Note: The listings on this page are no longer current and should only be used for reference:
due to intractable events, losses and extensive damage to many plants these past seasons. For now, we are primarily taking orders from our Specimen Plant List [part-way down the homepage & updated monthly].
Our retail lists are in need of significant revision. In the interim, we’re not taking any seed orders (except the few Specimen or Auction listed seeds). You are welcome to make inquiries about plants on this page, but know our Specimen Plant List is the only reliable list to currently order from.
sacredsucculents@hushmail.com or benkamm@monitor.net
This will continue until our retail stock has sufficiently recovered and our lists have been revised — we hope to update the retail web pages and resume shipping seed by spring 2024.
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To assure we are distributing the highest level of genetic diversity, all of the plants we offer are grown from seed unless noted otherwise
Unless noted otherwise, cactus seed packets contain 25-70+ seeds.
The Cactus Family
For general cultivation info and details on how to easily grow cacti from seed see our cultivation page.
Genus Ariocarpus
Seven known species of small, slow growing, spineless, tubercled cacti. All species are native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico, with one species, A. fissuratus, extending up into southern Texas. Plants are generally found in very rocky terrain, often growing flush with the ground. Their large taproot reaches deep into the earth, enabling them to survive the harsh desert conditions. They are believed to live for hundreds of years. All species of this remarkable genera are extremely endangered due to habitat destruction from human activities and over collection for the cactus trade. Several species are revered for their medicinal and magical properties by indigenous peoples. The mucilage in the roots of most species is used as a glue. Plants are slow from seed and don’t grow into their mature flowering form until 5-8 years of age. Grafting seedlings can produce mature plants in as little as 1-3 years. In captivity, Ariocarpus need a potting mix of at least 50% pumice stone. Contrary to popular belief, these plants thrive with thorough and regular waterings during hot summer weather, provided they are well rooted and have optimal sun. A dry winter rest period is needed. Treated well they will produce an abundance of brilliant flowers September through December. All Z9a-b if kept dry. For Ariocarpus hybrids see our Rare Plant List.
Ariocarpus agavoides “Magueyito”
Small species with long, thin tubercles and deep magenta flowers. One of the rarest and most endangered of the genus, this plant grows in a very restricted area outside Tula, Tamaulipas near the town garbage dump! The roots are eaten by locals who relish their sweet flavor. This unique species has been considered on the brink of extinction as civilization encroaches, but luckily additional large populations have been discovered in San Luis Potosi, where the only major threat is wild goats.
sold out
Ariocarpus bravoanus (=Ariocarpus fissuratus v. bravoanus)
Centrally depressed stem to 3″ in diameter. Dark green triangular tubercles with papillose tips. White wooly central areoles and magenta flowers. Endemic to a single limestone habitat in remote northern San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This unique new species looks like an intermediate of A. agavoides and A. fissuratus. Critically endangered and overcollected, ex-situ propagation may help assure its long term survival.
1.5″+ plant 6–7 years old $20.50
Ariocarpus bravoanus ssp. hintonii (=Ariocarpus fissuratus v. hintonii)
Small flattened stem to 2.5″ in diameter. Intricately wrinkled triangular tubercles with wooly central furrows. Pink flowers. This Ariocarpus was discovered near Charcas, San Luis Potosi in 1984 and has since been found at two other sites near Matehuala. Only a few thousand plants are believed to exist in these restricted localities. Unfortunately these plants have already been heavily collected for the black market nursery trade. The late Charles Glass reported that this cactus is also gathered by locals for use in home remedies as pain killers. All of this collecting has seriously affected the wild populations and extinction looks imminent unless serious action is taken. Growing your own from seed may help relieve some pressure on the wild populations and will serve to provide plant material for the future investigation of the medicinal properties of this cactus.
Seed packet $4
Ariocarpus fissuratus “Hikuli Sunami”
The famous living rock cactus. Flattened stem, grayish to brownish green triangular tubercles with a deeply wrinkled surface and wooly central grooves. Large pink to magenta flowers. Grows in southern Texas and northern Mexico. Once utilized by the Tarahumara for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. It was said to be more powerful and effective than Lophophora. It was used externally for wound healing and internally to remedy fevers and relieve rheumatic pain. Pieces of tubercles were chewed by long distance runners for their stimulant properties. This beautiful cactus is believed to bring protection and good luck. Sadly, plants are still being illegally collected out of south Texas for the nursery trade. Grow your own!
Seed packet $4
Ariocarpus fissuratus v. lloydii
An incredible variety of the living rock cactus with smooth rounded tubercles, sometimes completely lacking a fissure. Tends to grow larger in width and heighth than the regular species. Pink purple flowers. Populations of this unusual Mexican plant occur near Parras, Coahuila and westwards towards Nazas, Durango. Has the same medicinal attributes as the type species.
Seed packet $4
1.5-2″+ plant 6-7 years old $22.50
Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus f. elephantidens
Much larger form than the typical species, rough pointed tubercles and huge purple flowers. Found near Vista Hermosa, Queretaro, where agricultural development and urban expansion is a serious threat to its continued survival. Most likely medicinal like other Ariocarpus. This rare variety is much favored by connoisseurs.
10 seed $4
Ariocarpus retusus “Tsuwiri” “Brujo”
Largest of the genus with pointed pyramidal blue-gray tubercles and white or occasionally pink flowers. The Huichol indians treat it with great respect. They believe it can trick a deceitful person into eating it, causing him to go mad with visions of his deception. Recent ethnobotanical research has revealed that certain well trained Huichol shamans consider it a powerful ally. Said to be a treatment for fevers. The peculiar habit of smoking the dried tubercle tips has become popular among some locals in Mexico. Though rare, this plant is widespread throughout central and northern Mexico and has many morphologically distinct forms.
Seed packet $4 (inquire for plants)
Ariocarpus retusus ‘Aguja’
A strain with triangular tubercles that are fat and somewhat rounded at the base but quickly narrow to a very slender, pointy tip with a tiny fuzzy areole. Wooly center, large white flowers thatfade pink. We’ve had several plants of this unique form in our collection for nearly 20 years.
10 seed $4
Ariocarpus retusus ssp.confusus
Claw-like, blue-green tuberlces that curve upwards at the tip, similar to A. trigonus. Large flowers, usually a bright magenta or occasionally pink-white. This unique subspecies occurs around Aramberri, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
10 seed $4
Ariocarpus retusus cv. Frumdosus
A cultivar with chunky triangular tubercles often wider than they are long, flat, smooth surfaced and lacking an areole at the tip. Wooly center and white flowers.
