ECHINOCACTUS POTTSIIFIG. 43.—ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII
FIG. 43.—ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII
E. rhodophthalmus(red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.—Stem cone-shaped, 4 in. to 1 ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the angles bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a projecting one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines 1 in. long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are arranged in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in. across. The throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against which the little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow stigma form a pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded together on a plant. It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It thrives in a house or frame where it is protected from frost, and during summer gets plenty of sunlight and air. It flowers in August. During the months of April and May, when it starts into growth, it should be kept close; but by the end of June, it should be exposed to the open air and allowed to ripen, so that its flowers may be produced in the autumn. The plant calledE. v. ellipticusdoes not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of the stem of the first plant that flowered at Kew.
E. scopa.(brush-like); Fig. 44.—The stem of this species, when seen covered with numerous tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a brush, a comparison not, however, applicable to the form represented in the Figure. In height the stems sometimes reach l½ ft., with from thirty to forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the stem (the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places where flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth), from four to six being borne in the same season; they are 1½ in. long and wide, the tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are arranged in several overlapping series, rather wide for their length, toothed at the ends; their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also are the stamens, whilst the stigma, which is rayed, is bright crimson. Native of Brazil. Introduced about 1840; it is more like a Cereus, in the form of its stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in June, and requires stove treatment. The stems, when dried carefully and stuffed with wadding, form pretty ornaments.
ECHINOCACTUS SCOPAFIG. 44.—ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA
FIG. 44.—ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA
E. scopa cristata. (crested variety); Fig. 45.—This curious monstrosity owes its origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the Celosias or Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &c. These monster varieties of Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that a portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to another plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that the variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.
ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATAFIG. 45.—ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA
FIG. 45.—ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA
E. Simpsoni(Simpson's).—One of the smallest plants in the genus, and one of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems about 4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over ½ in. wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines ½ in. long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young tubercles, and are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale purple, the stamens yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it is found at elevations of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance, forming large patches on gravelly morains, where the climate during the summer is dry, whilst in winter a thick covering of snow protects the plants from severe frosts. In England, this species is said to have withstood 32 degs. of frost without being injured. It has been grown out of doors in a garden at Northampton, where it passed several winters planted in a raised border at the foot of a south wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York, where the frosts of winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated out of doors. In this country it is apt to be injured by excessive moisture and fogs; but by protecting it with a handlight from November to March or April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept in a position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.
E. sinuatus(undulated).—Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose, bearing fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or undulated, the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous, yellow spines, the longest 1½ in., and hooked, the shorter ¾ in., and straight. The stem ofE. longihamatusis very similar to this. Flowers developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly, green; petals yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across, which is greenish outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in April. A recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country. It is described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome species.
E. tenuispinus(thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.—Stem globular, depressed, with ridges and spines similar to those ofE. Ottonis; indeed, by some these two are considered forms of the same species. In the number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico (and Brazil ?).
E. texensis(Texan); Fig. 46.—A short-stemmed plant, with a thick, leathery skin and broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with tufts of stout horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened at the base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the centre of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the spines on the young parts of the ridges. They are 2½ in. long and wide; the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully fringed, and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it grows on stony hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where, during winter, it has to endure weather verging on to frost. It thrives in a greenhouse under cultivation. Like several of the stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds, this may find favour as a garden plant because of the character of its stem, and the extraordinary strength of its large iron-like spines.
ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSISFIG. 46.—ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS
FIG. 46.—ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS
E. turbiniformis(top-shaped).—A very distinct dwarf kind, with globular stems 2 in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with spirally-arranged rows or ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in the figure ofE. hexaedrophorus, except that, in the former, there are no spines on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each a little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of some other kind. It is sometimes known asMamillaria turbinata.
E. uncinatus(hooked); Fig. 47.—A small species, with oval stems when young, older plants becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying Figure. The height of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that, when wild, it is often hidden by the long grass in which it is frequently found on stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The ridges are broken up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft of short straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4 in. In old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones they are purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of the stem, and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny, and the petals numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark purplish-red, the tips pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange tips. The flowers expand only when the sun shines on them, closing up again in dull light, but opening again, and remaining fresh for about a week. Introduced in 1850. Flowers in March and April. This plant may be grown in a cool, sunny greenhouse, or window, requiring only protection from frost in winter, and in summer plenty of light, with a moderate amount of water. There are several varieties of it described, their differences being chiefly in the shape of the stem.
ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUSFIG. 47.—ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS
FIG. 47.—ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS
E. viridescens(greenish).—Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young plants being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty ridges, which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The spines are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants being 4 in. long by ½ in. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to a stiff point; there are four central spines of this size, the others, of which there are about a dozen, being shorter and thinner, and arranged stellately. The flowers, which are rarely produced, are poor in comparison with the majority of the flowers of this genus. As the name denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and they are about 1½ in. wide and high. There are often as many as a dozen flowers expanded together on a stem of this plant when wild, and they are arranged in a circle around the growing point. The interest in this species, however, centres in its spines rather than its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills of California, extending sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a plant of it at Kew 6 in. high and about fifteen years old; it has not been known to flower there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of it.
E. Visnaga.(visnaga means a toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig. 48.—Of the most remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we have already spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker described, in theIllustrated London News, a large plant of it, which had been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so later, flowered, and was figured in theBotantical Magazine(4559). Its height was 9 ft., and it measured 9½ ft. in circumference; its weight a ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of internal injury. The inside became a putrid mass, and the crust, or shell, fell in by its own weight. The shape of the stem is elliptical, with numerous ridges and stout brown spines arranged in tufts along their edges. The flowers are freely produced from the woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and the petals are arranged like a saucer about the cluster of orange-coloured stamens. The colour of the petals is bright yellow, and the width of the flower is nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico, and is usually cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would probably thrive in a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have stated, large specimens do not live long in this country; and as the flowers are only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is not to be recommended for ordinary collections.
ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGAFIG. 48.—ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA
FIG. 48.—ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA
E. Williamsii(Williams's); Bot. Mag. 4296.—A very distinct dwarf species, often called the "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid appearance of its stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to form a tuft of several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high, and 2 in. across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided into about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases. Each tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases being enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out daisy-like to the width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the middle; they are white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the summer months. Native of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1845. The stems of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter, and it should be potted in a compost consisting of broken brick two-thirds, loam one-third.
E. Wislizeni(Wislizen's); Fig. 49.—A large-stemmed kind, second only in size toE. Visnaga.Young plants have depressed stems, those in older specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by 18 in. in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and sharp-edged, and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the outer and shorter ones being spreading and white, whilst from the middle of each tuft arise four longer and stouter spines, three of them 2 in. long, and one 3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong as if made of steel. The flowers, which are developed only on large plants, are greenish-yellow, about 2 in. long and wide, and expand during summer and autumn. The juice of the stems is said to serve as a substitute for water when the latter is scarce, and instances have been known among the white trappers where the lives of men have been saved by this plant. A novel use the stems are put to by the Indians is that of boilers, a purpose which they are said to answer well. The fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough skin, with its iron-like spine protection, is then filled with vegetables and water and placed on the fire. As there is a plentiful supply of plants, the Indians do not trouble to carry this "boiler" about with them, but make a fresh one at every stage of their journeyings.
SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENIIFIG. 49.—SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII
FIG. 49.—SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII
N
O less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above, Echinocactus, and Echinocereus, owe their names to their hedgehog-like stems. From a horticultural point of view, there is perhaps no good reason for keeping the above three genera and Cereus separate; but we follow Kew in the arrangement adopted here. The genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by most English botanists and cultivators, comprises about thirty species, most of which have been, or are still, in cultivation. They are distinguished from Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube, from Cereuses by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and handsomer than would be expected.
The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus, species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &c. They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.
Cultivation.—The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore refer to what is said under that genus for general hints with regard to the cultivation of Echinopsis in this country. The following is from the notes of the late Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J. Smith), as being worthy the attention of Cactus growers. Writing aboutEchinopsis cristata, which he grew and flowered exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a native of Chili, and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish. The latter are for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also necessary that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very cold weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a higher temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the season advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the evening. It is, however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming saturated, for the soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a wet state for any length of time."
None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.
E. campylacantha.(curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.—Stem 1 ft. or l½ ft. high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided into from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing clusters of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately arranged, a central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving upwards, and measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed from the ridges on the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the tube shaped like a trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with tufts of short black hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading so as to form a limb 2½ in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a large cluster of yellow-tipped stamens, forming a disk-like centre. This species is a native of Chili, and was introduced in 1831. It blossoms in spring and summer. The long curving central spine and remarkable length of the flower-tube distinguish it from the other kinds. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse, where it will thrive, if kept freely watered during summer and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. It is rare in English collections, but frequently occurs in Continental gardens.
E. cristata(crested); Bot. Mag. 4687.—Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high, slightly narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over 1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers creamy-white, springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube 4 in. long, clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a whorl of reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of broad-spreading petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and the stamens are arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals. This very fine Cactus is a native of Bolivia, whence it was introduced in 1850. When in flower, the broad, long-tubed, pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty those of the Night-flowering Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if kept in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in summer, so as to induce vigorous growth, and then be subjected to complete rest in winter in full sunlight, or it will not flower.
E. c. purpurea(purple ).—This variety differs from the type in having deep rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible to find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was flowered at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the conditions recommended forE. cristata.This variety is often made very sickly by treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most of these plants, if once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so a long time, in spite of liberal and careful treatment. So many of the Cactuses found in cool regions are ruined by an excess of heat in winter, and a close atmosphere during their season of growth, that too much attention cannot be given to the question of temperature in relation to their cultivation in English gardens.
E. Decaisneanus(Decaisne's).—As represented in Fig. 50, this plant appears to have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen having been formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and striking it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered with tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad, spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as inE. cristata.The native country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known garden Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a good example of the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk in these plants. It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx, and the swollen portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore, seeds are desired, the withering flowers should be allowed to remain, and, in time, the upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving the base, which continues to grow till it attains the proportions of a hen's egg.
ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUSFIG. 50.—ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS
FIG. 50.—ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS
E. Eyriesii(Eyries').—Stem no larger than an orange, with about a dozen ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of whitish wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the size of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped, pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like insects, scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous, narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the star-like stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was introduced by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at various seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size of the flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at which time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long, sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness, and would never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty and a clear and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected loveliness which stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star, whose rays are of the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation, this plant requires a warm house always; but care should be taken to give it plenty of fresh air and as much light as possible. The soil best suited for it is a rich loam with a little sand and charcoal. It likes liberal watering in summer.
E. E. flore-pleno(double-flowered); Fig. 51.—A form with several rows of petals, which give the flowers a doubled appearance.
ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENOFIG. 51.—ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO
FIG. 51.—ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO
E. E. glauca(hoary-grey). This variety differs from the type in the absence of the dark brown hairs from the flower-tube, which is also shorter than inE. Eyriesii.Probably a native of Mexico.
E. oxygonus(sharp-angled).—This is very similar toE. Eyriesii. Stem globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged ridges, upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from ½ in. to 1½ in. in length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little scales and hairs, and coloured green and red. The petals form an incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed tips; their colour a bright rose, with a lighter shade towards the centre of the flower. As inE. Eyriesii, the flowers of this kind are borne several together from the ridges near the growing centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an intermediate house, if treated as advised forE. Eyriesii, and its flowers will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising rate.
E. Pentlandi(Pentland's); Fig. 52.—A pretty little species, with a globose stem 3 in. in diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when the ridges do not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned with a tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, ½ in. or so long. The flowers are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube being 4 in. long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several overlapping rows and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl turning downwards; in colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens white, and the stigmas yellow. Three or four flowers are often expanded together on the same stem, springing from the side instead of the top of the plant. Native of Mexico (?); introduced about 1840. There are several distinct seedling or hybrid forms of this species, remarkable in having the colour of their flowers either red, yellow and white, or white, whilst some, such as the one known asflammea, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and be kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result in better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept permanently under glass.
ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDIFIG. 52.—ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI
FIG. 52.—ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI
E. P. longispinus(long-spined); Fig. 53.—This is a long-spined form, and differs also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than globose.
ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUSFIG. 53.—ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS
FIG. 53.—ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS
E. tubiflorus(tube-flowered).—This species has an orange-shaped stem, about 4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, ½ in. long, and set in little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the side of the stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as inE. Eyriesii, the tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of the whole flower much exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the length of the tube being about 6 in., and the width of the flower over 4 in. The petals are pure white, recurved, displaying the crown of yellow stamens, arranged in a ring about the rather small, rayed stigma. The tube is uniformly green, except that the scale-like bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky hairs. A native of Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was figured in theBotanical Magazineand elsewhere as a species of Echinocactus.E. tubiflorusmay be placed along withE. EyriesiiandE. oxygonus, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds here mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered, small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary greenhouse.
