BCSS - Forum

I am seeking assistance from the TSG members to identify my Tephrocactus, and possibly answer a care question. Is my plant putting on a new growth, and do they commonly tear their way through the dermis? I tend to grow my cacti hard, in the quest to keep them roughly the size they might appear in habitat. All opinions and comments appreciated.

I think you will find that it is Tephrocactus alexanderi , the form that is sometimes called var.bruchii.
Do they tear open when a new shoot appears ? I can't say I have noticed this but it could well do and that areole does look as if it is sending a new segment up.

RAYWOODBRIDGE wrote: ↑Thu Jun 17, 2021 12:52 pm I think you will find that it is Tephrocactus alexanderi , the form that is sometimes called var.bruchii.
Do they tear open when a new shoot appears ? I can't say I have noticed this but it could well do and that areole does look as if it is sending a new segment up.

Thank you so much, Ray. I shall make a label. And thanks for the comments on the growth. I was concerned that the dermal tear put the cactus at risk of moisture loss, but the growth has to issue from some point,

Can we see a side view? I wondered if it was T aoracanthus..

Mike P wrote: ↑Sun Jun 20, 2021 5:03 pm Can we see a side view? I wondered if it was T aoracanthus..

Side view, as requested.

babytoes1956 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 21, 2021 2:23 pm

Mike P wrote: ↑Sun Jun 20, 2021 5:03 pm Can we see a side view? I wondered if it was T aoracanthus..

Side view, as requested.2CBFD059-EDF1-4DDE-A49C-144681D4AE62.jpeg

Mike, you jogged my memory! This is Tephrocactus aoracanthus, that I purchased from a vendor in Bulgaria, of all places in September 2019. You also helped me to find the name of another plant I purchased at the same time from her, Maihueniopsis darwinii var hickenii. I learned a hard lesson, namely to make labels as soon as possible when you get new cacti! Invoices get misplaced so easily. Many thanks, my friend!

Definitely looks like T Aoracanthus. Here is my 5 segment columnar plant obtained, I believe, from Ralph Northcott 5 or 6 years ago at the Havering cactus mart. It's now 15 inches tall and puts on a new segment every year or two. As you can see the older segments seem to mark up (maybe cold/damp) and it has yet to flower or branch but I'm keeping it to see what develops. I must say the spines are the most vicious I have seen on an opuntia although they don't seem to be barbed.