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.

This is one of the choicest and priced crested cacti with white spineless woolly areoles.
 

Description: Notocactus scopa forma mostruosa criasta is one of the most distinctive and unmistakable crested plant. It’s very different from the common long and dense spiny form of Notocactus scopa.
Areoles : Spineless with a short white wool, they are arranged geometrically and contrast with the stem.
Spines: Usually absent, a few small bristly spines are occasionally produced in the flowering areoles.
 

Cultivation: The grafted plants are easy to grow and will form a large brain-like mounds  with age.  Watering during the active growing season (spring and summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent the plant from shrivelling.
The plant on their own roots are is of relatively easy culture. Need some direct sun to stay compact but is tolerant and prefers light shade during the hot Summer months.  It need a well drained soil mix. Water generously during the summer but allow to dry fully before watering again. During the winter months they should be rather kept dry. Repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated only vegetatively by grafting or cuttings.

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of  plants belonging to the Notocactus scopa complex:

• Notocactus scopa
• Notocactus scopa "inermis"
• Notocactus scopa "inermis" forma cristata
• Notocactus schlosseri
• Notocactus schlosseri  forma cristata
• Notocactus sulphureus (N. scopa succineus)

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Origin:  Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES Appendix II

Synonyms:

• Parodia scopa forma inermis cristata
• Notocactus scopa forma mostruosa
• Notocactus scopa cv. Monstrous forma cristata
• Notocactus  scopa 'Monstrosus' f. cristata

Etymology: The form name “inermis” derives from the Latin adjective “inermis” meaning "unarmed, weaponless, defenceless; toothless; stingless, spineless”
(The specific name implies: “not spiny”)
The form name "cristata" derives from the Latin adjective “cristatus” meaning "crested, tufted” (The specific name implies: “having the form of  a crest, tufted”)
 

The line meristematic zone.

This is a  very nice and instantly recognizable crest. The candid white areoles contrast whit the dark green stem.  This is the crested form of the monstrous form (cv "Inermis") of the common Notocactus scopa.

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.