(Photograph = Gymnocalycium quehlianum, Craig Howe)
Introduction
Gymnocalycium is a widespread genus of cacti in western-central South America. The plants are small and globular (often with flat surfaces). The various species grow on the eastern side of the Andes Mts where they receive more precipitation than many other South American cacti.
The Details
G. quehlianum comes from the northern part of Argentina. It may be called the chin cactus, a name that refers to the bumpy areoles on its surface. The cactus is not large, perhaps 2-in tall by 4(5)-in wide, but it may occur in small groups. It is a gray-green plant, perhaps with a pink or red cast on areoles. Plants in habitat may appear brownish due to the many brick-colored areoles.
G. quehlianum grows from about 50 ft to nearly 3000 ft in elevation, and it is not particularly cold hardy. The flowers are white with red or dark pink throats. Like most Gymnocalycium species, G. quehlianum is easy to grow in pots if it receives adequate sun, is not over watered, and has good drainage.
Additional Reading: Gymnocalycium Book
