Gymnocalycium saglionis

Gymnocalycium saglionis
Large, Old Gymnocalycium saglionis in Hong Kong Park
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Species: G. saglionis
Binomial name
Gymnocalycium saglionis

Gymnocalycium saglionis is a globular cacti species from South America. Plants are larger and have thick curved spines making this species popular among collectors. Its most common and native habitat is in mostly in Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, San Juan, and La Rioja − on rocky soil with low vegetation.

Description

Named after J. Saglio, an important plant collector in France around 1840, Gymnocalycium saglionis is known to grow very slowly, and grow best in warm and part shady conditions, but and tolerate extremely bright situations but are likely to suffer from sun scorch or stunted growth if over exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day in summer. The body can range from Dull-green or blue-green, almost cylindrical more or less flattened up to 40 cm in diameter, up to 90 cm tall. Spines can grown to 3−4cm long, colors varies from yellowish-brown, reddish or white becoming grey with time which contrast well against the green body, 1−3 centrals and 10−15 radials bent against the stem. Spines become bright red when wet. Flowers 1.4 inch (3.5 cm) long, white or reddish, often more than one simultaneously. Fruits globular, reddish or dark pink, splits sideways with tiny, shiny black brown seeds.

Gymnocalycium saglionis is now cultivated around the world, commonly for sale.[1] [2]

Gallery

Old Gymnocalycium saglionis cactus viewed from above.

References

  1. http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/GYMNOCALYCIUM/Gymnocalycium_saglionis/Gymnocalycium_saglionis_cristata/Gymnocalycium_saglionis_cristata.htm
  2. http://www.kakteensammlung-holzheu.de/en/gymnocalycium_saglionis.html