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Ferocactus glaucescens var. nuda
This distinctive variety has recently been introduced and is a
real prize as it has few or no spines.
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Description:
Solitary or basally suckering, barrel cactus. Multiple heads are
produced as the plant ages and can form a very large mound.
Stems: Glaucous grey, up to 55 cm in height, 50 cm in diameter.
Globular depressed at the apex, it becomes shortly columnar as it ages.
Ribs: 11 to 15
Spines: Absent or very few (1 to 3 not distinguishable from
radials to centrals) irregularly scattered on the areoles of young
individuals.
Flowers: Lemon yellow, funnel-shaped,
3-4 cm in diameter. The tepals are oblong, lanceolate, silky, shining;
the margins are finely fringed. Stamen, style and stigma are yellow.
Stigma lobes: 12-15.
Blooming season: Late spring and summer. The flowers last a very
long time. The plants start flowering when about 13
cm in diameter.
Fruit: White, 2 cm long with the remnants of the flowers
attached.
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This cultivar varies from pure nude specimens to plants with one
or few spine per areoles (Partially Nudum), but usually the spines are
present only in young plant and completely disappear in mature
individuals.
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Spineless with woolly top.
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Cultivation: Plants are slow-growing to start, but they are easy to
grow and require little care once they have reached a nice flowering
size. F. glaucescens is suited for any rich, well drained
soil in full sun throughout the year. Pot culture: it grows best in a
fairly roomy, well-drained container filled with a porous cactus soil
mixture that doesn't contain too much humus. To insure robust plants,
water and fertilize during the aestival growth cycle; this plant need
plenty of water (indicatively, about once a week). But it's necessary
to avoid wetting the bodies of these plants while they are in sunlight.
A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning, which can lead to
scars or even fungal infections and death. In winter keep it completely
dry at 10°C. This usually aids in maintaining a healthier plant, but
can tolerate sporadic light frost.
Reproduction: Cuttings (if available)
made from pieces of the stem of any size can be detached and laid aside
for a few days to allow a protective "skin" to form over the cut. They
can then be planted in pots. Place them in a spot where they'll receive
sun, and do not water until the soil becomes fairly dry. After a while
the soil can be moistened regularly but never kept constantly saturated. |
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Family:
Cactaceae
(Cactus
Family)
Scientific name:
Ferocactus
glaucescens (DC.) Britton & Rose
forma nuda (inermis)
Origin:
Garden origin (Nursery
produced cultivar)
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES appendix 2.
Common Name: Blue Barrel Cactus
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This is the 'inermis' variation, practically spineless with
attractive bluish-green body.
Photo of conspecific
taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of
Ferocactus glaucescens:
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