tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

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mikethecactusguy
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tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

Post by mikethecactusguy »

2 of the nurseries I buy from here in Palm Desert Ca sell tephrocactus articulatus that are massive. Are these a variant from what would be considered a normal size. Pictures with measurements and then one a size comparison
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Mike The Cactus Guy
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7george
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Re: tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

Post by 7george »

Might be just very large rooted top segment held at optimal conditions and so. Haven't seen so big one so far.
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Tom in Tucson
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Re: tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

Post by Tom in Tucson »

That giant form has been cultivated for many years. I don't know anything about it's origin or provenience., but it is clearly distinct from the usual form.
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BryanT
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Re: tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

Post by BryanT »

Yes. Both are normal variation of Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus.
I have both of them. The large one still can grow a bit bigger than in your picture, and their spines are very impressive and beautiful.
For my own identification purposed (I saw some people did the same), I labelled the smaller one as Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus f. minor.
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Re: tephrocactus articulatus Variant?

Post by mikethecactusguy »

I was over at Mollers in Palm Desert 9 months ago and they had 12 of these babies. Each was almost 2 ft tall and at least 12 segments. Huge. They just had come in from a grower in New Mexico. All were sold. When I started going out to Mariscel cactus in desert hot springs they had 15 or so of the single segments, all rooted. None looked that healthy, so I stayed away form them. Most are still pathetic looking but a few have sprouted new segments. This one in particular caught my eye, so I bought it.
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