BCSS - Forum

First time I have had Tephrocactus microsphaericus in flower:

Interesting looking plant. I don't grow this group of genera. But they have some appeal!

Nice flower, Ralph. Now a Tunilla or Airampoa if you prefer.

Thanks Tony. Hmm, I must have some wires crossed here.

Lodé says Tephrocactus microsphaericus -> Tephrocactus alexanderi but this is clearly not Tephrocactus alexanderi.

Is it in fact Cumulopuntia sphaerica? Or if its a Tunilla, which is it?

Tunilla sp., like all of the others.

Phil_SK wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:23 pm Tunilla sp., like all of the others.

Yes, Ralph, this clone has been around in many collections in SE England at least, often labelled Opuntia microspherica, Airampoa microspherica, Tephrocactus microsphaericus, etc.
The Tephrocactus on this clone/label dates back to the 70s when most big opuntias were called opuntias and most small opuntias were called tephrocacti.
Someone thought it was like a minature form of T. alexanderi possibly eg based on the photo Fig. 422 in Backeberg's Lexicon but when you see it in the flesh it is clearly a Tunilla in Hunt's eyes (Airampoa in Mottram's eyes).

As Phil says Tunilla sp. is the best bet! But take your pick on T. corrugata, soehrensii, et al.
Nice flower, but It doesn't flower well for me nor it is the prettiest in body compared with many other Tunillas.

I reckon Bkb's photo is a poorly cultivated T. alexanderi. I have a plant that doesn't look much better (I'll take a pick when I get a chance and you can judge for yourself).

Thanks chaps. Time to get the labelling machine out.