FASCINATING BARREL Gaett 
or 
ECHINOCACTUS 
T HESE barrel-shaped cacti are a very attractive group found scattered from the United States to 
Argentina. They vary greatly in their size and shape and in the kinds of flowers and fruits 
they bear. Some are tiny species the size of walnuts, others are 10 feet tall and a yard in thick- 
ness. They may be identified in two great geographical groups, the North American ones centered 
in Mexico and embracing such plants as Bishop’s Cap, Golden Barrel, Cat’s Claw, Agave Cactus, 
etc., the South American ones the Parodias, Lobivias, Chin Cacti, Ball Cacti, etc. | have placed 
under Echinocacti most of the globular types even though technically some are related more 
closely to the Cerei. Almost all of them have one feature in common (shared with their con- 
geners, the Cerei), that is—ridged stems. This accordion effect, well shown in the photograph 
of the Star Cactus, page 31, allows them to expand rapidly without bursting when the rains fall. 
Their flowers are regular and wheel-shaped generally though not always borne in the younger 




PARODIA MUTABILIS areoles near the top of the stems. The larger species are of interest for the beauty and symmetry 
of even the smallest seedlings. Many of the smaller ones bear really remarkable flowers. The 
(Natural Size) delicacy and brilliance of some seem all out of proportion to the plants as though nature had 
f p tried to make up for the harshness of their surroundings. 
| The Parodias are all lovely plants with beautiful and 
bright blossoms. This sterling variety has orange yel- 
: low blossoms, often with a red throat. Even small 
plants produce several blossoms in May and June, The 
plant is very elegant and free blooming. Of the easiest 
culture. Give it a light loamy soil, moderate watering 
and sun or semi-shade, Large 5-year-old plants, 25 
: $1.00; 2-inch, 50c; flowering sizes, 35c¢ and.......... c 
ASTROPHYTUM 
To this grand group belong some of the most popular and 
pretty cacti found in Mexico. All are very free flowering, pro- 
ducing blossoms all spring and summer. They are all small or 
medium sized globular cacti and seem particularly happy in 
cultivation. Their unique shape and texture make them appear 
as though carved from stone. No collection can be without 
them. Highly recommended. 
CULTURE. They grow readily in the window garden and are 
not too particular, liking a sunny position if you have it. Give 
them a sandy soil and when growing an occasional application 
of Cactus Food. Moderate waterings, allowing them to become 
dry between watering. This is important with all cacti and is 
the best of all insurance for success and blossoms! I have found 
them to enjoy a little lime in the form of old mortar or pow- 
dered dry eggshells. Our Cactus Compost contains the lime 
necessary. A sprinkling of charcoal mixed with the soil helps 
to keep it sweet and open, If you do not have these things do 
not let that deter you, for they are truly easily grown. 
BISHOP CAP. Astrophytum myriostigma. ||lustrated 
page 29 in full color. One of the most attractive and 
free flowering of cacti. Blooms several times during 
spring and summer. Everyone can flower it, as_ it 
blooms when young and is most easily cared for. Put 
it in a sunny window and it will reward you with its 
cheerful yellow blossoms many times. Moderate water- 
ings. Mature flowering. 3-inch, $1.00; 2-inch and 214- 
inch, flowering, 50¢; 12-inch, 35¢; small 1-inch._..25¢ 

SILVER BALL 
An elegant silvery spined small cactus which al- 
ways attracts admiring attention, Notocactus scopa 
grows quickly and easily under all conditions. A 
native of Brazil. Likes sun or partial shade, moder- 
ate waterings. 2-214 inch 4-year-old specimen flow- 
ering plants, $1.00: 12-inch, 50c; 25 
nicei plants, (S50 cam eee nee ee eee c 
Four-sided Bishop Cap. A collector’s rarity. Always 
has four sides. Blooms and grows just as freely as the 
ordinary 5-sided type. Each, 1 %4-in. to 1 Yz-in........ 60c 

VIOLET SEA URCHIN 
Acanthocalycium violaceum (Two-thirds Natural Size) GOLDEN EASTER LILY CACTUS BRITTONIA DAVISII 
A lovely flowering small cactus blooming profusely during the 
summer. The blossoms are particularly bright and shining and Bearing handsome, large bright yellow flowers. A monotypic genus from Texas. It is similar to a 
the color is most pleasing. Flowers when small, the number of It flowers very freely and with us every bed is ed spined Echino ; 
blossoms increasing yearly. They may reach 4 inches in diam- shining with blossoms. I consider Lobivia aurea Ee reach Sane pete eae phate! Fe 
eter. Native of Argentina. Grows very easily in light loam, mod- one of the choicest varieties and recommend it jn 7; i j i 
erate waterings and sun or semi-shade. 3-inch speci- 25 fully, It grows easily in light loam with mod- Sore eons ee 30c 
mens, $1.00; 2-inch, 50c; nice 1-14 imch.........002.0020-.. ene C erate waterings and almost full sun suits it ‘ aad sane minaigs go rere 
Tine 5-year-old flowering specimens, 35 
$1.00; smaller flowering, 50c and................ c NEOPORTERIA 
_ A rare Chilean genus often found on cliffs overhang- 
ing the seashore, They vary considerably in appear- 
_— ae owes A: most attractive, of large size, 
A and freely produced. Give them a sandy loam soil and 
ASTROPHYTUM (Continued) during their season of growth moderate waterings. Rest 
well during winter by withholding water. 
Chilean Old Woman. N. nidus. Very scarce. One of 
Astrophytum myriostigma coahuilensis. Whit- the most striking white haired cacti in existence. The 
er than the type and with red seed pods. 2- plant is hidden in a thicket of coarse, curling white 
HGR CAChiitereen: era cece eer sete ween ee nee 90c hair. One of the loveliest flowering plants with exaui- 
site long pink blossoms. We have 1 
only a few plants. Nice.....................- posebuwaks -chactirceo moana 
Astrophytum myriostigma columnaris. This eas é 
is much taller and slenderer and quite white. Black Cactus. N. nigricans. Very scarce. Body of 
Vv ¢ I : F| Fi : 7 aaa d plant almost black, a strange color for any $ 
ery tree rlowering. Fiowering size, 2<-inch an plant, Flowers dark garnet red, Each ........-.-:cssess---! 
PAV EX AYSl aby, Keva\al ql ok epee bee eedeee eae ls oes ere 60c 
Astrophytum myriostigma potosina. Darker STROMBOCACTUS 
andctaster-erowilmes each ys ce reece eee 35c¢ A very rare and slow growing genus from Mexico. 
Plants flattened-globular with very few spines. Flowers 
: “ : white. Strictly collectors’ items. They need full sun 
Astrophytum capricorne. A splendid species and sand or very sandy soil, watering only when quite 
with very handsome 3-inch golden yellow blos- dry. 
soms having a red throat. Petals like satin! A oo eee oben A very curious, almost 
small species bearing few papery spins. 11-2 spineless grey-green plant. Mature 2-2% 
inch, 75e: larger oe ak ace epee I $1700 inch flowering plants, Each...........................- pM Z 
Strombocactus pseudomacrothele. A rare, quite dif- 
ee ferent plant an inch in diameter when mature. Forms 
Astrophytum cap. senilis. More feathery clusters, Spines strawlike, 
spines? Larger a ee eee ee $1.00 Verpechoice) Mature eee 

