Coryphantha pseudoechinus ssp.laui
Family
Cactacaea
Native
Mexico
Description
Coryphantha pseudoechinus ssp.laui is very similar to the standard Coryphantha echinus with the exception of yellow flowers and slightly different skin and spination colour.
It is closely related and similar to the genus Mammillaria. Among the most significant differences in cultivation, is that the flowers are produced on the tissue of the growing season, near the top, instead of coming from the previous season growth, forming a ring, like the Mammillaria. Another difference is that the Coryphantha tubercle has a groove on the upper side from its base to its apex
Yellow flowers bloom in late summer, followed by green fruits.
Environment
Coryphantha prefers shady positions, beneath larger plants or partly covered by grass. It grows out in the open or under bushes. It also grows in pure gypsum and in gravelly soils.
It grows nearly in all substrates including nearly pure gypsum, gravelly soils, usually sandy alluvium or clay, especially in dry river lagoon areas, rarely crevices or steep slopes.
They generally develop a strong tap root, and should be given deeper pots than Mammillarias.
Landscape Uses
This is a beautiful specimen cactus for a large cactus or succulent garden. It can make an interesting plant for a large container and is a nice centerpiece for a warm, sunny courtyard. The plant does have a few spines so care should be taken in its location.