San Gabriel Valley and Succulent Society

Cacti of the Month February 2003 - Notocactus and Parodia

Notocactus and Parodia are now generally Both Parodia and Notocactus are South considered to be the same , and in American Cacti, with the centers of the genera modern references, all Notocacti have been in Brazil and Argentina, but with members moved into Parodia. The original throughout the Eastern side of the Andes. All distinguishing characteristic was the red are easy to grow, growing freely in the spring stigmas in the flowers of Notocactus, and the through the fall, and going more or less yellow stigma in those of Parodia. The dormant in the fall. Some will flower in mid distinguishing characteristic between the two winter, and given their native environment, genera evolved over time, eventually most do better given a little water year becoming a minor difference in the around. Some of the more tropical attachment of the seed to ovary. Parodia has need protection from colder weather to swept up several other genera, and is likely prevent scarring, but most will take normal to grow and swallow a few more as botanical Southern California winters without and genetic studies continue. protection.

Parodia chrysacanthion entered in the 2001 Intercity Show by David and Eileen Tufenkian

All the species are easy to grow from seed. Seed is available for nearly all the species and Notocactus magnificus entered in the 2001 Intercity Show by Paul and Carol Maker from many localities. It germinates readily and can grow a show quality in just a few years. Vegetative propagation of the Nonetheless, the two are separate in many clustering types is easy as well. Cuttings seed catalogs, in older reference books, in our taken during the late spring and early summer shows, and in most of our collections. root readily and show new growth before the season is over. San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society

Cacti of the Month February 2003 - Notocactus and Parodia

Noteworthy Notocactus Particular Parodias

Notocactus leninghausii from Rio Grande from Jujuy, do Sul, Brazil is easy to come by, and with Argentina shown left is a solitary globose patience and care becomes a very impressive species, with great spines. species. It is nearly columnar, offsetting from the base, with short yellow spines. The Parodia maassii has dense spination, often growing tip always leans towards the sun colored. It is native to Southern Bolivia and (much more so in California than in its native Northern Argentina. Brazil). Give it root room and lots of fertilizer to grow and spread. Parodia penicillata from Northern Argentina has very dense radial spines that stick out Notocactus magnificus from Rio Grande do from the body. A very unusual species that Sul, Brazil is easy to come by, easy to grow, is easy to grow. This another species whose and lives up to its name. Spectacular even as growing point always points towards the sun, a single head, it clumps with time for a very giving the plant a leaning appearance. This impressive display. Like all the Notocacti, a can be avoided by frequently turning the reliable bloomer. plant, or it can be emphasized as part of the unique character of the species. Notocactus ottonis, widespread in South America from Southern Brazil to Argentina, Parodia turecekiana, named after our own Uruguay and Paraguay. This species exists Victor Turecek, comes from western Uruguay in many forms. Look for a dark purple form and Northern Argentina. A great species that that turns green when growth starts in spring. is readily available. This species clumps readily, even when small. References: E. Anderson, The Cactus Family Notocactus uebelmannianus another species J. Pilbeam, Cactus for the Connoisseur from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil has thick rounded ribs, the crown and the areoles all A. Innes & C. Glass Cacti have lots of white wool. It has white spines and red flowers. Tom Glavich January 2003 Photos by T. Nomer