|
Description: The
standard C. montana is a
geophytic cactus arising from a large tuberose root. It is at first
solitary but can slowly branch from the base to form large clump up to
50 cm tall, the crested form here described is very rare and only fuound
in specialized collections.
Roots: Tuberous.
Stem: Pale green or olive green eventually lightly tinged with
brown in the sun, globular flattened in the young plant, later columnar,
5 to 10 cm across.
Ribs: 10 to 17 prominent, divided into large tubercles about 7 mm
high.
Areoles: Round. up to 10 mm large and covered with white or brown
felt.
Spines: Straight or slightly curved, brownish-black to black
(later grey). The radial spines - 4 to 6 - are 2 cm long, the central
spines - 1 to 3 - stronger and about 2 cm long as well.
Flowers: The flowers arise on the crown, often several at a time,
nearly hidden in the dense wool. They are glossy, pale yellow, with
broad limb, 5.5 cm in diameter, and with a faint scent. The filaments,
anthers and style are yellow, the 7 to 12 lobed stigma darker. The ovary
measures about 1 cm across. It is one of the first species to flower,
even 2 to 3 year old seedlings may bloom.
Blooming season: Flowers throughout the whole summer.
Seed: Small, black glossy.
|
Cultivation
and Mail Sale 
