Uebelmannia buiningii

Scientific Name

Uebelmannia buiningii Donald

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Uebelmannia

Description

Uebelmannia buiningii is a cactus with greenish to reddish-brown, spherical to short cylindrical stem that grows up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The epidermis is rough due to wax deposits. The stem has 18 straight ribs spaced up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) apart, and areoles are covered with a little wool. The ribs are divided into about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) distant downward tubercles. Each areole bears 4 central and 2 to 4 radial spines. The central spines are crossed. The radial spines are up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long, shorter than the central spines. Flowers are yellow and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. Fruits are yellow and egg-shaped.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Even for cacti, these plants have a low tolerance for cold temperatures, and letting them into even temperate conditions is an easy way to damage them. Make sure to keep well watered, as well, and give them lots of light.

Their roots need some space and really good drainage, and keep an eye out for common pests that can damage them. Uebelmannias are such rare and difficult plants that only those with lots of practice growing cacti will likely even have access to them. These will likely only be found in specialty shops, and their cultivation should be left to the experts. If you do cultivate one, though, they are among the most singular-looking of all cacti.

If free-standing in their pots, Uebelmannias can be repotted at the beginning of each growing season by lifting the plant out as a whole and replacing it in a larger container, making sure to spread the roots out in the new soil. Don't pack them in too tightly, as this can damage their root systems and make it hard to retain water.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Uebelmannia.

Origin

This species is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.