CACTUSES AND OTHER SUCCULENTS I5I 



In Mexico the organ cactus (Cereus mar- 

 gtnatus, also known as C. gemmatus) is used 

 for hedges or fences. It is distinct in appear- 

 ance from others of its genus. The stem is 

 seldom over three inches in diameter, with 

 five or six very obtuse ridges, each of which has 

 a row of short, black spines, which grow in 

 bunches of seven to nine. This can be 

 successfully grown In the house too. 



RED FLOWERS ALL WINTER 



The commonest cactus In the window 

 garden, because it gives such a wealth of 

 bright flowers, is the crab cactus {Epiphyl- 

 lum truncatuni). In its native country it is 

 an epiphyte, but It can be grown successfully 

 on its own roots in soil. The best way, how- 

 ever, is to have a plant grafted on Pereskia. 

 The young stems are flat, resembling the claws 

 of a crab, but they become round and woody 

 with age. During the winter each tip produces 

 a pair of brilliant flowers, ruby-red, or varying 

 toward violet-red, according to the variety. 

 In Europe there are many named varieties. 

 It is useful in suspended pots, or baskets, the 

 long stems hanging over the edges of the pots. 

 It flowers in the winter. Grow In a soil 



