Scientific Name
Tephrocactus articulatus var. diadematus (Lem.) Backeb.
Accepted Scientific Name
Tephrocactus articulatus (Otto) Backeb.
Common Name(s)
Spruce Cone Cholla, Spruce Cone Cactus, Pine Cone Cactus
Synonym(s)
Opuntia diademata, Tephrocactus diademata
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Tephrocacteae
Genus: Tephrocactus
Description
Tephrocactus articulatus var. diadematus is a unique cactus with fragile erect stems composed of cylindrical segments that resemble pine cones. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The prominent tubercules and clusters of silvery spines are spirally arranged along the stem segments. Some forms lack spines.
A shy bloomer, this cactus sometimes produces white to pinkish, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, cup-shaped flowers in spring or early summer. The fruits that follow are barrel-shaped, dry-fleshed, and very thin-walled.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The large variety of species within the Opuntia genus means different types of Prickly Pears may need slightly different care. All are desert cacti that need lots of sun, lots of light, and very little water. If you live in a hot, arid area, these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed.
These cacti will grow just fine in a garden but can also be grown in pots. To repot, ensure the soil is dry, remove the pot, and remove the old soil. After treating any cuts with fungicide, place the cactus in a new pot and backfill it with potting soil. As with a new cutting, ensure not to water a newly repotting Prickly Pear briefly to avoid rotting its roots.
Opuntia can propagate either by cuttings or by seed. To propagate by cuttings, sever pads from a plant and let them dry so the wounds heal. Then, place the plants in dry soil and refrain from watering them until they begin to grow to avoid rotting them.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Origin
Tephrocactus articulatus var. diadematus is native to western Argentina. It is not recognized as a separate variety and is treated as a synonym of Tephrocactus articulatus.
Links
- Back to genus Tephrocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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