Echinocactus
There are 10 species of Echinocactus from the southwest of the United
States and the north of Mexico. The genus is very become related with
Ferocactus and its species varies in size from small plants to giants
of 1.5 m. long and 1.25 m. wide. The Echinocactus name comes from
Greek echínos, puercoespín, due to the presence of numerous
spines that are arranged very close together.
The genus is easily propagated by seeds, reaching the young plants
about 10 seeding cm. wide in the first or second year. The young specimens
must be protected from direct sun, exposing them gradually.
Most Echinocactus tolerate the cold well, often until -7º C.
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