Spinystar
Pelecyphora vivipara
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Robb Hannawacker, while working for Joshua Tree National Park (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Genus:
- Pelecyphora
- Species:
- Pelecyphora vivipara
- USDA Symbol:
- ESVI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 6 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers rocky substrates
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at warm temperatures (20-25°C) with light exposure. Fresh seed germinates more readily.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI