Opuntia Blog

Othonna capensis

Othonna capensis is not an ice plant, but you could be forgiven for supposing it was. It has succulent little leaves that call an ice plant to mind, and both are from South Africa. And the cheery yellow flowers seem a bit ice plant-like.

However, O. capensis, also known as little pickles, is a member of the sunflower family. It is hardy into USDA climate zone 5 and loves a sunny spot.

You can buy O. capensis from Shoal Creek Succulents.

This lovely photo came labeled as Trichocereus formosus. So, my question is, what is the name for this plant when it is considered as a member of Echinopsis?

Note added later: Trichocereus formosus is known as Echinopsis formosa. However, a reader points out that the plant in the picture is probably a hybrid.

Unidentified Echinopsis

Echinocactus horizonthalonius

These big (grapefruit-sized) cacti were growing in the Big Bend region of Texas. They are Echinocactus horizonthalonius, a western relative of the Texas horse crippler cactus (Echinocactus texensis). E. horizonthalonius is also a relative of the Mojave Desert E. polycephalus.

E. horizonthalonius typically grows in limestone-derived soils with very good drainage.

Many forms of this cactus are hardy to USDA climate zone 6, but they resent over watering. E. horizonthalonius is common enough in far West Texas and south-central New Mexico.