T
HIS genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with stems similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral characters quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said to possess any particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy, their spines large and rigid, and their flowers small and unattractive. But what is wanting in beauty of form or colour is atoned for in the cap which crowns the stem, and forms the flower-head, growing taller and taller whilst the stem remains stationary, till, under favourable circumstances, a cylindrical mass of spines and hairs, not unlike a large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or more in length, is developed before the whole plant succumbs to old age. This character belongs more particularly toM. communis, the commonest species, and the one best known in English gardens. Additional interest attaches to this species, from the fact of its having been the first Cactus introduced into Europe, for we are informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the Melon Cactus were known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam of English gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and singular workmanship shown in this Thistle, theMelocarduus echinatus, or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St. Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places in these countries, by the relation of divers that have journied into these parts who have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the coldnesse of the clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been frequently cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only been in recent years that this and similar curiosities have almost disappeared from all except botanical collections.
The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in the cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the stem. Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule, large; whilst all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in. apart. The small flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry- like berries, containing numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution of the species is over the hottest parts of some of the West Indian Islands and a few places in Central and South America.
Cultivation.—The cultivation of the several kinds known in gardens is as follows: A tropical temperature all the year round, with as much sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for about three months during summer, when growth is most active. Very little soil is required, as the largest stems have comparatively few roots; indeed, imported stems have been known to live, and even make growth, nearly two years without pushing a single root; but, of course, this was abnormal, and was no other than the using-up of the nourishment stored up in the stem before it was removed from its native home. M. Louis de Smet, a well-known Ghent nurseryman, who grows a fine collection of Cactuses, stated that he had keptM. communisa long time in robust health and growth by feeding it with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew, this treatment did not appear to make any perceptible difference; but, bearing in mind that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance within the reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there seems much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed us that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing four fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established; and even when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact that, after the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is made. Young plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking, according to Sir W. Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size. It has been stated that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the Melocactus, Mr. F. T. Palmer, in "Culture des Cactées", recommending the following treatment forM. communis: Take aCereus peruvianusof about the same diameter as that of the base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but not so low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off the hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the epidermis all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with strong worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about two months, but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain till growth commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and ribs is absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the rind, or epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity formed sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever so tightly.
Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a fortnight, and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be carefully examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air for a few days will generally cause these pared places to callus over. At all times, even when the stems appear to be in good health, a sharp look-out should be kept for patches of rottenness in the stem, and especially about its base.
Propagation.—This is effected by means of seeds, which usually follow quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated specimens. Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which are formed about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant is cut out. The thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result of the removal of the top of a stem which had developed these lateral growths, and thus formed a family of red-capped stems; this had, however, taken place before the plant was removed from its native home. As the cap is the most remarkable part ofM. communis, the purchase of large imported stems, in preference to young ones raised from seeds, is recommended; for, as the cap does not form till the stem attains a large size, there would be small hope of seedlings reaching the flowering stage during a lifetime.
M. communis(common); Fig. 54.—Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter, globose, with from twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous clusters of strong, short spines, the clusters placed closely together. On the summit of the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and varying in height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a thick pad of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a great number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being not unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped, the calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth. They are borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is growing; afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have a cap that was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an ornament on a shelf in a room for about four years, and is still in perfect condition. In addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this plant is also known as "Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a native of several of the islands of the West Indies, being very abundant in St. Kitt's Island, where it grows in very dry, barren places, often on bare porous rocks.
MELOCACTUS COMMUNISFIG. 54.—MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS
FIG. 54.—MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS
M. depressus(flattened); Bot. Mag. 3691.—Stem broader than high, deeply cut into about ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which are clusters of pale brown spines, from ½ in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of the Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white wool and red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and soon wither, but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand erect in a dense cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a delicate rose-colour. The first introduced plant of this was sent home by Mr. Gardner, who introduced the Epiphyllums and other Cactuses. It flowered on the way to England, and matured its seeds soon after its arrival. It is a native of Pernambuco.
