other cactus

[Nold]

Echinus is hardy for me too.
Some botanists think the distinction in seeds is not sufficient to warrant two genera, but Anderson (in The Cactus Family) keeps Coryphantha and Escobaria.
I remember being told, years ago, that a lot of botanists were considering seeds as being the determining factor in separating genera.
Maybe one day it will be roots.

Bob

[Weiser]

Here are a few shots of Coryphantha macromeris another hardy one.

[Nold]

Macromeris has not been hardy for me, but I couldn't swear how many times I've tried it. I should probably keep records.
The fat tubercules seem to be the first thing to turn to mush.

Bob

[Weiser]

This was the first year I had blossoms on my Maihuenia poepigii. I think I've had it for four years now.

[Nold]

I had a plant of poeppigii that lived for years, until ants discovered it, and killed it within a year. I've never gotten around to replacing it, though it's one of my favorites. I'd also like to grow patagonica. Got seed, but it never germinated.
Maihuenia is interesting because of its persistent leaves.
I was going to try some pterocactus this year, since most are said to be hardy here, but I decided just to try the gymnocalyciums. Pterocactus would have to go in dishes of sand, and that might attract cats .....

Bob

[Weiser]

I've never seen Maihuenia patagonica for sale. Man they can produce huge mats with stout spines look at these photos I found.

http://www.cactusinhabitat.org/index.php?p=specie&id=83&l=en

[RickR]

I tried germinating Maihuenia poeppigii this past season.  The best info I could find was to try it at 70+ F.  I planted it along with my Echinocereus seeds the first week of July.  The Echino seeds sprouted nicely, but no Maihuenia.

Any hints? (Of course, seed pots are always held over for at least one more season.)

[Nold]

Any hints? (Of course, seed pots are always held over for at least one more season.)     

Rod Haenni, maihuenia grower extraordinario, says only older seed will germinate. Older as in ten years off the plant.

I give up, and will go for plants.
The only cactus I'll try seed of (I know that's not English) these days are Pediocactus (sileri, winkleri, despainii) and Sclerocactus, all species.

Bob

[Nold]

P.S. Cold treatment is usually beneficial for seed of cold-hardy species (of practically anything).
Cold, plus patience. Two words I rarely use in the same sentence.

Bob

[Hoy]

I tried sowing Maihuenia poeppigii once and actually got two seedlings the first year but a slug quickly put a halt to that. I discarded the pot two years later when no more seedlings appeared. Should have stored it for 10 more years then!

[Weiser]

Here is a pretty but nasty Opuntia!!  I guess that makes it pretty nasty!
 Opuntia aciculata commonly called the chenille pricklypear ( don't be fooled by the common name, there is nothing soft and fuzzy about it.  ) This is a spinless Texas Opuntia with beautiful red flowers. It doesn't have spines to act as a pre-warning system to tell you, "Hay!! Your getting too close!!!" I can  attest to the fact, that it's way too easy.

http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/OPUNTIA/Opuntia_aciculata/Opuntia_aciculata/Opuntia_aciculata.htm
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242415193

[RickR]

There certainly are a plethora of glochids!  Exactly not my style.

But the flowers and fruit are quite pleasing. 

[DesertZone]

John, how's the fruit taste?

[Weiser]

John, how's the fruit taste?

I don't know. I've only used it in jelly and they were mixed in with other cactus fruit.

There certainly are a plethora of glochids!  Exactly not my style.

But the flowers and fruit are quite pleasing. 

I can indeed understand your aversion to glochids. I try to avoid them myself.
I have it planted well away from the highly traveled paths but every so often I have to weed or rake the area. I'm always watching, I don't like to brush it with my pantlegs.

[DesertZone]

So what is the tallest Opuntia you have?