Scientific Name
Eriosyce napina (Phil.) Katt.
Synonym(s)
Chilenia napina, Chileorebutia napina, Eriosyce napina subsp. napina, Hildmannia napina, Malacocarpus napinus, Neoporteria napina, Notocactus napinus, Thelocephala napina
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Eriosyce
Origin
Eriosyce napina is native to Chile. It occurs in the Atacama Region in the valley of the Huasco River between Vallenar and Huasco.
Description
Eriosyce napina is a slow-growing cactus geophyte with a subspherical stem that has ribs dissolved into tubercles tipped with a woolly areole and a cluster of short black spines. The solitary stem is flattened at the apex and can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. The spines are closely pressed against the stem and can reach up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in length. Each areole bears 0 to 2 central and 6 to 14 radial spines. The stem color ranges from gray-green to reddish-brown. The tubercles can measure up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter.
The shiny flowers are whitish, yellowish, pinkish, or pale red and appear at the apex of the stem in late spring. They are funnel-shaped and can reach up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The large, woolly fruits are red, with tiny black seeds, and often split open at the base.
Subspecies of Eriosyce napina
- Eriosyce napina subsp. lembckei
- Eriosyce napina subsp. napina
- Eriosyce napina subsp. pajonalensis
How to Grow and Care for Eriosyce napina
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Eriosyce cacti require intense sun exposure to develop good spinal growth, but tolerate light shade. Therefore, some light shade may be useful on the hottest summer days.
A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal. Good drainage is essential for health.
Water the cactus every two weeks or slightly less often during the summer, depending on how moist the soil remains. During the winter rest period, cut watering back to once a month, or in humid areas, to none. One of the key factors in success with these cacti is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially prone to root rot, which can eventually kill your plant.
Regular doses of cactus fertilizer will help it grow its best during the summer. However, use diluted fertilizer for the best results.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Eriosyce.
Links
- Back to genus Eriosyce
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