10 seed $4
Ariocarpus retusus v. furfuraceus
A northern form with shorter, more rounded tubercles and larger fuzzy areoles. Large white flowers that turn to pink as they fade.
Seed packet $4
2.5″+ plant 6+ years old $20.50 (Limited)
Ariocarpus retusus ‘San Rafael’
Relatively small form with long and slender gray-green tubercles. White flowers.
10 seed $3.50
Ariocarpus retusus v. scaphirostroides (= A. retusus v. brostawitzii)
Unusual variety that forms wide flat stems to 10″ across with long straight tubercles that often curve upward at the tips and have small areoles. San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Seed packet $4
2″+ plant 6+ years old $18.50
Ariocarpus retusus ssp. confusus X Ariocarpus fissuratus v. lloydi
Great hybrid! Pink flowered, pointy tubercled A. retusus ssp. confusus mated with the round tubercled A. fissuratus v. lloydii.
10 Seed $4
Ariocarpus trigonus “Chaute”
Bizzare species with dark green claw-like tubercles which curve towards the center of the plant. Bright yellow flowers. Occurs along the eastern edge of the Sierra Madre Oriental and on into some of the nearby valleys. Natural hybrids with A. retusus are known to occur.
Seed packet $4
2-2.25″+ plant 6-7 years old $20.50
Astrophytum asterias
Flattened globular cactus up to 7″ in diameter. 6–10 evenly divided ribs with round fuzzy areoles and white flecking. Large yellow flowers. Found in limited areas of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Grows in many of the same habitats as Lophophora which it closely resembles. Becoming increasingly endangered in the wild due to over collection and mostly habitat destruction through agricultural development. Easy and rewarding from seed. Prefers some shade and a soil mix with excellent drainage. Tolerant of mild frost if kept dry. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Astrophytum caput-medusae
Recently described endangered species, definitely the most bizarre of the genus, almost like a nest of snakes! Tuberous roots crowned by a rosette of long, very slender tubercles, speckled silver and tipped with insignificant spines. Bright yellow flowers. Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Z10a
sold out
Astrophytum myriostigma v. quadricostatum “Bishop’s Cap”
Chunky globular cactus to 6″ in diameter and height. This rare and much sought after variety has only 4 ribs completely covered in minute white-gray scales. Felty areoles with no spines. Large yellow flowers bloom all summer. Found growing in areas of central Mexico. Z9b
Seed packet $3 (Inquire for plants)
Aztekium hintonii
A beautiful Aztekium discovered in 1992 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Globose stem to 3″ tall and up 4″ diameter, occasionally clustering. 8 to 15 grooved ribs, compressed, fuzzy areoles and miniature corky spines. Bright magenta flowers. In habitat it grows in almost pure gypsum. Endangered in habitat due to thoughtless over collection. Slow growing. Z10a
Seed packet $4.50
Aztekium ritteri
A unique miniature cactus. Pale-green depressed globular stems with 9–11 heavily wrinkled ribs. Close-set areoles that produce small papery spines and light brown wool. Delicate white and pink flowers arise from the center of the plant in summer. Forms multi-headed clumps with age. This species grows in a single isolated valley in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Within this valley it occurs solely on vertical or near vertical limestone and gypsum cliffs. Highly prized by collectors. Easy, but one of the slowest cacti from seed. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Azureocereus viridis BK14513.1 (=Browningia viridis)
Large columnar cactus to 15’+ tall. Candelabra stems to 10″+ diameter with a beautiful glaucus blue skin. V-notched, grey felted areoles with 1–2+ central spines 1–2.5″ long and 6–8+ radial spines 1/4–1″+ long. New spines are yellow turning grey with age. Tubular flowers to 3″ with dark brown-black bud scales and white petals. The dominant cactus of the dry forest along the Apurimac, 5000′. A truly gorgeous species, some clones were very sparsely spined while others were more heavily armored. Very rare in cultivation. Z9b/10a
Seed packet $4
Blossfeldia liliputana
The smallest known cactus. Forms little clusters of multiple flattened disc-shaped stems that rarely exceed 3/4″ in diameter. The tiny gray-green bodies have no ribs or tubercles, just spiraling areoles bearing tufts of wool and no spines. Yellow flowers and tuberous roots. Native to northern Argentina and southern Bolivia where the plants are found growing on rocky slopes and often between cracks in the sides of vertical stone cliffs. Except for certain parasites and aquatics, this species possesses the lowest density of stomata of any terrestrial flowering plant. This remarkable miniature has been found to lose up to 80% of its moisture in one year and then survive drought for an additional year, making it very similar to mosses and lichens in being adapted to withstand near complete loss of moisture! The miniscule seeds should be sown on the surface of a very finely sifted soil mix. These plants are very slow growing and should be watered by carefully misting with a hand held spray bottle until they are large enough to be watered normally. Some shade is preferred and a very well draining potting mix. We have even heard of people successfully growing this plant on a porous rock. Because of their slow growth rate, Blossfeldias are often grafted. A true wonder of the vegetal kingdom. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Borzicactus leonensis? NL042108a
Shrubby columnar cactus with deep green stems to 5’+. Nicely sculptured tuberculate ribs and red-black spines turn gray with age. Red tubular flowers, edible fruit. Seed collected by ethnobotanist N. Logan near Cuenca, Ecuador. A really beautiful species. Z9b/10a
4–8″+ plant 3+ years old $8.50 or 3 for $20
Cipocereus bradei
Startling bright blue columns to 10′ tall. 8-11 rounded ribs and small black spines. White tubular nocturnal flowers to 3″ followed by 2″ blue fruit. Superficially resembles Trichocereus bridgesii. A rare and much sought after species from Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Z10a-b
Seed packet $4
Copiapoa hypogaea
Weakly spined, small, soft globular stems, green-brown to bronze-gold in color, wooly centers. Yellow flowers and large taproot. Endemic to a narrow region of dry coastal ridges in northern Chile. Like many Copiapoa, this species is threatened by guanacos, feral donkeys and climatic change. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Copiapoa tenuissima
Dwarf globular cactus. Dark green to brownish-purple/black skin. Small spines hug the body. White wooly center. Golden-yellow flowers. Endangered species from arid coastal Chile, Rudolf Schulz reports that populations are in extreme decline. Z10a
Seed packet $3
2″+ plant 4+ years old $8.50
Corryocactus brevistylus BK09424.1 “Sanky”
Attractive Trichocereus peruvianus-like columnar cactus from southern Peru. Stems 10–20′ tall, spines up to 9″ long! Yellow tubular flowers and softball size fruit. Fruit purchased at one of the large traditional markets in Lima city. The flesh of the huge fruit is amazingly sour, as acidic as a lemon. Considered a liver and kidney tonic. We blended the pulp with a little honey-water to make a delicious and refreshing sanky-ade. More tolerant of cold and aridity than any lemon tree, could substitute in areas where lemons can’t grow. Z8b
Seed packet $4
Corryocactus melanotrichus RCB009 “K’usa k’usa”
Slender columnar stems to 6–8’+ tall, well armed with long spines. Endowed with Purplish flowers and fat round fruit to over 3″ with a delicious sweet-sour flesh, reminiscent of kiwi. Seed collected along the Rio Abajo, La Paz, Bolivia, 11,750′. The fruit is said to be useful for inflammation and as an analgesic. Cut sections of stem, along with several other spiny cacti, are sold at the witches market in La Paz for use in misa offerings and as a wash for good luck. A hardy species worth growing for the fruit. Z8b/9a
Seed packet $3.50
Corryocactus cf. pulquiensis ‘Yotala’
Erect columnar cactus covered in light colored spines. Should have orange flowers and sweet edible fruit. From the dry forests of Yotala, Sucre, Bolivia. Z9b?
