craig noted The problem with M. madisoniorum, it's so easy to scar, and the spines break off with the slightest touch You are right. They do not age well. Spine production and retention has been a question on these for some time. My observation is that it is quite related to the individual clone and...

d5133_mad-crop.jpg maja wrote Is that really Matucana madisoniorum? It looks totaly different that mine do. Yours is much taller than this two: M. madisoniorum comes in many forms and shapes. It has spent years in commercial production so most of the ones you see are the result of repeated selectio...

Hi, Here I sit in the midst of strawberry country. In San Luis Obispo county, they are the 2nd leading crop in $$, trailing only grapes. When I am asked for help, I always recommend this link http://ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/strawberries.html All you could ever wish to know about this crop. C...

I like the expansion program!! Looks like your illness is now terminal

Now you only need to add some shelves up high, and a few under bench. Keep the center aisle clear for the big stuff! Excess space is very temporary.

Off to HBG for CSSA Show tomorrow. Got any requests?

Cheers ... GeneS

Stolon? I did not know morricalii is one of those. Definately not a stolon :oops: but perhaps, a rhizome? (stolons are above ground shoots) I've not noticed these either , nor would have expected them but, I have several of these in 6" and up pots. Guess its time to go dig up a few. Sure you d...

Weingartia neumanniana x rauschii a hybrid

Very interesting! Looking forward to seeing the F2 versions!

Loved this group for many years until space dictated that something had to go! Now that I have some room ...

Cheers ... GeneS

Our show is over and was a great success. The largest entry we have had to date - 541 plants were judged, many awards given and the Vendors sold lots of plants, pots etc. Some of which that hopefully, will return in future years as show entries To see some show images - although late, click here The...

Not the best photo, but a plant I would love to share ...
Echinocereus sheeri ssp koehresii - L1143 -- seed sown Feb 2002 and now happy and flowering in the bed outside my greenhouse.

seed was brown in my fruits That's correct. The fruit will dehisce vertically when ripe. Just wait for it before collecting as the seed will not fall out without some help. It appears to have good storage life as well. I have germinated seed that was 5-10 years old with good results. Cheers ... Gene

Looks more like pure heat damage to me. Perhaps you have them a bit close to the side wall or glass where there is little or no air circulation. Late afternoon sun as well if my guess is correct. If it were just sun/UV damage I would expect the new tender growth at the apex to show the first damage....

Pretend this came to your mailbox!

Click to get your invitation.

Yes, this weekend - Ludwick Center - San Luis Obispo, CA
Full details here.

Hope to see some of you there ... GeneS

One more way to really confuse this id has crossed my mind. F. californicus ... the 1836 Monville name that has been mentioned but discarded as a probable hybrid (due to being described only from cultivation) by Lindsay and others but, is suggested by images in the Wolf's book. A hybrid? Guesses inc...

what are you trying to say Gene?

The short explanation would be that location and habitat data are far more important then names:-)

Your suggestion is though, a better fit with ICBN guidelines

Cheers ... Gene

I think that your plant will remain a mystry for a few more years. At this size, feros of this group are almost impossible to tell apart. It is easier to tell what is is not then to identify. The obvious yellow fruit (from the image) and dry seeds place it with the gracilis, fordii, peninsulae, etc ...

I had posted these previously but didn't show in search so were probably lost in the recent troubles. Anyway, I found them and here they are http://dgimages.smugmug.com/gallery/1136297_jgpm2K#!i=1834144632&k=C3BP9Js" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; http://dgimages.smugmug...