Gymnocalycium Pfeiffer ex Mittler (1844)

(Greek gymnos = naked, Greek kalyx = calyx)
naked flower calyx
because of the calyx without spines, bristles and hairs

usually flat globular, in age some thick columnar, very different sizes, simple or clumping
ribs 20 or less; spines adjacent or outspread, thin to very strong
flowers small short to large funnel shaped, often white or white with red center, however also yellow or red,
calyx bare and scaly; fruits and seeds very different

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Distribution

south America - Bolivia, Paraguay, south Brazil to Argentinia
almost complete south America eastern of the Cordilleras
steppes and mountains

Growth period

warm and part shady, avoid full sun, temporarily a location outdoor is possible
plants with stronger spines can get more sun
from early summer abundant watering, but standing moisture is to avoid
especially at warm weather not to sparse moisture

Winter period

bright and cool, not to dry, at 6–12°C (42–53°F), as possible not under 5°C (41°F)
mountain species occasionally also colder

Substrat

nutrient rich, very permeable to water with addition of peat
   
Gymnocalycium brachypetalum Spegazzini (1925)
 
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Habitat

Argentinia
Rio Negro - Carmen de Patagones

Description

cross petal Gymnocalycium
to 3.9 in (10 cm) high, 2.7 in (7 cm) Ø, bluish darkgreen
ribs 13
areoles elliptically, with chin shaped tubercles
5–7 radial spines, to 1 in (2.5 cm) long, first yellowish

central spine is absent
flowers 2.1 in (5.5 cm) long, tube is blueish green, petals only 0.8 in (2 cm) long

Synonyms

Gymnocalycium gibbosum var. brachypetalum (C. Spegazzini) W. Papsch (1996)
Gymnocalycium gibbosum
ssp. gibbosum

CITES

Appendix II
 
Description of "Kakteen von A bis Z" by Walter Haage with courtesy by Kakteen-Haage made available.

 

 

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