Accepted Scientific Name: Gymnocalycium platense (Speg.) Britton & Rose
Cactaceae (Britton & Rose) 3: 163. 1922 [12 Oct 1922] Britton & Rose
Gymnocalycium platense var. ventanicola Photo by: Diego Armentano
Origin and Habitat: This taxon is relatively common in rocky areas and exposed parts in the higher parts of the Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Gymnocalycium platense
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Gymnocalycium platense (Speg.) Britton & RoseCactaceae (Britton & Rose) 3: 163. 1922 [12 Oct 1922]Synonymy: 9
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Description: This subspecies differs from the type species by a larger number of spines: 9-14 radial spines arranged in 3-6 pairs, occasionally with an additional poorly developed pair in the upper part of the areola. Central spines 1-5, straight, weakly developed in young specimens, about 2.5 cm long on mature plants. However the distinguishing characteristics of Gymnocalycium platenseSN|8057]]SN|21427]] var. ventanicola, appear to fall within the natural variation of Gymnocalycium platenseSN|21427]]SN|21427]] and most authors have dismissed ventanicola as perhaps not worthy of even varietal status, but it still has a value for a collector because they identify plants with particular characters.
Similar species: It is close to Gymnocalycium gibbosumSN|21427]]SN|8057]] (DC) Pfeiff which is distinguished by its olive green or slightly purple spherical stem, thinner spines, and rather large flowers with smaller receptacles.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Gymnocalycium platense group
- Gymnocalycium platense (Speg.) Britton & Rose: stem usually unbranched, depressed. Flowers with long tube, white with a reddish throat. Radial spines 3 to 7, centrals usually absent. Distribution: Córdoba and Buenos Aires Province.
- Gymnocalycium platense var. ventanicola (Speg.) R.Kiesling: has more spines: 9-14 radials, and 1-5 centrals, about 2.5 cm long on mature plants. Higher parts of the Sierra de la Ventana, Buenos Aires.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Till H., Armerhauser H., Till W. “Neourdnung der Gattung Gymnocalycium – Teil II.” Gymnocalycium 21 (Sonderheft). P 815-838 (2008)
Gymnocalycium platense var. ventanicola Photo by: Diego Armentano Gymnocalycium platense var. ventanicola Photo by: Diego Armentano Cultivation and Propagation: Gymnocalycium platenseSN|21427]]SN|21427]] var. ventanicola is very easy to grow, these plants offer no cultivation difficulties.
Watering Needs: Moderate to copious in summer, keep dry in winter.
Frost Tolerance: Quite frost resistant if kept dry -10° C (Temperature Zone: USDA 8-10).
Cultural Practices: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade.
Propagation: Seeds (seldom produces offsets).