The 2013 cactus exhibition at the oratory, Naxxar, was another success.

 

 

Echinocactus horizonthalonius

The Genus Echinocactus comprises four or five species of mainly large barrel cacti. They are found from southern USA to Northern Mexico.

E. horizonthalonius is the exception in size as it grows to only up to 45cm tall and 20cm wide.

The distribution of this cactus is vast. From Texas, Arizona (var. nicholii) and New Mexico in the USA to Coahuila, Nuevo Leon,
Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi in Mexico.

It is usually found in sandy limestone soil and can be either half buried with only the top part showing or fully exposed.

It is a slow growing plant and may live up to 60 years. Flowers are produced from the apex and are lilac in colour with a deeper throat (Have also been described as magenta or deep pink).

Blooms from March to May with another flowering season in September.

Spine colour and shape also varies and may not come as a surprise when considering its vast range. From pink to dark brown to gray.

The top picture shows
E. horizonthalonius from near San Roberto, Nuevo Leon. These plants are small and do not grow larger than a few centimeters, although the ones shown are juvenile plants. The centre picture shows the plant growing at Estacion Marte, Coahuila and that of the bottom picture is from Piedras Blancas, Coahuila.

The cactus and succulent show (4)

The annual Cactus and Succulent Show

The annual Maltese cactus and succulent show was a huge success. Twelve members participated in the show which hosted several different cacti and succulents from several Genera. The pictures speak for themselves. Well done!

The cactus show lasted for three days. On Friday 24th October the show was open to members only while on the next two days it was open to the general public.

Just flowered

Mammillaria guelzowiana has the largest flowers in the genus Mammillaria. It is one of the soft-bodied Mamms and therefore needs to be left very dry before watering again.

Because of its hooked spines it needs to be placed where it does not get attached to clothing. The tubercles can get very easily damaged and may lead to rot. It has numerous radial spines reportedly from 60 to 80.

It comes from Rio Nazas valley in the
state of Durango, Mexico.

The top picture shows M. guelzowiana before the flowers opened.

Middle picture shows several plants in flower. Flowers are very showy with deeper throat and they completely hide the plants .

Bottom picture shows a close up of the flowers. Some are so dense that they had to overlap.

Pictures taken by Amante Darmanin

Mammillaria humboldtii

This gem of a cactus is found in the Mexican State of Hidalgo. There are several forms in cultivation. The one shown here has an unkempt appearance to its spines while others are more neat. It is not very difficult to cultivate in Malta, as long as it is kept in a sheltered place and watered sparsely in the growing season only.

Picture supplied by Amante Darmanin