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 up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. The epidermis is rough due to wax deposits. The 18 straight ribs are spaced up to 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) apart. They are divided into about 0.2 inch (0.5 cm) distant downward cusps. The areoles are covered with a little wool. The 4 middle spines are crossed. The 2 to 4 straight edge spines are up to 0.2 inch (0.5 cm) long and shorter than the middle spines. The flowers are yellow and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) in diameter. The 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, however, 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 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

Uebelmannia buiningii is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.