Description: This plant is
presumed to be a mutant form of
Lobivia densispina
a species that clusters easily from a large tap root. The
originality of the cultivar "Stern von Lorsch" (Literarily Star
of Lorsch) is due to the unique shape of the tepals that are very
narrow. The flowers remind bright yellow stars.
Stem: Ovoid greyish-green, dull green or brown-purplish-green up
to 8 cm tall and 5 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Approximately 17, ± notched, forming tubercles.
Areoles: Yellowish, somewhat sunken, about 5 mm apart.
Central spines: 1-2 brown, with darker tips straight or
somewhat curved. Larger at the base 0,5 cm long.
Radial spines: 7-12, appressed against the stem,
bristle-like, flexible cream to brownish, turn
greyish eventually
4 to 7 mm long
arranged like little spiders
and forming a close
network that shades the body.
Flowers: The flowers are golden-yellow with outer tepals oragish up to
6 cm long.
Blooming season: June to August.
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Cultivation: It is a summer grower
species that offers no cultivation
difficulties, but it is very slow growing. Water regularly in summer (but do not
overwater ) keep rather dry in winter.
Feed with a high
potassium fertilizer in summer.
It is quite cold tolerant if kept dry (hardy to -5° C).
Need a bright exposure, full sun
or half shade in summer.
Propagation: Grafting (usually used to speed the
discouraging slow growing rate of this plant), cutting.
Photo of plants belonging to the Lobivia
(Echinopsis) haematantha
complex
(This taxon has lots of synonyms (like most Lobivia) whit several
controversial varieties and subspecies):
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