6–10″+ plant 3+ years old $9.50
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ‘Pecos, NM’
A nice form of the hedgehog cactus with fat blue green stems, 1–4 radial spines per areole and red orange flowers. From seed we originally collected near the small town of Pecos in northern New Mexico. Sweet edible fruit. The Tarahumara consider closely related E. triglochidiatus v. neomexicanus to be sacred and utilize it for magical and medicinal purposes. Z7b
Seed packet $3
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ‘White Sands, NM’
Robust giant form the hedgehog cactus that grows to 3′ + tall! Stout spines, carmine flowers. Good size edible fruit. Z8a
Seed packet $3.50
Echinocereus triglochidiatus v. mojavensis f. inermis
Gray-green stems to 6″ tall, almost completely spineless. Red flowers in spring. Forms large clusters with age. This rare, mostly spineless form is found growing on the mesas and mountains of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. Z7b
Seed packet $4
2-3″ plant $12.50
Epithelantha greggii
Clustering button cactus with individual stems to 1–3″ covered with tiny white spines often tipped red-brown to blackish. Little pink flowers from the furry crown, red-pink edible fruit. This Mexican endemic is likely medicinal like the closely related E. micromeris. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Epithelantha micromeris “Hikuli Mulato”
A small button cactus with minute dense white spines. Tiny pink flowers arise from the wooly crown, followed by club-shaped bright pink fruit. Revered by the Tarahumara of the eastern range of the Sierra Madre Occidental, it is utilized by shamans to heighten perception and clear the senses. The whole plant, including fruit, is used as a stimulant and protective charm by runners. Also known to prolong life. Prefers a soil with excellent drainage. Z8b/9a
Seed packet $4
Espostoa lanata “Pishicol Negro”
A unique tree-like branching cactus up to 20’+ tall. 2.5–4″ diameter stems bearing many reddish or yellowish short spines. Multitudinous little hairs cover the stems creating the appearence that they are enclosed in spun wool. Produces a lateral cephalium; an extra thick wool that grows along one side of the upper 3′ of mature stems. The small nocturnal funnel flowers, white to purple colored, bloom from the cephalium. Round red-purple fruits, good flavor. A variable species from southern Ecuador and northern Peru. In Peru, hairs from the cephalium are used as a pillow stuffing and the stems reported as a San Pedro substitute.Z9a
Seed packet $3
Espostoa nana
Branching dwarf wooly columnar cactus to 4.5’+. Numerous small yellowish spines hidden within a fuzzy wool that covers the entire stems. Lateral cephalium; an extra thick wool that grows along one side of the upper mature stems. The small nocturnal white flowers bloom from the cephalium. Round edible fruits. Native to the northern end of the Rio Santa Valley, Ancash Dept., Peru. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Harrisia pomanensis “Pitaya”
Tropical semi-epiphytic cactus with long thin stems having 4-7 ribs and small spines. Large funnel form white flowers, nocturnal and sweet. Prolific 2″ red fruit with sweet white flesh. Native to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Easy to grow, shows promise as a fruit crop. Z10b
Seed packet $3.50
Hylocereus undatus “Pitahaya” “Dragon Fruit”
A vining forest cactus with 3 ribbed jointed stems up to 15′ long. Huge funnel shaped flowers, up to 1′ long and 8″ wide, yellow sepals and white petals, blossoming at night, sweetly scented. Produces an abundance of unusual eggshaped red fruits, 3-5″ long and 2-3.5″ in diameter, with delicious white or pink pulp. Long cultivated for its edible fruit, its exact origin is uncertain, most likely Central America. In the last few decades it has become an important fruit crop in Southeast Asia and Israel. Our seed is from plants that produced fruit 12 ounces or more in weight. We have seed from pink fleshed fruit. Z11
Seed packet $3
Leuchtenbergia principis
Unique cactus to 2′ high. Blue green tubercles, triangular and up to 5″ long tipped with papery twisted spines to 4″. Large yellow flowers. Native to the Chihuahuan desert, northern and central Mexico. Related to the genus Ferocactus. A slow grower, flowers in about 4 years. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Maihuenia poeppigii “Mahuen”
A unique low growing Opuntia relative. Forms mats of cylindrical stems to 4″ topped with small fleshy leaves. Spines to 1/2″+ and yellow flowers. Seed wild collected in the mountains of central Chile. Edible fruit. Fantastic for the rock garden, tolerant of high rainfall. Z5b/6a
Seed packet $4
1.5–2″+ plant 3–4 years old $12.50
Mammillaria craigii “Wichuri” “Witculiki” “Peyote de San Pedro”
Globular pincushion cactus up to 6″ in diameter. Blue-green body is made up of a multitude of rounded tubercles tipped with stout spines up to 1″ long. Abundant white fuzz at the center of the plant and in between the tubercles. Dark pink-purple flowers borne in rings around the plant in early summer. Oozes a milky white latex if punctured. This Mexican cactus is highly respected by the Tarahumara. The roasted center of the plant is squeezed into the ear to relieve earaches, headaches and deafness. Used as a stimulant by runners and for dreams by well trained shamans. It is said to quickly put one to sleep and during this sleep one has brilliant dreams. Z9a
Seed packet $4
Inquire for plants
Melocactus peruvianus
Stout spined globular plant to 10″. Red central cephalium, pink flowers. Rare species that occurs in the dry Andean foothills. The closely related Melocactus bellavistensis has recently been reported as an entheogen in Loja, Ecuador. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Mila nealeana
Clustering cylindrical stems 6–12″, covered in small white brown spines. Brilliant yellow funnel-form flowers. Small juicy green edible fruit. Native to the arid Valleys of Lima Dept., Peru, 3000 to 8000′. A delightful plant, superficially resembles some Echinocereus species. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Neoraimondia sp. NL051008b “Cardon”
Distinct and awesome chunky columnar cactus to 8′. Collected by N. Logan on the dry slopes of Cerro Purgatorio above the ancient Tucume pyramids and Prosopis forests, northern Peru. Reported additive to San Pedro brews. Needs well draining mineral soil and resents over watering. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii “Achacana”
Spherical cactus to about 4″ diameter with dark green triangular tubercles. Curved spines, lilac-pink flowers and reddish fruit. Distributed from the altiplano of Bolivia to northern Argentina, from 10,000–13,000’+. The whole cactus is considered a kind of potato, it is gathered by the tens of thousands each summer, skinned, cooked and eaten. It is said to be very tasty and is a significant source of vitamin K, calcium and zinc. The pulp is also a remedy for stomach ailments and made into a drink for kidney and liver disease. There is some concern that harvesting may endanger the plant, but it has yet to be clarified how wild populations are impacted. Well worth cultivating as an unusual food plant. Needs strong light and gritty soil. Z7a or below.
