What is Aztekium?

Aztekium is a family of cacti, which can be found on vertical, limestone and plasterboard in the state of Nuevo León in Mexico. The genus contains two species, aztekium hintonii and aztekium ritteri . These are small globular and stellar plants cactus and have been found to contain a number of alkaloids and other chemicals; They may prove to be valuable as medicinal plants. The shape of the cacti is said to have some similarity to some forms of Aztec statues. The second part of the cactus names comes from the botany who discovered them. aztekium ritteri was discovered Friedrich Ritter in Rayones in Nuevo León in Mexico and was named after Friedrich Bodeker in 1928; Native Mexicans call it peyotillo . For many years it was the only known species and it was assumed that the genus contained only this single type. In 1991, however, George S. Hinton discovered aztekium hintonii in Galean, Nuevo León.

aztekium ritteri is a very small cactus, an average of about 1.96 inches (fivecm) and with very slow growth speed; It can take several years to achieve a normal size and develop new clusters. It is yellowish green when young and then become grayish green. It has about 10 rounded ribs that are crossed by horizontal wrinkles, which gives the cactus a somewhat crumpled look. The white "wool" is produced in the growing center of the cactus.

In summer, the plant is produced by the ritteri small white and pink flowers, which have a diameter of only about 0.39 inches (one cm) and are made from central white wool. Flowers may or may not be fragrant. Small pink fruit similar to berries that contain many fine seeds appear after flowering.

The

type hintonia is greater vulique, measuring about 3.93 inches (10 cm) on average and has a relatively faster growth rate. The color of this cactus can also move from light green to gray green and has around 18 ribs with different grooves. Flowers whenThey appear, generally measuring about three cm and are dark pink or purple colors.

both types of cacti can be promoted from seeds, but due to their slow growth it may be a relatively difficult task; Seedlings often dry before they reach a viable size. It has been found that grafting plants is to some extent successful. However, as soon as the samples introduce the roots, it is quite easy to manage. They should be planted in a well -drained area, with a full sun or partial shadow and should be protected from pests such as spiders and mealy errors.