Accepted Scientific Name: Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN
Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Garden origin (hybrid?), Taiwan.
Synonyms:
Description: Eriosyce islayensisSN|1713]]SN|1713]] "TAIWAN" is a beautiful cultivars with flat proliferating stems. It has very large woolly creamy-white areoles and short, thin spines. The flowers are pink, a very unusual colour for an islaya, this suggest that it may be an hybrid form.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Eriosyce islayensis group
- Eriosyce islayensis (C.F.Först.) Katt.: has globose to cylindrical stems with very woolly areoles and dark spreading spines, the different wild populations constitute a single but multiform species. Distribution: Northern Chile along the coast, to southern Peru (just south of Lima)
- Eriosyce islayensis subs. grandis (Rauh & Backeb.) G.J.Charles
- Eriosyce islayensis subs. omasensis (Ostolaza & Mischler) G.J.Charles
- Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN: has flat proliferanting stems with large very wooly areoles and short, thin spines. The flowers are pink. Garden origin (Hybrid?)
- Islaya brevicylindrica Rauh & Backeb.: has short cylindrical stems. Distribution: Rio Ocoña to Camana, Southern Coast of Arequipa, Peru.
- Islaya copiapoides Rauh & Backeb.: has few stout spines. Distribution: Rio Ocoña to Camana, Southern Coast of Arequipa in the middle of Islaya territory, Peru.
- Islaya copiapoides var. chalaensis F.Ritter: Has fewer very strong spines. Distribution: North of Chala, along the coast and inland of Arequipa, Peru in the middle of Islaya territory.
- Islaya divaricatiflora F.Ritter: It has mostly red-violet flowers and shorter spines. Distribution: Camana and adjacent areas, Arequipa, Peru.
- Islaya grandiflorens Rauh & Backeb.: has large flowers (the larger of the Islayas) and white wooly crown. Distribution: Chala to Tacna, Southern Coast of Arequipa, Peru.
- Islaya grandiflorens var. spinosior Rauh & Backeb.: has large yellow flowers and many strong spines. Distribution: Chala, Southern Coast of Arequipa, Peru.
- Islaya krainziana F.Ritter: has strong somewhat columnar stems that can reach 75 cm high (the taller of the islayas). Distribution: It is the only Chilean population of "Islaya", located around Poconchile above Arica, very near the Peruvian border.
- Islaya longicarpa Kníže: has very long fruits. Distribution: along the coast near Atico, Peru.
- Islaya maritima F.Ritter: Distribution: Atico, Peru.
- Islaya paucispina Rauh & Backeb.: is similar to "lindleyi" and "chalaensis" (if not the same) but usually with stronger spines. Distribution: Chala, Peru.
- Islaya solitaria n.n.: has often solitary spherical or cylindrical stems up to 20 cm tall and 10 cm in diameter, lime-blue or grey-green. Distribution: Camana Pampa, Peru.
- Neoporteria lindleyi C.F.Först.: has fewer and shorter spines.
Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Islaya cv. TAIWAN (Eriosyce islayensis cv. TAIWAN) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Send a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: It is an extremely xerophytic, summer-growing, species somewhat rot prone if kept in a non ventilated place.
Growth rate: Slow-growing.
Soil: It requires a very fast draining drying open mineral, sandy-gritty cactus composts. Provide a very good drainage.
Exposure: It is suited for sunny-brightly exposure, but can tolerate light shade. However it will do its best only with lots of sun and become stressed with inadequate light which could result in poor growth and unnatural shape. It has a good heat tolerance.
Watering: Water regularly in summer, but do not over-water and keep it completely dry during winter. Mature individuals easily rot and die especially after transplanting so be extremely cautious with watering. Keep dry in winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Water it less than average if in bigger pots.
Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Special need: It is suited for airy exposures. Provide very good ventilation. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. They must have very dry atmosphere.
Hardiness: It likes warmth (recommended minimum winter temperature 5° C), but hardy to at least -5°C. It has a good heat tolerance.
Pests & diseases: These cacti may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for.
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the plants from above.
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Scales, thrips and aphids: These insects are rarely a problem.
- Rot: Rot is only a minor problem if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
Propagation: Grafting or cuttings. Plants are usually grafted onto column-shaped cacti but proved to be able to produce their own roots if degrafted. Cuttings will take root in a minimum temperature of 20° C (but better in hot weather). Cuttings of healthy shoots can be taken in the spring and summer. Cut the stem with a sharp, sterile knife, leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a week or weeks (depending on how thick the cutting is) until a callus forms over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a surface layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings should root in 2 to 6 weeks. Large crested piece must be placed on the soil surface without burying the plant base down in the soil.