10 seed $4
Obregonia denegrii
Strange cactus that is similar in size and appearance to an artichoke with small wispy spines at the ends of the tubercles. Iridescent white flowers arise from the furry center. Native to the valley of Jaumave, Tamaulipas where it is valued as a local treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. DNA studies show it to possibly be one of the closest living relatives to peyote. Prefers some shade. Grow like Ariocarpus. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Opuntia phaeacantha “Desert Prickly Pear”
Sprawling clumps to 3′ tall and up to 8′ wide made up of numerous flat rounded stem segments or “pads”, blue green in color, taking on a purplish tint in full sun. Minuscule glochids and several 1-3″ long spines per areole. Big bright yellow flowers that turn shades of pinkish orange as they age. Large red purple fruits relished by humans and wildlife. Widespread and variable throughout the southwestern USA & Mexico. This cactus was important to several Native American tribes as a food stuff. In addition to the fruits, the seeds were ground into a flour and the pads were cleaned of their spines and eaten raw or cooked. The Pima also made a poultice of heated stems and applied them to breasts to encourage milk flow. Z6b
Seed packet $2
Oreocereus pseudofossulatus
Columnar cactus to 10′ tall. Stems to 3″ diameter with 10–13 tuberculate ribs. Straw yellow spines up to 2″ long. Course white hairs grow out of the areoles somewhat obscuring the stem of the plant and giving it a shaggy appearance. 3″ tubular red-pink flowers. Large yellow edible fruits, partially self fertile. Highlands of central Bolivia. Easily grown. Z8b
Seed packet $2.50
Oroya borchersii “Andean Golden Barrel”
Beautiful, cold hardy, golden barrel type cactus, 8–12″ in diameter. 1/2–1″ curved golden spines cover the body of the plant. Yellow flowers. Usually solitary, but sometimes clustering. Native to open high altitude grassland, rock outcrops and Puya raimondii habitat, from 12–15,000’+, Cordillera Negra, Ancash, Peru. Z8 and below
Seed packet $3.50
Oroya borchersii BK09511.5 1.5-2.5″+ plant 3+ years old $9.50 or 3 for $25
Pachycereus pecten-aborginum “Cardon” “Chawe”
Tree like columnar cactus up to 30′ tall. Stems reach 1′ or more in diameter and have 10-12 ribs with spines up to 1″ long. Small white and purple flowers followed by spiny yellow fruit. Native to northern and central Mexico. The fruits were utilized as combs by natives. A sacred plant of the Tarahumara, the mucilage and sap of the trunk and young branches is used as medicine. A tea is made to treat aches, pains, as a purgative and laxative. Added to corn beers to increase the strength. Easily grown. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Pachycereus pringlei “Cardon” “Sahueso”
Gigantic columnar cactus that forms huge candelabra like stands to 60′ tall. Individual stems can grow as wide as 1 meter and have 10-16 gray-green ribs covered in 1″+ stout white spines. Oddly, the upper growth of tall stems is often completely spineless. 3″-4″ white nocturnal flowers that are pollinated by bats. Golf ball size spiny yellow fruits. A Mexican species that grows throughout Baja and from Sonora to Nayarit near the coast. Natives consider this cactus a sacred living spirit and utilize it for many purposes. Fruits and seeds were once an important food source. Fruit pulp was eaten fresh, cooked or made into preserves and the nutritious seeds were toasted and made into a pinole called “haixa” by the Seri. The now extinct Baja Indians and to a lesser extent the Seri of Sonora practiced extensive recycling of the seeds known as “second harvest.” After eating great quantities of Cardon fruit the Indians would defecate on large flat rocks and let the matter completely dry out in the hot summer sun. They would then retrieve the seeds and thoroughly clean, cook and eat them. The inner wood of the Cardon was also used extensively for constructing homes, fences, spears, canes and other tools. The Seri were known to bury the placenta of a newborn at the base of these giants. Fruit preserves were used for dysentery and slabs of Cardon flesh for treating aches and wounds. Study of cave paintings in Baja suggest the plant was used shamanically by extinct tribes. Easily grown. Germinate like other cacti, but press the large seeds directly into the soil mix. Bright strong light and regular succulent culture is needed. Protect from frost when young. We have found plants over a foot tall to be cold hardy down to at least Z9b.
Seed packet $3
Inquire for plants
Pelecyphora strobiliformis (=Encephalocarpus strobiliformis)
Gray-green globular cactus up to 2″ in diameter. Covered in numerous overlapping tiny scale-like triangular tubercles that give the plant the appearance of a small pine cone. Brilliant violet-purple flowers arise from the wooly apex of the plant during late spring/early summer. Large taproot. Plants usually consist of a single head but are known to cluster with age. A rare Mexican species native to a few gravelly limestone hills in the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Over collection has nearly eradicated the populations in Tamaulipas and seriously threatens those in Nuevo Leon. Like many other inconspicuous Mexican cacti, this plant is known to some natives as “peyote” and may have some traditional medicinal uses. Plants are very slow from seed. Grow like Ariocarpus. Regular watering during summer and a dry winter rest is needed. Z9b
10 seed $4
Pereskiopsis sp.
