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Ferocactus gatesii (F.
gracilis ssp. gatesii)
Seldom offered
for sale , this
species is only known from the islets
in the mouth of the Bahia de los Angeles in the gulf of California.
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Blooms in summer, flowers
are diurnal
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The 'gracilis'
subspecies usually grows higher than 90 cm. it's central spines are
less than 5mm wide.
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The 'coloratus'
subspecies seldom grows up to 90cm high.
Its widest central spines
are often wider than 5 mm.
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The 'gatesii'
subspecies can grow up to 150 cm high. Its central spines are only 3 mm
wide and curved, but not hooked.
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Cultivation: Slow growing to start, but it does well under
cultivation. Suited for any rich, well drained soil in full sun
throughout the year. Water during the aestival growth cycle (this plant
needs plenty of water). But it's necessary to avoid wetting the bodies
of these plants while they are in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun can
suffer sun burning, which can lead to scars or even fungal infections
and death. In winter keep completely dry at 10°C, but it can tolerate
sporadic light frost.
Propagation: They are easily grown from seed!
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Family:
Cactaceae
(Cactus
Family)
Scientific Name: Ferocactus
gatesii G. E. Linds.
In: Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles) 27(5):
150-151. 1955.
Origin:
Mexico, only known from the islets in the mouth of the Bahia de los
Angeles in the gulf of California (Smith Islands group in the Sea of
Cortez).
This species appears
to be
relictual from cooler times
when F. cylindraceus reached
further south in the in the northern peninsula of California.
Habitat: Coastal fog desert
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES appendix 2.
Synonyms:
- Ferocactus gracilis subsp. gatesii
(G. E. Linds.) N. P. Taylor
In: Cactaceae Consensis Init. 6:16. 1998
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Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties,
forms and cultivars of
plants belonging to the Ferocactus peninsulae/wislizenii
complex
(This
Taxon has various synonyms ( like many other cacti)
whit several controversial varieties and subspecies and comprises a
multitude of different forms, but where each form is linked to others by
populations of plants with intermediate characteristics):
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