|
Carnegia gigantea forma cristata
The crested
Saguaro is a rare and very valuable plant, sought after by cactus
collectors.
|
 |
The
cause of cresting: The cause of cresting is not fully explained; biologists
disagree as to why some saguaros grow in this unusual form. Some
speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of
lightning strike or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the
growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line,
which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested
saguaros are somewhat rare (1 in 250,000), cresting occurs naturally
throughout the range of the Saguaro, and can be encountered in many
other cactus species.
In the
ontogenesis
a crest can appear any time, but development of crests on large
columnar
cactus species ( such as the saguaro Carnegia gigantea) in the
early
stages
of ontogenesis is unlikely. On the other hand, small species may crest
early already at the
cotyledons
stage.
Propagation: Grafting, since cutting root hardly. |
Culture: Saguaros grow very slowly and are
cold intolerant. Make sure that your saguaros are not exposed to
freezing temperatures, or they may die. The plant needs a well drained soil mix. Water regularly in summer, but allow to dry
fully before watering again. During the winter months they should be
rather kept dry. Since they are big sized plants, they need plenty of space
for their roots. Repotting should be done every other year, or when the
plant has outgrown its pot. Exposure: Light shade
when young, full sun later.
|
|
Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and
cultivars of Lobivia (Echinopsis) pentlandii .
of
plants belonging to the Lobivia...
complex
(This
Taxon
has lots of synonyms
(like most Lobivia), with several controversial varieties and subspecies):
|
|
|
Cultivation and Mail Sale 