A Central American tree forming cactus with thin stems and true leaves. Large rose-like yellow flowers. Grows quickly and works great as a grafting stock for cactus seedlings. The leaves are edible. Regular watering and feeding. Roots quickly from cuttings Z10a
3-5″ cutting $5
Puna bonnieae
Small geophytic cactus with clusters of tiny gray-green round stems to 1″ diameter arising from tuberous roots. Tiny red brown spines hug the body of the plant. Large pink flowers. This charming opuntiod, which resembles a cluster of miniature soccer balls, was first discovered in 1990 above 6,000′ near Loro Huasi, Tinogasta department, Catamarca, Argentina. It prefers a well draining soil and seems to be frost tolerant if kept moderately dry. Quite rare in captivity. Z9a
0.75–1″+ plant $12.50
Selenicereus grandiflorus “Queen of the Night”
Thin, cylindrical, climbing stems with 5-8 ribs and small bristly spines. The genus derives its name from the Greek selene (moon) which is in reference the enormous (12″!) white funnelform flowers with yellow-brown sepals and an incredible vanilla like perfume. The nocturnal flowers only last a single night. The specific origin of this epiphytic tropical cactus is unknown, but it occurs wild in eastern Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. The flowers and young stems are widely used in herbal medicine as an effective heart tonic. It’s also known to help with urinary infections and is used topically for rheumatism. Mrs. Grieve’s herbal reports that large doses produce delirium and hallucination. Cultivated commercially in Mexico for the herbal industry. Likes a rich soil and lots of water and food to bloom successfully. Give it a trellis or bush to climb on and protect from direct frost. Z9b
6″+ cutting $6.50
Stenocereus queretaroensis “Pitayo” “Organeras”
Heavily branched candelabra tree-like cactus to 20′ with a distinct trunk. 5″+ diameter stems with 6-8 prominent ribs and grayish spines up to 1.5″. Funnelform white flowers, sweetly scented. Globose 2.5-3″ fruit, with a sweet red pulp. Central Mexico. The fruit, known as “pitaya”, are an important seasonal staple food for many indigenous groups. In Mexico it has emerged as a easy to cultivate crop with high economic viability for local markets. Thousands of acres of this cactus are now under cultivation. Holds great potential as a fruit crop for other arid regions of the world. In southern Jalisco there are many relict stands of this cactus that occur at pre-columbian archaeological sites, suggesting the antiquity of the cultivation of this majestic species. Prefers a bright sunny position. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Stenocereus stellatus “Xoconochtli” “Tuchikishi” “Pitayo”
Shrubby multi-branched cactus to 12′. Dark green stems up to 4″ diameter with 8-12 tuberculate ribs and spines 1″-2″ long. Relatively small tubular pale rose colored flowers open at night. 1-2″ edible fruit with a juicy pulp that is ether sweet or sour depending upon the clone and variable in color, either purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. Native to south central Mexico where the fruits are in great demand both fresh and dried, made into jams and fermented drinks. Cultivated for millennia, archaeological studies show that the plant has been eaten since at least 5,000 B.C. Nahua, Mixtec, and Popoloca people tend wild populations, often selecting desirable clones and cultivatiing them as living fences around their agricultural fields. This cactus responds very well to cultivation, producing much more abundant and larger fruits than wild plants. In addition to the fruits, the stems, flowers and seeds are also consumed. Cleaned seeds are rich in protein and essential fats, ground into a paste and made into a sauce, they are eaten with tortillas. This amazing plant is easy to grow in a sunny frost free environment. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Strombocactus disciformis
Gray-green spherical cactus to 5″ in diameter. 12-18 spirally arranged ribs divided into unusual rhomboid tubercles, each bearing 1-5 delicate white spines to 2/3″ long. Creamy white flowers appear in summer. In habitat these plants often grow flattened or disc like but lose this characteristic in cultivation. Native to the Hidalgo and Queretaro, Mexico where the plants are only found growing on steep calcerous cliffs. Highly valued by collectors and extremely slow growing from tiny seed. Treat like Turbinicarpus in cultivation. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Inquire for plants
Strombocactus disciformis ssp. esperanzae
Small discoid stem to 1–1.5″. Spirally arrange ribs and 1–2 weak spines. Deep magenta flowers. Discovered in the 1990s by S. Arias and the late Charles Glass growing on steep canyon walls alongside Turbinicarpus alonsoi, Xichu, Guanajuato, Mexico. This diminutive, bright flowered subspecies is still very rare in cultivation. Z10a
Seed packet $4.50
Tephrocactus geometricus
Opuntia relative with nearly spineless gray-purple spherical stems to 3″, stacked like a pile of diminutive soccer balls. Large pink flowers. Catamarca, Argentina. Said to be one of the most desirable cacti! Fresh seed from our mother plants. Erratic germinator, alternate wet/dry cycles help. Z8 if kept dry.
10 seed $4
Genus Trichocereus
Large genus of some 50–80+ species native to the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Several decades ago merged with the closely related genus Echinopsis, then recently segregated again to Trichocereus but with questionable changes, leading to great confusion. In many ways this genus is a perfect case study in the absurd modern trends in armchair taxonomy. Here we recognize Trichocereus as a distinct genus, variable in size and form; sometimes low growing multi-branching colonies, others large candelabra-like stands to imposing tree-like giants. All produce large funnel shaped flowers that are often sweetly scented. These magnificent flowers are either white and nocturnal or multi-colored and diurnal. The fruits are edible and quite delicious. Often mistakenly thought of as sun baked desert plants, many of these species are in fact integral members of forest ecosystems- from Prosopis and Anadenanthera dry forests to Polylepis cloudforests. The oldest depiction of a succulent plant (and possibly of its propagation) is an anthropomorphic being carrying a rooted Trichocereus cutting at the 3000 year old temple of Chavin de Huantar in the central Peruvian Andes. Today cuttings are often planted as living fences throughout South America. Flower petals and the inner flesh of most species are excellent external remedies for wounds and burns much like Aloe vera. Cut stems of some species are traditionally used to “purify” water and in some regions made into an esteemed shampoo. All are relatively fast growing, easy from seed and fairly cold and wet tolerant. Increasingly popular as hardy landscape specimens. Trichocereus provide some of the best long lived grafting stocks. For optimal growth provide a rich well-drained soil, plenty of horizontal root room, bright light and regular water and nutrients during Spring and Summer. In habitat Trichocereus occur with a diverse array of companion plants and we encourage you to try growing them with some of these commonly associated Andean species: Peperomia galioides, Ephedra americana, Siphocampylus tupaeformis, Sedum spp., Echeveria spp., Puya spp., Agave cordillerensis, Mutisia acuminata, Furcraea spp., Baccharis spp., Bomarea spp., Calceolaria spp., Anadenanthera colubrina, etc. For a number of years we have been involved in a long term interdisciplenary field study of the ethnobotany, ecology, distribution and taxonomy of these cacti. All BK numbers are from our wild seed accessions. Purchase of plants helps to fund ongoing research. Subscribe to our Rare Plant List ($5 for 4 issues) for additional offerings of specimens, rarities, and new hybrids. For our largest selection of Trichocereus see our paper catalog or email for a pdf list.
