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Rebutia heliosa var. densipectinata KK849 Jucanas, Tarija,
Bolivia 2800-3000 m.
This form comprises the clones of the species with dark red
flowers, and larger heads. It
has very short spines arranged on globes so that
it looks like orbs covered with small, white spiders.
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Description:
Small clumping cactus with
very short spines arranged on globes
so
that it looks like orbs covered with small, white spiders.
It
readily forms a
clustering
mound.
The variety “condorensis”
specifically
describes the clones of the species with dark red flowers, and larger
heads.
Stem: Deep
green to brown , 3(-4) cm wide, rarely higher than 4 cm.
Spines: Very short,
whitish to pale brown, spider-like.
Flower:
Large dark-red,
funnel-shaped, long -necked, 4 cm in diameter, 5 cm long.
Blossoming
time:
Profusely flowering in
spring. (Rebutias
are
self-fertilizing
but aylosteras are not,
and the latter can be fooled by introducing foreign pollen and then
re-pollinating with its own pollen.)
Photo of
conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Rebutia
heliosa:
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Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus
Family)
Scientific Name:
Rebutia heliosa v. condorensis
JD Donald
Ashingtonia 3 (5/6): 143 (1979), 1980.
The R. helosa v.
condorensis is very similar if not the same as R. heliosa
var. albopectinata. The only difference is the
stigma colour, that is white in condorensis and pale
green in albopectinata.
Distribution: Bolivia (Tarija, Condor pass)
Habitat: It is found in mountainous areas at an
altitude around 2500 m 3000 m over sea level.
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES Appendix II
Synonyms:
- Rebutia heliosa subsp. condorensis
- Rebutia heliosa var. albopectinata
- Aylostera heliosa var. condorensis
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This attractively spined species has bright red flowers sprouting from
the plant's base.
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Cultivation:
These small growing
plants come from
mountainous areas, so
they
like bright light,
and
cool and
dry conditions in the
winter.
This
is important for the
flowers as well as for their
health. Without
this
cool winter period (0-10° C) they normally won't
get many
buds. They
have thick
taproot and are of difficult cultivation,
and
rot prone because of a great
sensitivity to
excessive
watering.
It isn't
easy to get them to
grow to a large
size on their own roots,
and it's really a
challenge to get them
to grow into a
large
clump. They
are commonly
grafted to avoid root problems,
and to make easier to grow.
Suited
for
bright exposure; but
they
can tolerate sunny
exposure.
Suited for
airy exposures.
It is a
small container-size
plant and prefers a
deep pot and good
drainage
to accommodate its
tap root..
It will occupy a small pot comfortably and eventually remain a
manageable sized house plant.
It is very cold
resistant to
as low as to -10° C or less,
for short periods of time.
It
is a fine plant for a rock garden or container,
and
contrasts well with
agaves, yuccas, and low-growing flowering plants. This variety is also
likely to flower as a house plant, but results will depend on a variety
of growing conditions.
Pests &
diseases:
R. heliosa
It is especially
prone to root rot,
therefore,
underpot
in a smaller container filled with very
porous compost.
Propagation: By cuttings
as it branches freely from the base; Also can be grown from seeds
or graft. Seeds can be sown in the spring
or summer. The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well
rooted, after which they can be planted
separately in small pots.
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