Ariocarpus retusus var. furfuraceous

The variety designation probably isn't valid, but this is grown from seed so designated. Ariocarpus furfuraceous (Watson) H.C. Thompson, was properly published, but this is now generally subsumed into Ariocarpus retusus, as for example by Hunt in 2006. Regardless, they need excellent drainage and a dry, cool rest period.

Ariocarpus fissuratus ssp. bravoanus

 

This is a gem of a cactus, heavily over-collected - probably extinct in the wild. The flowers are magnificent for such a small plant. These, of course, are seed grown and it has only been in recent years that nursery grown plants have become available. Accidentally discovered by Hector Hernández in 1991 in the Municipio Guadalcazar, south of Entronque Huizache in San Luis Potosí, it was named in honor of Dra Helia Bravo.

Ariocarpus retusus var. furfuraceus

This species is seen as highly variable and this has led to many names. "furfuraceus" is no longer accepted as a variety by most, but these are grown from seed of plants thus identified.

Today has been an unfortunately eventful day. Our main means of transportation is a 1994 Ford Aerostar van. The van's alternator appears to have failed and so it goes to the car repair shop in the morning. At the same time, we have some plants being inspected for shipment to China. And so we'll be delivering plants to the post office in our trusty old, but in need of some work, orange 1964 VW bug. And, we have company arriving on Tuesday.  Help!!!!  :)

Ariocarpus agavoides

Normally we expect to see blooms on our Ariocarpus agavoides in mid-summer, but they sometimes surprise us with a flower in November or December.

Highly prized by collectors, these are almost extinct in the wild due to over collection. It's a shame that this continues to happen as they grow quite readily from seed.

Ariocarpus retusus

To me Ariocarpus is one of the most fascinating of cactus genera. And though A. retusus isn't among the most rare of the group, it never loses its attraction to me. Last week it was blooming away, along with a beautiful blooming Lophophora diffusa nearby (not peyote [L. williamsii], which in the United States is illegal to possess!).

Interesting things continue to happen every day in the greenhouses. It may begin to feel like it, but it isn't winter quite yet!

Enjoy your plants!