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 |
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| Gymnocalycium mesopotamicum R. Kiesling (1980) |
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Field number |
P241 - collected by Joerg and Brigitte Piltz |
Habitat |
Argentinia
Corrientes -
Mercedes
in 656 ft (200 m) altitude
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Description |
simple, pressed spherical, dark green, 0.5–0.9 in (1.2–2.3 cm) high, to 1.6 in (4 cm) Ø
7–9 ribs, broad, flat, dull-edged, with transverse furrows, humps unflashy
9–12 spines, flexible, adjacent to the body, thin like bristles, reddish brown,
in age grayish to white, 0.2–0.9 mm long
flowers clean white, 2.4–2.6 in (6–7 cm) long, to 2.5 in (6.5 cm) Ø
fruits club shaped, dull green, 0.8–1.2 in (2–3 cm) long, 7–8 mm Ø
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Synonyms |
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| CITES |
Appendix II |
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