Argentina &Chile --- Nov 2008 -- Day14 -- Cafayate to Salta --- 185 km

[alain]

Lobivia chrysantha grows much higher in the Quebrada del Toro (~2500-3000m). It is a little plant (until 5-7 cm diam) with taproot. The body is at the level of the ground.
It grows with Gymno spegazzinii, Eriosyce umadeave, Tr. pasacana, Cumulopuntia boliviana....
[attachment 22266 lobchrys.jpg]


alain

[alain]

In my opinion, your plants are Echinopsis albispinosa/silvestrii.
THis one is from low altitude area (below 1500m).
We find similar plants near Cabra coral (much more deshydrated) :
[attachment 22267 ech_albp.jpg]

alain

[Mike P]

Hi Alain
I dug out Willy's original list for the trip and I discover that Echinopsis silvestrii is listed at this stop. (Alemania)
Willy's site also lists it as Echinopsis silvestrii at this site. I must admit I have forgotten to check this source recently.

[David_L]

In that case I'm a little puzzled about this smaller and more spiny plant seen at this locality. Is it the same plant responding to a more exposed situation or something different. Is this a form of Lobivia aurea perhaps?


[attachment 22268 Lobivia_sp.jpg]

[David_L]

This is the kind of habitat along the stream bed. Like many of the places we visited, it was an excellent place to twist an ankle.

[attachment 22269 scenery.jpg]

[David_L]

Further up the path we encountered two Gymnocalyciums. This is Gymnocalycium saglionis, a nice fat bright green plant.

[attachment 22270 Gymnocalycium_saglionis.jpg]

[David_L]

A closer view.

[attachment 22271 Gymnocalycium_saglionis2.jpg]

[David_L]

At the highest point I reached along the path I found this very different plant. I believe this is Gymnocalycium (schickendantzii v.) delaetii. The 'mountain goats' went further up the path and may have seen other delights as well.


[attachment 22272 Gymnocalycium_sp.jpg]

[Mike P]

[attachment 22297 eeeeeeeeeeee1.jpg]
And again with flower buds.

[Mike P]

And another.
[attachment 22298 eeeeeeeeee1.jpg]