M. Miquelii(Miquel's); Fig. 55.—This species appears to have been introduced in 1838, when two plants of it were sent from the West Indian Island, St. Croix, to the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval, dark green, with fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had been carved with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short, black-brown, about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the others radiating; they are less than ½ in. long. The "cap" is cylindrical, 3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers of snow-white threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.
MELOCACTUS MIQUELIIFIG. 55.—MELOCACTUS MIQUELII
FIG. 55.—MELOCACTUS MIQUELII
These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become known in English gardens, although various other kinds, namedM. Lehmanni, M. Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus, &c., occur in books.
O
NE of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man Cactus," botanically known asPilocereus senilis, which is the only member of thisgenus that has become at all known in English gardens. In Continental gardens, however, more than a dozen species are to be found in collections of succulent plants; and of these one of the most remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56. The limits of the genus Pilocereus are not definitely fixed, different botanists holding different views with respect to the generic characters. Recent writers, and among them the late Mr. Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but there are sufficiently good characters to justify us in retaining, for garden purposes, the name Pilocereus for the several distinct plants mentioned here. The botanist who founded the genus gives the following general description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of the stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of the matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus, small, tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens attached to the whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at night, and fading in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable odour, not unlike that of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round, persistent, usually red when ripe. The species are natives of tropical America, and are generally found in rocky gorges or the steep declivities of mountainous regions.
Cultivation.—These plants require distinctly tropical treatment. During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible, and be supplied with plenty of water, both at the root and by means of the syringe. Air should be given on very hot days, but the plants should be encouraged to make all the growth possible before the approach of winter. In winter, they may be kept quite dry, and the temperature of the house where they stand should be maintained at about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or 70 degs. in the day. In March, the plants should be repotted into as small pots as convenient, employing a good, loamy soil and ample drainage. Should the hairs become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid on their sides and then syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm water, to be followed by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should cleanse the hairs and give them the white appearance to which the plants owe their attractiveness.
P. Houlletianus(Houllet's); Fig. 56.—Stem robust, glaucous-green; ridges about eight, broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in bundles of nine, radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale yellow. Upon the growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled with long, white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt head; these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped, resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured a rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the flower-tube, and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit globose, as large as a plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is bright, crimson, and contains a few brownish seeds. In the engraving the fruit is shown on the left, and a flower-bud on the right. This species is often known in Continental collections asP. Fosterii.
PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUSFIG. 56.—PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS
FIG. 56.—PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS
P. senilis(Old-Man).—Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft. high; the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight spines, 1 in. long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which the ridges are divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About the upper portion of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top, are numerous white, wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered sometimes into locks. To this character, the plant owes it name Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious inversion of what obtains in the human kind, old plants are less conspicuous by their white hairs than the younger ones. Some years ago, there were three fine stems of this Cactus among the cultivated plants at Kew, the highest of which measured 18½ ft. There was also, however, a fine specimen in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and it is stated that this plant has been in cultivation in England a hundred years at least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small, and, from its slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the inhabitants of Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason to believe that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old. The flowers ofP. senilisare not known in English collections, the plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.
Other speciesare:P. chrysomallus, which has a branching habit,P. Brünnonii(Fig. 57),P. Celsianus, P. columna, P. tilophorus,known only in a young state, and several others, all very remarkable plants, but not known in English collections, unless, perhaps at Kew.
PILOCEREUS BRÜNNONIIFIG. 57.—PILOCEREUS BRÜNNONII
FIG. 57.—PILOCEREUS BRÜNNONII
S
OMETHING over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by 2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip, and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.
The spines inM. macromerisare straight, and measure 2 in. in length; inM. multicepsthey are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however, is that represented byM. fissurata(Fig. 61), in which the tubercles are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.
The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describingM. tenuis, give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in their motion by some magic power—their rays retained, but their fires extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the curious beauty of this little herb—a plant so unlike all others that we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines, like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as attractive as the stems. Those ofM. macromerisare 3 in. long and wide, their colour a deep rose;M. Scheeriihas equally large flowers, and coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers ofM. pectinata. This last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red, coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule, matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.
The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense. Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found near the snow line in Chili.M. viviparais quite hardy in New York, as also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain, dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the neighbourhood of that town.
Cultivation.—Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer, removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks, and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water. A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day, would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little water may be given.
A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a few hours in the day.
Propagation.—This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and planting them in small pots of sandy soil.