Gymnocalycium is genus of 70 South American species. The main area
of distribution is Argentina, part of Uruguay, Paraguay, the south
of Bolivia and part of Brazil. Most of the species are globular and
small (between 5 and 15 cm.), although Gymnocalycium saglionis can
reach 40 cm. wide. They are very popular due to its flowering and
easy care. The Gymnocalycium name derives from the Greek and means
naked calyx, because flower buds lack hairs or spines.
The flowers are of pink and occasionally yellow. Only the plants that
receive light at noon will flourish.
Most of the species propagate by seeds that germinate at 21º C minimum,
although the genus hybridizes easily and the results can be very variable.
Some species produce offsets which can be used for propagation.
