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Description
Austrocylindropuntia Subulata, also known as Eve’s Needle, is a species of cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width. This cactus is native to South America and grows in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of up to 2,900 meters above sea level. The plant is characterized by its long, thin, and cylindrical stems that are covered with small spines. The stems are green in color and can have a bluish tint. The flowers of Austrocylindropuntia Subulata are small and pink or purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Austrocylindropuntia |
| Species | Austrocylindropuntia Subulata |
Appearance
Austrocylindropuntia Subulata is characterized by its long, thin, and cylindrical stems that can grow up to 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width. The stems are green in color and can have a bluish tint. They are covered with small spines that can be up to 0.8 inches in length. The spines are yellowish-brown in color and are arranged in clusters of 1-4. The flowers of Austrocylindropuntia Subulata are small and pink or purple in color. They bloom in the spring and summer months and can last up to a week. The fruits of this plant are small and red in color, containing small black seeds.
Care Guide
Austrocylindropuntia Subulata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this cactus:
- Water: This plant needs to be watered sparingly, only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil has adequate drainage.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilization, but you can feed it with a cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: This cactus prefers well-draining soil that is mixed with sand or gravel. Avoid using heavy, clay soils.
- Sunlight: Austrocylindropuntia Subulata prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to acclimate the plant to direct sunlight gradually to avoid sunburn.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Austrocylindropuntia Subulata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, inspect your plant regularly and remove any pests manually or with a gentle spray of water. This plant can also suffer from root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not have adequate drainage.
Habitat
Austrocylindropuntia Subulata is native to South America and grows in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of up to 2,900 meters above sea level. It prefers rocky and sandy soils in dry and sunny locations. This plant can tolerate cold temperatures and can survive occasional frost.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Austrocylindropuntia Subulata?
A: Water this plant sparingly, only when the soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so make sure the soil has adequate drainage.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Austrocylindropuntia Subulata?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What kind of soil does Austrocylindropuntia Subulata prefer?
A: This cactus prefers well-draining soil that is mixed with sand or gravel. Avoid using heavy, clay soils.
Q: How tall can Austrocylindropuntia Subulata grow?
A: This plant can reach up to 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width.
Related Plants
- Austrocylindropuntia Vestita
- Austrocylindropuntia Cylindrica
- Austrocylindropuntia Lagunairensis
- Austrocylindropuntia Subulata Cristata
References
- Gentry, H. S. (1982). Agaves of continental North America. University of Arizona Press.
- Anderson, E. F. (2001). The cactus family. Timber Press.
- Hunt, D., & Taylor, N. (1986). The genera of Cactaceae: towards a new consensus. Bradleya, 4, 69-102.
