, and dehisce by basal pores.
Cultivation:
Compared to other types of cacti, the cultivation of Neoporteria Villosa is challenging as it is highly susceptible to decay. As a result, it is often engrafted onto more robust cacti. Its growth rate is slow, and flowering can be difficult. However, with some attention, it can be an attractive indoor or outdoor houseplant, particularly in warm regions. The following are some cultivation tips:
Ensure that it receives an adequate amount of direct sunlight, mainly during the summer.
Maintain a temperature above 5°C, even during winter. Although it can tolerate brief frosts, the soil should not be too cold and kept completely dry. The plant favors a broad temperature range between day and night.
Where possible, position it where it can experience drafts to create a moist environment that avoids decay.
Provide water every 3-4 days during spring and summer, gradually reducing the volume with the onset of autumn. In winter, do not water it, and always let the soil dry out wholly before watering again.
Use cactus-specific, light, and well-draining soil.
Use fertilizer during the growing season at the start of each month.
Due to its slow growth and small size, it is recommended that you repot it infrequently. Choose a deep pot that accommodates its long taproot.
Propagation:
Neoporteria villosa can be propagated in various ways. One approach involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a potting mix that drains well. Prior to planting them in the soil, these cuttings should be allowed to callus over for several days. Alternatively, new plants can be grown using seeds. For this method, the seeds must be sown in a soil mixture that is sandy and allows for proper drainage. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. It’s worth noting that Neoporteria villosa can be a slow-growing plant, so patience is essential when propagating it. Once the new plants have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into the garden or a container for permanent placement.
Curiosity:
In addition to its ornamental value, the plant has traditional medicinal uses in Chile, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Neoporteria villosa is a member of the Cactaceae family, which is one of the most diverse and widespread plant families in the world, with over 2,000 species.
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