Parodia suprema
Synonyms:
This name is a synonym of Parodia maasii. Other synonyms are:
Parodia belliata
Parodia bermejoensis
Parodia camargensis var. castanea
Parodia castanea
Parodia cintiensis
Parodia commutans
Parodia escayachensis
Parodia fulvispina
Parodia haageana
Parodia idiosa
Parodia lamprospina
Parodia mendeziana
Parodia obtusa
Parodia otaviana
Parodia prestoensis
Parodia quechua
Parodia riograndensis
Parodia ritteri
Parodia roseoalba
Parodia rostrum-sperma
Parodia rubida
Parodia suprema
Parodia tarabucina
Parodia thieleana
Parodia tojoensis
Habitat:
Parodia suprema is native to Bolivia. It specifically originates from the Paichu Valley, stretching from Sama Pass to Iscayachi, along with the surrounding regions of Tarija. It thrives at high altitudes, ranging from approximately 2700 to 3600 meters above sea level.
In its natural habitat, this hardy plant endures incredibly challenging conditions. It clings to life in steep, rocky slopes and gravelly hills. Here, it shares its rugged environment with other resilient species like Gymnocalycium armatum, Parodia iscayachensis, Parodia maxima, and Oreocereus celsianus. Together, they collectively endure the harsh extremes of their surroundings.
Description:
Parodia suprema, an attractive cactus species, is a variation of the widely seen Parodia maassii. It stands out with longer, brown, hooked spines and vibrant red flowers, setting it apart from the standard species. While some experts consider Parodia suprema to be synonymous with Parodia maassii, it still holds significance for collectors who appreciate its distinctive features.
This cactus typically grows as a single rounded plant, though it may develop a few branches from the base as it ages. The stem is spherical, ranging from medium to deep green, with a diameter of about 15 cm. The top part is densely covered in white wool.
The ribs of the plant, numbering between 13 and 21, form a spiral pattern and have distinctive chins. Initially, the areoles (small cushion-like areas from which spines grow) are large and covered in wool, but with time, they become bare.
The spines are curved, dense, and come in various shades. The radial spines, which number between 8 and 10, are initially yellowish or amber, turning white as they mature. They measure between 5 and 10 mm and curve slightly inwards. The central spines, ranging from 1 to 4, are robust and can reach up to 7 cm in length. They start off brown, then become more greyish with age, curving downwards.
In the spring and summer, Parodia suprema produces funnel-shaped flowers that are notably large, measuring around 3 cm or more in diameter. These blossoms exhibit shades of coppery-red, carmine, or red, and tend to appear one after another in succession.
Cultivation:
Cultivating Parodia suprema is fairly straightforward. It’s a hardy plant, resistant to most cultivation challenges. The primary threats to its well-being are cold temperatures and excessive watering. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to provide optimal growing conditions for a compact plant with abundant flowers.
In terms of soil, choose a well-draining mineral compost with minimal organic content to ensure proper root aeration and deter rot. Outdoors, rocky or sandy soil with good drainage is ideal. A relatively shallow pot is recommended to accommodate its fibrous roots and guarantee efficient drainage. This plant can remain in the same pot for an extended period.
During the summer, regular watering is needed, but in winter, it’s best to keep it on the drier side. Occasional misting on warmer days in late winter can be beneficial. Overly wet and cold conditions can lead to rot and root loss. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks, from mid-spring to late summer.
In terms of hardiness, ensure it remains dry at temperatures between 5-10°C in winter. It can tolerate sporadic light frost if kept on the dry side before and during cold weather. When it comes to sunlight, the plant can handle bright conditions, but too much shade can lead to overgrowth and potential rot due to excessive watering. Strong light encourages flowering and the production of wool and spines, but be cautious of sun scorch or stunted growth if it’s exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day in summer. If you’re growing this plant outside, ensure the soil is well-drained and it receives full sun, but with some protection from intense mid-day rays.
In terms of pests and diseases, while it may occasionally attract insects, a healthy plant in a mineral potting mix with good exposure and ventilation should be relatively pest-free. Keep an eye out for any significant decline in health, which may signal a pest problem. Deal with it promptly to prevent further damage. Red spiders can be addressed by misting the plants from above. Mealy bugs may occasionally appear among the leaves and can be eliminated by swabbing them with alcohol or using a systemic insecticide on the roots. Scales are rarely a concern. Rot is generally a minor issue if the plant is watered and aired correctly; fungicides may not be very effective if the watering and ventilation practices aren’t in order.
Propagation:
Propagation of Parodia suprema is primarily achieved through seeds. It’s worth noting that the seeds of this plant are exceptionally tiny and should be carefully sown on the surface of the germination substrate, rather than being buried. However, after germination, the seedlings are incredibly delicate and minuscule, making it quite challenging to ensure their survival. To address this, the baggy germination technique is commonly employed. This involves placing the seeds in a sterilized pot, which is then hermetically sealed within a plastic bag to create a controlled and protected environment for optimal growth conditions. This method helps safeguard the delicate seedlings during their early stages of development.
Curiosity:
The etymology of “Parodia suprema” lies in the genus name “Parodia” and the species descriptor “suprema.”
Parodia: The genus name “Parodia” was established by the German botanist Karl Schumann in 1898. It is derived from the Greek word “paros,” which means “similar” or “like,” and refers to the plants’ resemblance to those in the genus Echinocactus, particularly in their rib structure and spination.
Suprema: The specific epithet “suprema” originates from the Latin word “supremus,” which means “highest” or “topmost.” In botanical nomenclature, specific epithets are used to provide distinctiveness to individual species within a genus.
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