Scientific Name
Ariocarpus scaphirostris Boed.
Common Name(s)
Living Rock Cactus
Synonym(s)
Ariocarpus scaphirostrus var. swobodae, Ariocarpus scaphirostrus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ariocarpus
Etymology
The specific epithet "scaphirostris" (pronounced "skay-fee-ROS-tris") means "having a boat-shaped beak" and refers to the shape of the tubercle tips of this species.
Origin
Ariocarpus scaphirostris, also known as Ariocarpus scaphirostrus, is native to Mexico. It occurs in the valley of Rayones in Nuevo León, typically found between layers of flaky limestone schist, where soil and moisture can accumulate.
Description
Ariocarpus scaphirostris is a slow-growing geophytic cactus with a dark green to brown, subglobose stem with large, divergent tubercles. The solitary stem can grow up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter. The tubercles are triangular in cross-section, slightly incurved, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in width.
The magenta-colored flowers can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm) and appear in the fall. The fruits, which are reddish-green to brown, can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter. They contain tiny black seeds.
How to Grow and Care
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Plant your Ariocarpus in a soil mix specifically formulated for cacti. You can buy a cactus mix at your local nursery. Do not use generic soil mixes, as they will not provide sufficient aeration and drainage. Additionally, using a container without a hole, whether a pot or a terrarium, is a bad idea for the same reason.
Ariocarpus plants need a lot of sunlight. However, excessive sunlight can damage them in hot, dry areas, so use a shade cloth to limit their exposure or move them out during the hottest hours. Direct sunlight is fine in more temperate regions.
These cacti prefer to be kept at room temperature or slightly lower and in low humidity.
Water your Ariocarpus regularly, but wait until the soil dries completely before watering it again. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on your climate and the size of your pot, if you use one.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Ariocarpus.
Links
- Back to genus Ariocarpus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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