Scientific Name
Parodia schumanniana (Nicolai) F.H. Brandt
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus schumannianus, Eriocactus schumannianus, Eriocephala schumanniana, Malacocarpus schumannianus, Notocactus schumannianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Parodia
Etymology
The specific epithet "schumanniana (shoo-mahn-ee-AH-na)" honors Karl Moritz Schumann (1851-1904), a German botanist and the first chairman of the German Cactus Society.
Origin
This species is native to Brazil, southern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. It grows in open areas in deciduous woods on the steep sides of granite rocks at elevations between 980 and 2,300 feet (300 and 700 m).
Description
Parodia schumanniana is a cactus with green, usually solitary stems with 21 to 48 straight, sharp, well-marked ribs lined with clusters of bristle-like spines. The stems are spherical at first, becoming columnar with age, and can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The spines are straight to slightly curved, initially golden yellow to brown or red, and later gray. Each areole bears 1 to 3 central and 4 to 7 radial spines. The central spines (sometimes absent) can grow up to 3 inches (1.2 cm) long, while the radial spines can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, pale yellow to golden yellow, and appear in summer. They can reach up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are spherical to ovoid, densely covered with wool and bristles, and contain reddish-brown seeds. They can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the popular Parodia without too much trouble. However, it's key to remember that Parodies don't like direct sunlight and are accustomed to more even water than many other cacti species. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and dramatically cut back watering. However, unlike other cacti species, you don't need to stop watering entirely. Lastly, ensure fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cactus, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Parodia.
Links
- Back to genus Parodia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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