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  Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata
 
CACTUS ART
NURSERY

Cultivation and Mail Sale
of Cacti and Succulents.


Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata (Dinosaur Back Plant) is an interesting waxy blue cactus
that forms a tree-like trunk which has a tendency to fan out clustering over one another. Occasionally, when new branches form out from a crest they may revert to the normal growth pattern, giving rise to a more bizarre appearance.

 

Description: There are several crested clones of Myrtillocactus geometrizans that have a tendency to fan out, some will form stable crests while others (the more common) just cluster over one another. Regardless, both types make for a spectacular landscape attraction.
Flowers & fruit: In the summer, delicate looking cream colour flowers (2.5-3.7 cm) appear, decorating the cacti’s entire body, succeeded by a tiny very sweet, edible,  plum-like fruit.
 

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Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Myrtillocactus geometrizans.

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cacti and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery MYRTILLOCACTUS


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Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Scientific Name: Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console, 1897
Forma cristata

Origin Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Common Names include: Crested Blue Myrtle, Dinosaur Back Plant, Crested Blue Candle; Crested Blue Flame.

 




 

Culture: The crests are frequently grafted onto a normal a Myrtillocactus trunk but are easily grown on their own roots. Any normal shoots should be removed to promote the growth of the crest
This cactus tolerates exposure to full sun and generally welcomes moderate watering.They are semi hardy. Make sure that your Myrtillocacti are not exposed to temperatures below -4°C, or they may die.  Nevertheless it is good advice never let the night-time temperature fall below 10°C.  Water regularly in summer, but allow to dry fully before watering again.  It needs a well-drained soil mix, with small gravel added to ensure drainage.  During the winter months plants should be rather kept dry, and water is restricted to only enough to keep the stems and branches from shrivelling. Since they are big-sized plants need plenty of space for their roots, repotting should be done every other year, or when the plant has outgrown its pot.  Exposure: Light shade when young, full sun later.

Propagation: Cuttings in summer (Cuttings will root only in hot weather. Cuttings must be kept very dry to root).

 


 

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Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art files are now available also in the new the Enciclopedia of Cacti. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.