Note on cuttings – We send rooted cuttings whenever available, otherwise cuttings are unrooted. Plants over 6″ can not be sent potted. We often have larger size cuttings than those listed, please inquire. *Plants marked with an asterisk are large, heavy and have special shipping charges. We will bill you whatever the actual shipping costs for these plants + an additional $5 packaging and handling fee on the total order.
See Andean Collections for additional Trichocereus species.
Trichocereus angelesii
Sprawling and clustering stems to about 3′ long. 20 or more ribs covered in small spines. Red to white flowers. Somewhat similar to T. huascha. Native to Guachipas, Salta, Argentina. Very rare in Cultivation. Z9a
Seed packet $3.50
Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstrosus clone A
Virtually spineless. Smooth blue-green stems with 2–4 indistinct ribs. Occasionally produces yellow spines up to 3″ long. Plants eventually form candelabra like stands. Individual stems can grow to be remarkably phallic and this clone is referred to as the “penis cactus.” The original introduction is unclear, but this plant has been in cultivation since the 1950s.
6–8″ cutting $18.50
Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstrosus clone B
One of 2 disitinct mutant clones of this beautiful blue-green Bolivian cactus. 2-5 ribs initially bearing 3″ yellow spines then becoming smooth and spineless. The stems reach 4″-6″ in length then stop growing and begin to offset. Eventually forms dense stands to 6′ tall made up of hundreds of small multi-branched stems. Likely introduced to cultivation by Ed and Betty Gay in the 60s.
4-5″+ cutting $18.50
Note on T. bridgesii f. monstrosus cl. A & B – though both of these clones were introduced to cultivation before we were born, we were the ones to designate them clone A & B for simple ease of identification when we began distributing them as such in 1997. We mention this because the majority of the photos on the interenet have them backwards!… So much for the misinformation highway….
Trichocereus glaucus
Bushy cactus that grows to 4-6′ tall then tends to go prostrate. Slender blue-gray stems with 7-9 ribs and spines as long as 1.5″. The spines are at first amber red then turn black and eventually gray. White night-blooming flowers. A desirable and seldom seen species native to southern Peru. Z9a-b
5-6″+ cutting $14.50
Trichocereus huascha (=Helianthocereus huascha, Lobivia huascha)
A many branching, semi-prostrate plant 2’–3′ tall. The 2–3″ diameter stems have 12–18 ribs with close set areoles bearing nine or more thin yellow, brown or reddish spines up to 1.5″ long. Red, orange or yellow diurnal flowers. Native to Catamarca, Argentina where it forms large clusters of sprawling snake-like stems. Blooms abundantly late spring through summer. Z8a–b
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus peruvianus ‘Lurin’ “Pichu”
Standard form of the species, fat bluish stems that tend to grow prostrate, long spines, white flowers and round edible fruit. Lurin Valley, Lima Dept., Peru. For those looking for additional genetic diversity, this population is a bit further south than well known Matucana one.
inquire
Trichocereus peruvianus v. cuzcoensis (=Trichocereus cuzcoensis) “Hawaqollay”
An underappreciated spiny peruvianoid with glaucus-blue upright stems to 15′ and gorgeous spines to 2.5″+. Inter- Andean valleys of Cusco Dept., Peru. Utilized as medicine since antiquity. Sections of de-spined stems can still be found for sale at the outdoor Cuzco market for use as a famous shampoo said to treat baldness, as a contraceptive and remedy for burns, fevers, swellings, and flu. Z8b-9a
6-8″ cutting $15.50
Trichocereus randallii RCB363 (=Helianthocereus randallii)
Rare species with deep-green, short, fat stems up to 12″ diameter and 2–3′ tall. 18 + ribs and a multitude of compressed reddish-brown spines. Produces breathtaking, urn-shaped, deep purple flowers. Seed collected from the valley of Paicho 10,500′ in Tarija, Bolivia. Z9a
Seed packet $3.50
Trichocereus riomizquensis FR856
Upright glossy green stems with 5–9 ribs and short spines. White nocturnal flowers. A very rare pachanoid similar to T. bridgesii and T. scopulicolus. Seed originally collected by Friedrich Ritter in the late 1950s from plants growing on steep rocky walls; Chujllas, Campero, Cochabamba, Bolivia. We were not able to find a single plant at this location when we visited in the Spring of 2010, though lots of hungry feral goats were present. Z9a
5–6″+ cutting $16.50
Trichocereus riomizquensis BK10512.1
Upright stands to 10’+ tall. 2–5″ diameter stems with green to blue-green to yellow-green epidermis. 4–7 radial spines with 1–3 central spines to 3″ long. Looks to be a distinct spiny form of T. bridgesii. Growing on a steep hillside next to a home at the entrance to the town of Totora, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 9,000′. Growing with Buddleja tucumanensis, Carica, and Asteraceae. Local women call it “achuma” and use it externally to treat fever. No one knew where it grew wild. We searched where Ritter first described the plant at Chujllas, and along the Rio Mizque, adjacent valleys and slopes, but never found a single wild plant, only herds of feral goats. Z9a
5–7″+ cutting $24.50
Trichocereus scopulicola
Upright stands to 15′ tall. Dark green stems with 5–8 ribs and tiny spines. White night blooming flowers, edible fruit. A rare species that is similar to T. bridgesii and T. pachanoi. Endemic to the rocky dry forests of Tarija, Bolivia. Z9a–b
inquire for plants
Trichocereus terscheckii
Gigantic tree like cactus to 40′ tall and 2′ in diameter. 8-14 ribs with widely spaced areoles bearing 8-15 yellow spines as long as 2-4″. White nocturnal flowers. Becoming a popular landscape plant in the U.S. because it resembles the Saguaro (Carnegeia gigantea) but can be successfully grown in areas of higher rainfall and colder temperature. Found throughout the high deserts of northern Argentina. Z8a-b
Seed packet $4
5-8″+ plant 5-6+ years old $20.50 (limited)
Trichocereus tulhuayacensis KK337 (B13)
A very spiny upright peruvianoid from Huachac, Peru. A cutting was given to us by a friend who had gotten a small piece from Knize in Lima, Peru for $100! It was said to have red flowers, which seemed unlikely. We were pleasantly surprised when the plant finally flowered in 2008, with a bizarre red, pink and white mottled blossom. This is our very first offering of this unusual variety. Get one while you can.
