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Description: E.
islayensis is a small
globose to
cylindrical cactus with very woolly areoles end dark spreading
spines, it is indeed very
variable and has received many names, but it is clear from fieldworks
that the different wild populations constitute a single but multiform
species.
Stems: Grey-green, 5 to 40 cm
tall (or more long), 5 to 20 cm in diameter.
Ribs: 19 to 25 low and obtuse.
Areoles: Approximate, very
woolly, with grey-brown felt
Roots: Fibrous.
Spines: Variable in colour, horn-coloured, brow to shiny black,
turning grey as they age.
Central spines: 4 to 7 spreading, thick, 12-16 mm long.
Radial spines: 12 to 22, shorter, radiating, (1-)6-10 mm long.
Flowers: Diurnal, 1,5 - 4 cm long and in diameter, born on
younger areoles from a yellowish
woolly crown in summer, wide
funnelform, yellow, outer perianth segments often reddish, floral tube
short with tufts of dense wool and long reddish bristles.
Fruit: Characteristic, up to 5 cm long, club shaped,
balloon-like, pinkish to red, openings at maturity by basal pores.
Pericarp initially fleshy but the interior always dry when mature.
Seeds: Broadly oval.
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Cultivation:
It is a
summer grower species that, like many
cacti of the Peruvian deserts, present some problems in cultivation.
It is in fact somewhat
rot prone if kept in a non
ventilated place. Require a very fast draining drying soil,
water regularly in summer, but do not overwater.
Needs a
full sun exposure (or
light shade) Good heat tolerance.
Hardy to at least -5°C ( but probably can tolerate - 10° C for brief
periods)
Mature plants imported from the native habitats usually
did not take roots.
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Photo of conspecific taxa,
varieties, forms and cultivars of plants
belonging to the
Eriosyce (Islaya) islayensis
complex
(This
Taxon
has lots of synonyms whit several controversial varieties and subspecies
and comprises a
multitude of different forms, but where each form is linked to others by
populations of plants with intermediate characteristics):
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