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Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg 1843 Pelecyphora strobiliformis (Werdermann) Frič & Schelle ex Kreuzinger 1935
Pelecyphora means “with axe form” by the form of tubercles of Pelecyphora aselliformis, that is the species type. This sort was described as simple or grouped plants, that grow sunk in the ground. Roots in bobbin form. Globular or globular-squashed stems, of yellowish green or green color, 1 to 4 cm high and 2 to 6 cm of diameter. Without ribs. Triangular or elliptical tubercles in spiral in the outer part. Dimorphic areolas with the part where they bring forth the spines in the external part and the one of the flowers in the base of the tubercle. Between 7 and 60 white pectinated spines of 0.7 to 2 mm in length. It blooms between April and July; the flowers grow in the base of young tubercles, are diurnal, with funnel or bell form, magenta color, of 12 to 28 mm in length and of 13 to 30 mm of diameter, with pericarpelo naked. The fruits are globular, of color brown greenish, dry when mature, indehiscents, naked. Seeds in kidney form, brown color reddish, with a pattern cross-linking or fluted in the head, of 1 to 1.3 mm in length.
It is original from Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It has been collected abundantly, reason why they are included in the Appendix I of CITES, the highest protection. In its habitat they are regenerating and they grow more quickly than in culture, where they have a very slow growth.
The status of Pelecyphora has been discussed in the past. In some old books and catalogues, Pelecyphora strobiliformis appears like Encephalocarpus. Also Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is denominated erroneously like Pelecyphora and, with less frequency, as Turbinicarpus valdezianus.
Pelecyphora is cultivated from seeds, that are difficult to collect, because they hide between the wool of tubercles. Usually these plants are grafted on Pereskiopsis, to accelerate the their growth that is slowest in culture over their own roots. It supports dry cold in winter, until - 10ºC and its rest has to be rigorous. It needs plenty of sun, much heat, moderate and irregular watering and drained substratum with alkaline gravel. It is sensible to the attack of the acaruses, reason why it is advisable to give them some preventive treatment.
Pelecyphora aselliformis is also called "peyotillo or small peyote" and has many therapeutic uses, like remedy for rheumatic fevers and pains. It contains numerous alkaloids, like mescaline, but less than peyote.
By Vicente Bueno, Celebrated Dr. Good of Cactus Center Club |
