What is Ariocarpus?
Ariocarpus is the name of the family for approximately six to eight types of slowly growing cacti. These cacti have strong rootstocks and conical, infallible stems, giving them a look similar to the appearance of rocks. In fact, they tend to mix with rocks and soil in their native countries Mexico and the American state Texas. As a result, Ariocarpus accepted the common name Living Rock.
different types of cacti in the genus Ariocarpus are usually headless and have flowers in winter and autumn months. Depending on the species, flowers may be purple, red, yellow, pink or white. Most species also have green berries with black seeds and grow preferably in the desert climate. In fact, some botanists believe that during a period of extreme drought they can approach their roots to the soil surface. This survival mechanism can make it easier to find water.
Most cacti species that fall within the ariocarpus gene can be grown either outdoors or in a greenhouse. If they are grown in a greenhouse, they would have a minT watering for cacti. In addition, they require full light. During their vegetation season they require moderate water, but when the growing season is over, they require only minimal water. If they are grown outdoors, they need full sun and poor, infertile soil that drains well.
One kind of Ariocarpus, a. Fissuratus is also known to its common names, Chautle Living Rock and False Peyote. It is a surface with a flat, which has a blunt, gray-green tubercula or warts similar to projections. In the autumn months it has pink or purple flowers. Live rock low to the ground, like a rock, and reaches only 4 inches (about 10.2 cm) high.
Another type of Ariocarpus, a. Retusus , is also flat with gray -green tuber. The difference is that in the autumn months it produces white and pink flowers. In addition, it puts even lower on the ground than a. Fissuratus , reachEmployment barely over 3 inches (about 7.6 cm). The third type of Ariocarpus, a. Trigonus is slightly higher at 5 inches (about 12.7 cm). This flat, rock cactus has yellow flowers.
It is interesting that Ariocarpus is truly at risk. Fortunately, because they are relatively rare in the wild, they are equipped with a natural defense mechanism. Cacti contain toxic alkaloids. Alkaloids are bitter to taste. As a result, they protect them from consuming cattle, sheep, deer and other herbivores.