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 cactus species endemic to Argentina, in southern South America.


The cacti's most common native habitats are withinin the Argentine provinces of Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca, San Juan, and La Rioja. It grows on rocky soil with other 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 tolerate extremely bright situations although they 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.

Cultivation

Gymnocalycium saglionis is cultivated as an ornamental plant around the world, and is commonly for sale.[1] [2] Plants are large and have thick curved spines making this species popular among collectors.

Old Gymnocalycium saglionis cactus viewed from above.

References

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