Pediocactus knowltonii

Pediocactus knowltonii copy in flower on the border of Colorado and New Mexico

Pediocactus knowltonii is a plant of the genus Pediocactus in the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet honors knowltonii '' Fred Gastman Knowlton, who discovered the species. English common names are " Knowlton 's Cactus ", " Knowlton 's Pincushion Cactus" and " Thimble Plains Cactus"

Description

The spherical to oval growing Pediocactus knowltonii reaches stature heights of 1 to 5 cm in diameter and 1-3 cm. The pink, bell-shaped flowers are of a length and a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 cm.

Geophytische features as well as other representatives of the Section Pediocactus ( Pediocactus paradinei ) and the Section Rhytidospermae ( Pediocactus bradyi and subspecies ) are clear. He is the rarest, smallest and evolutionarily most advanced species of the genus. The incidence is limited and also the smallest of the United States.

Pediocactus knowltonii is in dry state is winter hardy till minus 20 ° C. The ungrafted cultivation in Europe is possible. Pediocactus knowltonii is threatened and has been included in Appendix I of CITES to protect endangered species.

Distribution, systematics and hazard

Pediocactus knowltonii growing on the border of Colorado and New Mexico endemic to the Great Basin desert on gravelly soil in sparse coniferous plants at altitudes of about 2000 meters. Associated with this species is often Echinocereus fendleri Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Escobaria vivipara and Opuntia polyacantha.

The first description was in 1960 by Lyman David Benson.

In the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN, the type is known as " Critically Endangered (CR ) ', ie threatened with extinction than out.

Pictures

Pediocactus knowltonii:

Flowers view.

In culture.

Mid-May in bloom in culture.