Is there a name for this problem?

[David48]

Earlier in the summer my Echinocereus started to grow in a scar tissue sort of way from its apex, (best way I can describe it), then it seems that the growing apex has completely sealed and no further growth of any kind looks possible. I am sure there has been no external damage as in pests, although it was exposed to direct sun in the garden, but this is not what you might expect from scorching. Yesterday I received a plant from an Ebay seller with the same apparent issue (seller has agreed to replace the plant, a Sulcorebutia heinzii). Is there a name for this condition? What causes it? I have not worked out how to upload an image here, so I will post a link to the BCSS Facebook group which has photos of the issue I have raised: https://www.facebook.com/groups/434020283466998/

[habanerocat]

Scroll down the page, click on attachments, add files, place inline. Best uploaded from your PC.
There are size restrictions listed in a more detailed guide here somewhere.

Looks like cristate growth to me.

[Stuart]

There is an ebay seller selling Dutch plants they call Sulcorebutia Heinzii which are actually Sulcorebutia Arenacea - looks like they have little knowledge of cacti and are trying to name plants from Google images!. Same seller is selling grafted cacti claimed to be grafted on Euphorbia stock!! Sulcorebutia Arenacea can often have a growing point that just seems to either semi-crest or just stop with smooth growth and no spines. It seems normal for that particular species at a certain size and doesn't show any cultural faults.
Stuart

[Jim_Mercer]

I have not worked out how to upload an image here, so I will post a link to the BCSS

The img button is for inserting a link (not recommended) you need to click on the attachments tab below the dialogue box, then add files, select your photo, upload your file then place inline at the appropriate point in your text.

The image on facebook is small enough for uploading to this forum so here it is....

[DaveW]

With Echinocereus, growth (flowers, offsets etc) will often burst through the tissue above an areole. I would wait and see therefore since the growing point may yet burst through that apical tissue in the same way.

[David48]

Thank you for the above advice. Chagrin if "heinzii" is really "arenacea". I have returned my plant for a replacement. Thank you for attachment advise. I am attaching a photo of my received plant. This was my Ebay seller, with "heinzii" for sale:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sulcorebutia- ... SwYIxYBKAx

[Stuart]

Yes - that's Arenacea, it will have yellow flowers, not red as in the ebay description. It's the same seller who seemed to think cacti were grafted on euphorbias! Looks to be more of a garden centre and only a short way from here but I've not heard of them. I'd throw out a plant like that that had lost its growing point, certainly wouldn't sell one like that.
Stuart

[Tony R]

I'd throw out a plant like that that had lost its growing point, certainly wouldn't sell one like that.
Stuart

Indeed, but as an excellent nurseryman, you would remove the offsets first for further propagation

[Tony R]

It's the same seller who seemed to think cacti were grafted on euphorbias! Looks to be more of a garden centre and only a short way from here but I've not heard of them. Stuart

Stuart, Since you live only 12 miles away from Paula perhaps you should pay her a visit and offer her some friendly advice. Take a BCSS membership leaflet and a Brighton Branch programme too

[juster]

It's very annoying for you David, that you have been sold a damaged and incorrectly named plant; I suppose at least you can only learn from the experience. For comparison, here's a photo of my S. heinzii, part of a plant bought years ago from a (I hope!) reputable nurseryman. The main plant died a couple of years back and I managed to save just this small piece.