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Thelocactus hastifer (Werderm. & Boedeker) F. Knuth, in Backeb. & F. Knuth, Kaktus-ABC, 360 (1935).
Basionym: Echinocactus hastifer Werdeman. & Boedeker, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Mus. Berlin-Dahlem 11: 274 (1931).
Type: B
Synonyms: Ferocactus hastifer N.P. Taylor, Cact. Succ. J. Gr. Brit. 41: 90 (1979).
Description
Stem clustering, cylindrical, 10-40 cm tall, 2.5-5.5 cm wide. Ribs 18, distinct. Tubercles rounded. Areoles with glands. Central spines 4-5, 10-26 mm long, white to black, straight, acicular. Radial spines 20-25, 12-15 mm long, white, straight, acicular. Flowers 35-75 mm wide, magenta.
Distribution
Mexico, Queretaro, occurring in matorral xerofilo on limestone hills.
Comments
Thelocactus hastifer can be immediately recognised by its cereoid stem, erect or decumbent. The single plants have a swollen root and a thin stem (about 55 mm in diameter) divided into ribs, slightly clustering. At the base the plant body has a very thin collar that cannot bear the weight of the stem, so eventually it grows lying on the ground. Even the young seedlings may be immediately distinguished from the other Thelocacti: from the very beginning their growth is elongate instead of globose. Flowers are magenta and appear in the spring.
Thelocactus hastifer
Mesa del León, Queretaro
Photo: A. Mosco
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Thelocactus hastifer
Mesa del León, Queretaro
Photo: A. Mosco
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Thelocactus hastifer
Photo: A. Mosco
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Thelocactus hastifer
Mesa del León, Queretaro
Photo: J. Jauernig
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home | © Alessandro Mosco 2004 | Last updated: 26-11-2008
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