5-6″ cutting $28.50 (limited)
Trichocereus sp. BK09509.2 “Huachuma de Chavin”
Candelabra stems to 10′. Stems to 4″ diameter, dark green epidermis, new growth blushed blue. 5-7 radial spines, the downward facing ones up to 1.5″ long. 1 central spine to 2.5″. New spines yellow to red-brown in color. Growing on rocky cliffs, western slopes above the north end of the modern town of Chavin, 10,600′, Ancash Dept., Peru. Looks intermediate to T. santaensis (pachanoid) and T. cuzcoensis. This is the plant that grows around the 3000 year old ruins of the temple of Chavin de Huantar, and is likely what is represented in the oldest known human artwork depicting a succulent plant in the entheogenic rock carvings present there. Z9a
inquire for plants
Trichocereus sp. Hutchison et al 6212 “Huachuma”
Upright stems to 8’+ tall and 6″ in diameter. 5–9 fat, rounded ribs and miniature spines. Sweet night blooming white flowers. A really gorgeous distinct pachanoi clone. Originally collected above 8,000’ by P. Hutchison and J.K. Wright & R.M. Straw in the Canyon Rio Maranon above Chagual, just below Aricapampa, Huamachuco Prov., La Libertad Dept., Peru.
5-7″+ cutting $18.50
Trichocereus Hybrids
Our Trichocereus bloom profusely every year. This has gifted us the opportunity to experiment with hybridizing by hand pollination. The following seed is the result. Many of these hybrids are completely new, never existing before in nature or horticulture! These offerings present a unique situation where you can play an important role by fostering a bit of horticultural history. Undoubtedly these hybrids will give rise to exceptional and desirable new variation in stem and spine form, flower color and scent, fruit size and sweetness, hardiness, rate of growth, etc. The first name listed for the hybrids is the mother plant that bore the fruit. See elsewhere in the catalog for most individual parent plant descriptions. All seed packets contain between 30 and 70+ seed unless noted otherwise. We have wholesale quantities of many of these seeds, please inquire.
For dozens of additional hybrids refer to our paper catalog and subscribe to the rare plant list!
Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis
A beauty that has the traits of both parents, round balls with golden yellow spines, the flowers are a shocking orange. Z8b
Seed packet $3.50
Trichocereus grandiflorus X Trichocereus orurensis
Clumping red flowered T. grandiflorus crossed with the spiny giant T. orurensis. Z8a
Seed packet $3.50
Trichocereus pachanoi X Trichocereus huanucoensis
Seed packet $4
Trichocereus pachanoi f. monstrosus X Trichocereus pallarensis
Mutant Huachuma crossed with T. pallerensis: a rare pachanoid from north Peru.
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus peruvianus v. cuzcoensis X Trichocereus sp. SS02
Spiny seedlings that should mature into handsome plants.
4–7″+ plant 4+ years old $15.50
Trichocereus clumping hybrid mixed seed
A medley of different clustering hybrids! Z8a-b
Packet $3.50
Large packet $8
Trichocereus “Daemonomania” X Trichocereus “Dusty Rose”
T. ‘Daemonomania’-a T. bruchii hybrid, named after John Crowley’s wondrously potent novel, which in some ways evokes this impressive cactus. Clustering 6″ diameter stems to 3’+ tall covered in tortuos yellow spines to 2.5″. Brilliant orange flowers and delicious fruit. Crossed with ‘Dusty Rose’-a multiple hybrid with pale roseorange colored flowers. Z8a
Seed packet $3.50
Trichocereus sp. “Kimura’s Giant” X Trichocereus bridgesii
Kimura’s Giant is the fattest pachanoid plant we grow, the actual parentage is unknown, but it resembles what we would imagine a hybrid between pachanoi and terscheckii would look like- upright, 8″+ diameter green stems, short spines to 1/2″, white flowers. Crossed with classic bridgesii.
Seed packet $4
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus peruvianus “Serra Blue”
A great hybrid with fantastic frosty blue progeny.
Seed packet $4
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus sp. BBG?
Bridgesioid SS02 crossed with the wild “pachanoi” BBG.
Seed packet $4
Genus Turbinicarpus
A wonderful, small and relatively new genus of rare and endangered miniature cacti, native to northern and central Mexico. A few species are believed to be used medicinally and a number are known as “peyote” or “peyotillo”, possibly due to their remarkable similarity to Lophophora. Tragically, high popularity with cactus collectors has lead to near extinction of many species in the wild. Easily grown from seed but fairly slow, usually flowering around 4-5 years of age. Growing medium should be very porous, at least 50% pumice stone with a small amount of lime added. Most species are opportunistic bloomers, flowering any time of year when conditions are right. Keep dry during winter and protect from frost, Z9b. All the Turbinicarpus seed we offer is produced by hand pollination of our mother plants.
Turbinicarpus alonsoi
Small, flattened gray-green stem to 3″ in diameter. The ribs are divided into many triangular tubercles tipped with gray fuzz and 3-5 papery spines. Remarkable rose-magenta colored flowers. Discovered in 1994 growing on shale canyon walls in a remote area of north eastern Guanajuato. The most highly prized and slowest growing Turbinicarpus. Looks remarkably like an Ariocarpus or Obregonia. Interestingly, young juvenile plants are hard to distinguish from Strombocactus seedlings. Still extremely rare in cultivation, every effort should be made to propagate since plants are highly threatened by illegal collecting in habitat.
Seed packet $4.50 (inquire for plants)
Turbinicarpus flaviflorus
Globose, cylindrical cactus, 3–4″ tall. The small pointed tubercles are tipped with many twisting corky spines and white fuzz that almost completely obscures the body of the plant. Nice yellow flowers. An intriguing miniature found only in a small area near Santa Rita, SLP.
