Pereskiopsis diguetii

Family

Cactacaea

Native

Mexico

Description

Pereskiopsis velutina also known as Pereskiopsis diguetii, is a unique, densely shrubby cactus, the leaves are oval and stalked, the areoles large with tufts of tough spines. Flowers are yellow, 1.2-3 inches across. Fruits are top shape to ovoid, orange to yellow, sometimes becoming red, 2.5-7 cm long, 1-1.6 cm in diameter.

It is commonly used for grafting the seedlings of other slow-growing genera such as Lophophora, Astrophytum & Ariocarpus. Since the diameter of this stock is small, even pea size pups of other cacti can be grafted on this stock. Growth of these grafts is very fast. When the grafts become top-heavy, they can be grown on their own roots or can be regrafted on larger stock, such as Acanthocereus pentagonus.

Environment

A fast growing species,this plant needs regular watering during summers and should be kept dry during winters. A sun loving variety, it grows and glows better under full sun.

Landscape Uses

Usually these are outdoor plant, grass lands, landscapes.