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Epithelantha bokei SB416 Brewster Co TX (The Button cactus) appear completely white and smooth to the
touch. The flowers are very delicate pale pink or yellowish. This is
considered by many the best Epithelantha of all.
Etymology:
The
genus name
"Epithelantha" derives from
the Greek word “Epi)”
meaning “upon, on, at,
over”; the Greek word “thele”
meaning “nipple” referring to the tubercles, and
“anthos
)”
meaning “flower”.
(The genus name
implies:
“flowers upon the tubercles”).The
species name "bokei"
Derives from the name of
Dr. Norman H. Boke of the University of Oklahoma prof. in
Biology-Plant Science.
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Morphology (Identifying
Characteristics):
Habit:
It is a is a slow growing mini cactus (usually solitary), with only
2-3 cm of stem height, covered so densely with closely appressed
tiny white spines that plants appear completely white and smooth to
the touch.
Flower: Flowers are a pale pink or yellowish, very
delicate, appearing in July.
Fruit:
Fruits are smooth,
approximately 1 cm long, bright red edible and enjoyed by birds.
Notes:
In period when water is available it is an almost completely rounded
cactus. In drought
periods, and during winter rest plants shrinks and draw back down to
ground level to conserve moisture.
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Cephalium ( A seven year old plant) |
It It is almost impossible to reproduce in a
photography the
lacy pattern of the spines. |
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Occasionally forms beautiful groups. |
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Family:
Cactaceae
(Cactus Family)
Scientific Name:
Epithelantha bokei
L. D. Benson 1969
Synonyms:
Epithelantha micromeris (Engelm.) A. Weber ex Britt. &
Rose var. bockei
(L. Benson) Glass & Foster
Common name
(s): “Boke's button cactus",
“smooth button”, “pingpong ball cactus
Listed in CITES Appendix
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 Distribution: Chihuahuan Desert of South Texas in
Brewster/Sanderson County and northern Mexico
Habitat: Grows in dense groups on rocky,
gravely soils on flat areas, raised limestone hills and ledges. |
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(Photo & © Copyright by Massimo Giannelli Italy E-mail:
treg@wooow.it )
Spines
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Cultivation and Mail Sale 