Seed packet $4
Turbinicarpus jauernigii
A peyote look alike. Flattened red-purple stems to 2″ in diameter. The nearly non-existent tubercles bear 1-3 short, stubby white spines with black tips. Unusual brown-white flowers and a large tap-root. Grows near Palomas, San Luis Potosi. An extremely rare little gem that is seldom seen in cultivation.
Seed packet $4 (inquire for plants)
Turbinicarpus klinkerianus
Dark green flattened globose stem up to 3″ in diameter. Ribs divided into low and broad conical tubercles tipped with short incurving corky spines. White to creamy yellow flowers. Endemic to a few scattered rocky hillsides near central San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Sadly, like other Turbinicarpus, whole populations of wild plants have been destroyed by over collection.
Seed packet $3.50
1-1.5″+ plant 4-5 years old $9.50
Turbinicarpus krainzianus f. minimus
A miniature with elongated stems to 4″ tall. Small conical tubercles with bristle like gray spines that curve towards and around the top of the plant. Bright yellow flowers. First discovered in 1987 growing on barren, stony hills near Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo.
Seed packet $4
Inquire for plants
Turbinicarpus lophophoroides
Globular blue-green or gray-green cactus to 3″ in diameter. Ribs divided into rounded tubercles tipped with 4–6 small white spines. The center of the plant produces an abundance of white fuzz from which translucent pink or white flowers arise. As the species name implies, these plants somewhat resemble true peyote. Native to the state of San Luis Potosi in the areas of Villa Juarez and Las Tablas. Plant populations from the 2 sites have some noticeable morphological differences. The Villa Juarez plants have somewhat distinct ribs, darker green color and white flowers. Plants from Las Tablas have ribs fully divided into tubercles, blue-green color and pink flowers. These cacti grow in flat semi-desert areas that have an extremely high gypsum content in the soil. These plants are threatened by the fact that the gypsum deposits on which they grow may be recognized as economically valuable and then exploited.
Seed packet (Las Tablas) $4
Turbinicarpus macrochele
Small Lophophora like grey green spherical stems to 2″ in diameter. Flattened tubercles bearing 3–5 curved and twisted flat corky spines 1.5″ or more in length, dark yellow to white in color. These unusual spines often completely obscure the top of the plant. White flowers bloom from the center of the cactus. Native to southern Nuevo Leon and north central San Luis Potosi. Rare.
Seed packet $3.50
Turbinicarpus polaskii (=Turbinicarpus macrochele v. polaskii)
Small globular cactus with a flattened or depressed stem to 3″ in diameter. Rounded ribs or tubercles bearing 1 or occasionally 2 small twisted corky spines per areole. White flowers bloom abundantly throughout the year. Young plants closely resemble Lophophora. The body of this cactus is a dull green but turns red or purple-brown when exposed to bright light. Once considered synonymous with Turbinicarpus schwarzii, recent research has shown it to be closer to Turbinicarpus macrochele. A few wild populations still survive near La Bonita, San Luis Potosi.
Seed packet $3.50
Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele
A small globose-cylindrical plant with rounded tubercles tipped with wavy bristle like yellow spines. Large pink flowers. Occurs only in the rocky terrain of a few small hills within the states of Queretaro and Hidalgo. Known as one of the false “peyote”. Cultivation is critical as this plant is threatened with extinction in habitat.
Seed packet $3.50
Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus (=Pelecyphora pseudopectinatus)
A rare small globular cactus with many small spirally-arranged tubercles tipped with numerous tiny white spines in a comb like formation. White to magenta colored flowers bloom in spring. Native to Tamaulipas.
Seed packet $4
Turbinicarpus rioverdensis
Dark green globular plants to 2″ diameter. Low rounded tubercles tipped with 1–3 short corky radial spines. White flowers. Yet another Lophophora look alike. A recent discovery from near Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi. A really lovely species new to cultivation.
Seed packet $4.50
Turbinicarpus roseiflorus
Small blue-green spherical cactus. Ribs divided into rounded tubercles tipped with numerous small radial spines and 1–2 central spines that curve towards the white-wooly top of the plant. Magenta colored flowers. This plant has never been discovered in the wild and it’s believed it may be a hybrid between Turbinicarpus lophophoroides and Turbincarpus (Gymnocactus) viereckii.
Seed packet $4
Turbinicarpus schwarzii
2–3″ gray-green cactus with a flattened-globose stem similar in appearance to Lophophora. Low, rounded tubercles with 1–3 flat corky spines that curve towards the top of the plant. White flowers. Endemic to a limited range of limestone hills near Matehuala, San Luis Potosi. Over collection has led to the decimation of wild populations. All efforts should be made to protect and propagate.
Seed packet $3.50
1-2″ plant 5-6 years old $11.50 (limited)
Turbinicarpus schwarzii v. rubriflorus
A rare and highly prized variety with lavender colored flowers and often longer corky spines. Known from only 2 localities near Cerros Blancos that have been ravaged by thoughtless collecting. Conservation is a must for this cactus!
Seed packet $4.50
Turbinicarpus swobodae
Squat blue-green stems to 2″. Wide rounded tubercles tipped with a few black bristly spines. Deep taproot and small yellow flowers. A rarity recently discovered near Rayones, Nuevo Leon.
Seed packet $4
Turbinicarpus valdezianus (=Pelecyphora valdezianus)
Miniature globose-cylindrical plant to 1.5″ diameter. Spirally arranged tubercles tipped with white, feathery radial spines that obscure the body of the plant. Magenta to white flowers bloom in spring. A unique cactus that is found in isolated areas of Coahuila and San Luis Potosi.
Seed packet $4
This website is not a guide to usage; edible, medicinal, or otherwise. We sell all plants and seeds strictly for growing purposes. Placing an order commits to an understanding and agreement to these terms.
We are not currently taking payment for our excessively lengthy & highly informative catalog. We are in the slow laborious process of updating it and do not currently have a functional hardcopy to mail. Our apologies to those who have sent payment in the past few months–we will eventually get you a copy! For the time being you can email me at benkamm@monitor.net and request PDFs of the various catalog sections (specify your interest: Cactaceae, Trichocereus, Other Succulents & Xerophytes, Andean Accessions, Other Medicinals & Edibles (includes CA Natives), or ALL )
Seed deliveries anywhere in the world. Plants-domestic orders only.
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Sacred Succulents, PO Box 781, Sebastopol, CA 95473 USA
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