Sclerocactus polyancistrus
Sclerocactus polyancistrus into bloom in Nevada.
Sclerocactus polyancistrus is a plant of the genus Sclerocactus in the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). English common names are " Hermit Cactus ", " Many- Hooked Viznagita ", " Many- Spined devil's - Claw Cactus" and " Mojave devil's - Claw Cactus".
Description
The spherical to cylindrical growing Sclerocactus polyancistrus is 5 to 45 cm long and 5-15 cm wide. He has ten to twelve variable, 5 to 13 cm long central spines, of which six to eight hooked. There are 10 to 16 radial spines. The large funnel-shaped flowers are 5 to 10 cm long and have a diameter from 7.5 to 9 cm. The bloom are pink to purple in color.
Sclerocactus polyancistrus grows in some places along with the closely related Sclerocactus nyensis. Both representatives of the Section Sclerocactus bloom at the same time, but no hybrids are known. The flowering period begins in the Mojave Desert in late March. The mountain forms bloom from May to June. Populations of the Barstow area in recent years due to insect infestation ( Yosemita graciella or Monellina gigas (R. May 1982) ) almost completely destroyed. The model type of the section Sclerocactus Sclerocactus polyancistrus is one of the giants of the Mojave Desert. Together with the nearly 1000 years old expectant Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia ), they form a magnificent spectacle of nature. The higher forms of Sclerocactus polyancistrus are in dry state is winter hardy till minus 20 ° C.
Dissemination
Sclerocactus polyancistrus is widespread in the Mojave Desert and in the Great Basin Desert in California and Nevada at altitudes 500-2600 m. It grows on low hills in the typical " Sagebrush Desert " in the open " Juniper - pinyon woodland " and is associated with Sclerocactus nyensis, Echinocactus polycephalus, Micropuntia species, Escobaria vivipara var desertii, Echinocereus engelmannii, Yucca brevifolia and various Opuntia - species.
System
The first description by the American botanist George Engelmann and John M. Bigelow under the name Echinocactus polyancistrus was published in 1857. The American botanist Nathaniel L. Britton and Joseph N. Rose set the style in the genus Sclerocactus below today's species name Sclerocactus polyancistrus. Another synonym for the species is Pediocactus polyancistrus G.Arp (1972). The type Sclerocactus polyancistrus is placed in the section Sclerocactus within the genus Sclerocactus.
Endangering
Sclerocactus polyancistrus is at risk. In the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN, the type is known as " Least Concern ( LC) ," ie, than not led at risk.
Pictures
Sclerocactus polyancistrus:
In culture.
Albino form.
Albino form in culture.