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Description
This small geophytic opuntioid looks like a small Tephrocactus geometricus, but the bloom, fruit and the seeds clearly show its autonomous nature. Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family) Scientific Name: Puna bonnieae D. J. Ferguson & R. Kiesling 1997 Conservation status: Listed in CITES Appendix II Distribution: type locality is Río Guanchín, near Loro (Lora) Huasí, Dept. Tinogasta, prov. Catamarca, Argentina ca. 2000 m Etymology: The genus name “Puna” derives from the indigenous word "Puna" that indicate the western region up to 4500 m that extends from the Peru, going throughout Bolivia to the Argentinean North. Delimited at west by a costal chain of high volcanic picks and by the Cordillera mountainous chain to the east. The Argentinean Puna is the natural continuation of the Bolivian highland.
Puna bonnieae Flower Light Pink , 4 cm in diameter | |
Description: This is a small geophytic opuntioid that looks like a small Tephrocactus geometricus, but the bloom, fruit and the seeds clearly show its autonomous nature. During the dry season they are hidden in the ground. It forms slowly small cushion up to 15 cm in diameter. | |
Cultivation: This mountain cactus - because of the elongated fat taproot - necessitate deep pots and a well drained mineral potting mix. Propagation: Usually propagated by cuttings and grafting . Grafted plants in culture are most common and sprout strongly. But it is also feasible to root them but they grow much slower on their own roots and takes various years prior to they bloom. |