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Oreocereus trollii Kupper
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Oreocereus crassiniveus, Oreocereus irigoyenii |
| Common Name: | Old Man of the Mountain, Old Man of the Andes |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Succulent Plant |
|---|
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Argentina, Bolivia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Mountain) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Highland / Montane |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Clump-forming succulent with columnar stems. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Stems are densely covered in long, white hairs and armed with orange to reddish brown, conical spines. |
| Habitat | This species is naturally found in dry, mountainous regions. |
| Cultivation | It grows best in fertile, well-drained soils. Allow the soil to dry before re-watering. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Sucker |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red, Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Size | 4 cm |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31743 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6142 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |