Accepted Scientific Name: Leuchtenbergia principis
Curtis's Botanical Magazine 74: pi. 4393. 1848; et: Salm-Dyck. Cact. 177 (1850)
Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
A plant raised from seeds bought on Köhres seed catalogue (Plant nr. 9459)
Origin and Habitat: North-central Mexico (San Luis Potosi, Chihuahua) Although occurring over a rather large area, these cacti are sparsely scattered and can be difficult to localize.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Leuchtenbergia principis
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Leuchtenbergia principis Hook.Curtis's Botanical Magazine 74: pi. 4393. 1848; et: Salm-Dyck. Cact. 177 (1850)Synonymy: 7
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Common Names include:
ENGLISH: Prism Cactus, Cob Cactus, Agave Cactus
Description: The "thachythele" variety is reported to be distinguished from standard "Leuchtembergia principis" by its rough, sandpaper-like epidermis, but the plants raised from the seeds bought on Köhres seed catalogue (Plant nr. 9459) are not rough at all but shows a strong habit with pruinose blu tubercles that tinge purple during winter rest. Spines are very long too.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Leuchtenbergia principis group
Notes: Leuchtenbergia is a monotypic genus (having only a single species). However, despite its very different appearance it is closely related to Ferocactus and hybrids have been created between these two genera. This hybrid are known with the name Ferobergia.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug./2011
2) David Hunt, Nigel Taylor “The New Cactus Lexicon” DH Books, 2006
3) Edward F. Anderson “The Cactus Family” Timber Press, 2001
4) Nathaniel Lord Britton, Joseph Nelson Rose “Cactaceae: Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family” Volume 3, 1922
5) Fitz Maurice, B & Fitz Maurice, W.A. 2013. Leuchtenbergia principis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 10 September 2014.
Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Cactus Art Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Cactus Art Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Cactus Art Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Cactus Art Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele Photo by: Cactus Art Cultivation and Propagation: It grow easily from seed in cultivation. Despite being revered by many collectors, they are not too difficult. The Leuchtenbergia has a strong tap root and should have a deep pot to accommodate it. Water carefully, lack of water will make the tip of the tubercles yellow. Too much water will make it rot. Keep dry at minimum temperature of 5° C in winter although will tolerate brief periods to -8 degrees. Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade.
Propagation:: Seeds.