Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Gymnocalycium achirasense var. orientale

After looking thru my many books and viewing websites,I believe this to be a Gymnocalycium achirasense var. orientale. I'm very sure I'm correct, but I would not bet the greenhouse on it. As always the flowers are amazing.........I moved this plant from Death Valley Shack to the kitchen table to enjoy the flowers!

Gymnocalyciums in habitat are found in South-Eastern South America in various environments and elevations.

The Gymno. achirasense grows in Argentina in the foothills of the city of Cordoba. The variety name "orientale" means that it lies in the most eastern part of the habitat. Achirasense is a (usually) solitary cactus, flattened or globular, dark-green, grey-green to olive green, 2"-3" in diameter up to 2" in height, but in cultivation it can become 4" high (or more) over the years. 10-12 spines which are stout and aggressive, but usually fewer in young plants, bent against the body with a rib count of 12-15. Central spines are usually absent or they have 1 erect. The flowers are some of the largest in this genus, often growing larger than the plant, whitish, pale pink to lavender, with a darker mid-strip.The cultivation of this plant as well as other Gymnocalyciums is simple. They are summer growers, water regularly in summer, keep rather dry in winter. They will flourish in full sun (not direct) or light shade. The Gymnocalyciums are one of the easiest of the cacti to grow, to have flower and can flower at an early age.

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