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Ferocactus pottsii (Salm-Dyck) Backeb.
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Echinocactus pottsii |
| Common Name: | Biznaga |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 90 cm |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 45 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
| CITES Protection | True (Appendix II) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Barrel cactus with a round to cylindrical shape up to 0.9 m tall (sometimes more). |
|---|---|
| Stems | Bluish green stem is composed of ribs with broad bases and narrow edges (approximately triangular in cross-section). Ribs are lined with clusters of stiff, needle-like spines, having 1 central spine (7.5 cm long) and 3-8 radial spines (3-4 cm long). The spines emerge from white, elongated, wooly bumps known as areoles. The edge of the rib slightly protrudes below each areole. New spines are cream-coloured with reddish tints, turning whitish as they mature. |
| Flowers | Yellow or peach-coloured flowers are funnel-shaped and composed of triangular tepals (petals and sepals that look similar to each other). |
| Habitat | Occurs among deciduous vegetation at altitudes of 240-1000 m. |
| Cultivation | This species requires well-drained soil. Avoid splashing water on the stem, because wet plants can be burned under full sun. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'pottsii' is named after John Potts, the manager of a mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
| Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Peach |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31834 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6234 |
| 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. |
