That looks lovely. What species/genera have you found most suit the climate there? Mind you, I doubt there's many that wouldn't do well. I can imagine Echinopsis and Notocactus (and obviously Echinocereus!) in particular loving it. Do you have E. grandis? Apparently it's a bit sensitive below 10deg. One of my fave of the genus; I love the blooms.
Regards,
Stevo
Stevo, so far I have not found anything that doesn't grow here, at least as far as succulents and cacti go. I mentioned 5 degrees in an earlier post, but that was truly exceptional for this area, and I make sure everything gets watered and fed during the appropriate months, such as now, when temperatures are over 30 degrees in the shade, with strong sunshine and an often drying breeze to go with it.
I don't have an Echinocereus grandis, I'm afraid. Actually, buying cacti here is a bit hit and miss, as they are inevitably labelled "cactus" together with the size of the pot! Then the hunt through books and websites begins in an often vain attempt to find out exactly what I've bought.
Do you (or can you) import plants from nurseries in the UK? I used to use Abbey Brook in Derbyshire for many species through the post. Or is this frowned upon vis-a-vis potential pests/diseases?
I'm certain there are members on this forum that could identify pretty much any species if you're unsure of it, and I enjoy guessing!
Regards,
steve
I don't think there are restrictions within the EU, given the principle of freedom of movement of goods and citizens. I have brought seeds and plants from Germany already.
In fact, I'm currently trying to find a Mila nealeana, though only because my family name is Neale :-) I've located a source of seeds in Italy, but would prefer a plant.
I thought I knew quite a few species, but either forgotten or not heard of Mila. I'm guessing it's a succulent or has it been re-classified by the bleedin' taxonomists? I've always been more into cacti and, surprisingly, Asclepiads. :0)
No, it's a Peruvian cactus. In Anderson's The Cactus Family, it is listed as a subspecies of Mila caespitosa, but others, including Gómez Sánchez, list it on its own. The description in both is similar:
Plants to 30 cm (12 in) high, usually clustered with some
stems erect and others sprawling. Roots tuberous. Stems
short cylindrical, soft, green to gray-green, 7-30 cm (2.8-12
in) long, 2.5-5 cm (1-2 in) in diameter. Ribs 10-15, shallow,
with closely set areoles. Spines extremely variable, white with
yellowish to brownish tips. Central spines 3-7, 20-30 mm
(0.8-1.2 in) long. Radial spines 8-40,5-20 mm (0.2-0.8 in)
long. Flowers arising near the stem tips, short tubed, funnel-
form, cream to yellow, 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long, 1.5-2 cm
(0.6-0.8 in) in diameter; pericarpels and floral tubes with
small scales and wool…
