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Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum is a variable species first described as Echinocactus bodenbenderianus in 1928 by Carl Curt Hosseus (1878-1950). A year later, Alwin Berger (1871-1931) reclassified it into the genus Gymnocalycium.
Scientific Name
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum (Hosseus) A.Berger
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus bodenbenderianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Gymnocalycium
Etymology
The varietal epithet «bodenbenderianum» (pronounced bod-en-ben-der-ee-AH-num) honors the German geologist Wilhelm Bodenbender (1857-1941).
Origin
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum is native to Argentina. It is widespread in the provinces of Catamarca, Santiago del Estero, Córdoba, La Rioja, San Juan, and San Luis at elevations ranging from 330 to 3,610 feet (100 to 1,100 m).
Description
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum is a small cactus with brownish-green to grey-green, disc-shaped stems that have 11 to 15 low, rounded, and tuberous ribs. In its natural habitat, the stems barely extend above the soil surface, reaching a height of up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) and a diameter of 3.2 inches (8 cm). Each areole bears 3 to 7 strong, backward-curved spines that are blackish-brown at first but turn gray with age. The spines can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
From late spring to fall, Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum produces flowers ranging from whitish to light pink with a narrow tube with green scales tinged with brown. The flowers can reach a diameter of 2.4 inches (6 cm) and appear near the tip of the stems. The fruits are blue-green, egg-shaped, and can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, sometimes longer, with a diameter of up to 0.4 inches (1 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum
Light: During the hottest months, this cactus requires some light shading from the sun. However, too much shade can cause a loss of flowers.
Soil: Good drainage is essential for the healthy growth of Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum. You can either use a commercial cactus soil mix or make your own.
Temperature: This cactus can tolerate high temperatures but is not cold-hardy. Bring it indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Water your Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During winter, when the plant goes dormant, cut but back on watering.
Fertilizing: Although this cactus does not need much fertilizing, providing occasional nutrients will keep it healthy and extend the time needed before repotting. There is no need to fertilize during the winter dormancy.
Repotting: It is recommended to repot this cactus every two years into a pot that is either the same size or slightly larger. The best time for repotting is late winter or early spring.
Propagation: You can propagate Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum in two simple ways: from seeds or by removing offsets. The best time to remove offsets is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Late spring and early summer are ideal for sowing seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Gymnocalycium.
Toxicity of Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum
Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum has no reported toxic effects. However, keep it away from pets and children due to its sharp spines.
Links
- Back to genus Gymnocalycium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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