Echinocactus Grussoni Albispinus
Product Details
Grown from seed. Normally spines are yellow, this cultivar has white spines, so rare.
The name is derived from the genus Echinocactus, which is a group of barrel-shaped cacti, and the specific epithet "grusonii" honoring German industrialist and cactus enthusiast Hermann Gruson. The term "albispinus" means "white-spined" in Latin, indicating the distinguishing feature of this particular variety.
Technical Description of Plant:
Echinocactus grussoni albispinus, also known as the White Barrel Cactus or White Ball Cactus, is a striking variety of the popular Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). This cactus features a globular, barrel-shaped stem with prominent ribs and areoles (the areas where spines emerge). The primary distinction between the two varieties is the color of the spines - while the Golden Barrel Cactus has vibrant yellow spines, the Echinocactus grussoni albispinus variety displays white or glassy-white spines. As the plant matures, the spines may turn brown in full sun exposure. Echinocactus grussoni albispinus can grow up to 35 inches (90 cm) in height and diameter, producing bright yellow flowers during the summer months.
Echinocactus grussoni albispinus, also known as the White Barrel Cactus or White Ball Cactus, is a striking variety of the popular Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). This cactus features a globular, barrel-shaped stem with prominent ribs and areoles (the areas where spines emerge). The primary distinction between the two varieties is the color of the spines - while the Golden Barrel Cactus has vibrant yellow spines, the Echinocactus grussoni albispinus variety displays white or glassy-white spines. As the plant matures, the spines may turn brown in full sun exposure. Echinocactus grussoni albispinus can grow up to 35 inches (90 cm) in height and diameter, producing bright yellow flowers during the summer months.
Origin of Plant:
The Echinocactus grussoni albispinus variety is a cultivated form or selection of the Echinocactus grusonii species, which is native to east-central Mexico. The original Echinocactus grusonii species is found in the Rio Moctezuma Valley, particularly around the Zimapán Dam and Mesa de León in the states of Querétaro and Hidalgo. The white-spined variety is likely the result of selective breeding or a natural mutation that has been propagated and cultivated for its unique appearance.
The Echinocactus grussoni albispinus variety is a cultivated form or selection of the Echinocactus grusonii species, which is native to east-central Mexico. The original Echinocactus grusonii species is found in the Rio Moctezuma Valley, particularly around the Zimapán Dam and Mesa de León in the states of Querétaro and Hidalgo. The white-spined variety is likely the result of selective breeding or a natural mutation that has been propagated and cultivated for its unique appearance.
Conservation Status:
The conservation status of the Echinocactus grusonii species, including the albispinus variety, is a concern. The species is considered rare and endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and population decline, particularly from the construction of the Zimapán Dam. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the remaining wild populations of this iconic cactus.
The conservation status of the Echinocactus grusonii species, including the albispinus variety, is a concern. The species is considered rare and endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and population decline, particularly from the construction of the Zimapán Dam. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the remaining wild populations of this iconic cactus.
Care Instructions:
To care for Echinocactus grussoni albispinus, provide it with mild sun to partial shade exposure. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during the winter dormancy period. Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer. Protect the cactus from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations, as it is adapted to the warm, arid conditions of its native habitat in Mexico.
To care for Echinocactus grussoni albispinus, provide it with mild sun to partial shade exposure. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during the winter dormancy period. Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer. Protect the cactus from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations, as it is adapted to the warm, arid conditions of its native habitat in Mexico.
