= Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii f. cristatus hort.
Accepted Scientific Name: Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii (Engelm.) N.P.Taylor
Cactaceae Consensus Init. 5: 13. 1998
Hamatocactus wrightii f. cristatus (Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii f. cristatus) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Garden origin (Cultivated form)
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Sclerocactus uncinatus
Common Names include:
ENGLISH: Crested Fishhook Cactus, Crested Texas Hedgehog, Crested Turk’s Head, Crested Catclaw Cactus
Description: The Glandulicactus wrightiiSN|3499]]SN|3499]] f. cristatus is a nice crested form with fan-shaped branches. There exist also the standard species, not crested, which is a medium sized solitary cactus with long central hooked spines .
Stem: Globose or short columnar glaucous green or greyish green in colour, up to 15 cm tall, and not more than 8 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Protruding, 9-15 mm hight, 6-10 mm wide, deeply notched and thus almost divide in tubercles,
Spines: New spines in young areoles are pink to reddish, later straw coloured to pale grey.
Radial spines: 8-10 , abaxial 3 hooked , nearly as thick as central spines 15-45 mm long.
Central spines: Hooked, 5-12 cm long.
Root: Tap root.
Flowers: Relatively small, Approx. 2-4 cm. long, 2-3 cm in diameter. Very distinctive brick-red to purplish or brownish purple, usually dark or dull. (Much the colour of Mammillaria pottsiiSN|9355]]SN|9355]] flowers). Several flowers usually develop together at the stem apex.
Blooming season: Spring (March-May), the flowers remain open for up to twelve days.
Fruits: Roundish, bright red, with numerose conspicuous white fringed scales, pulp mealy. Fruiting May-June. it is common to see several fruit developing simultaneously at the stem apex.
More...Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Sclerocactus uncinatus group
Notes: The cause of cresting is not fully explained; biologists disagree as to why some plants grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of lightning strike or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line, which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested are somewhat rare (1 in 250,000), cresting occurs naturally throughout the range of the this plant and can be encountered in many other cactus species.
In the ontogenesis a crest can appear any time, but development of crests on large columnar cactus species ( such as the saguaro Carnegia gigantea) in the early stages of ontogenesis is unlikely. On the other hand, small species may crest early already at the cotyledons stage.
Hamatocactus wrightii f. cristatus (Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii f. cristatus) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Hamatocactus wrightii f. cristatus (Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii f. cristatus) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Hamatocactus wrightii f. cristatus (Sclerocactus uncinatus subs. wrightii f. cristatus) Photo by: Valentino VallicelliSend a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: This plant is relatively rare in cultivation and has the fame to be difficult to grow on its own roots because it is very sensitive to overwatering (rot prone) and slow-growing. This species is extremely xerophytic, cold hardy and adapted to very dry soils.
Soil: Grow it in an open mineral, sandy-gritty cactus compost.
Pots: It needs a relatively large or deep pot to accommodate its extensive roots and provide a very good drainage. They may stay in the same pot for many years.
Watering: Water it sparingly and keep it completely dry during winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Mature individuals easily rot and die especially after planting so be extremely cautious with watering. Water it less than average if in bigger pots.
Special need: Provide very good ventilation. Nearly all problems occur as a result of overwatering and poor ventilation, especially when weather conditions are dull and cool or very humid. They must have very dry atmosphere.
Fertilization: Feed them once during the growing season with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cactus and succulents (high potash fertilizer with a dilute low nitrogen), including all micro nutrients and trace elements diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They thrive in poor soils and need a limited supplies of fertilizer to avoid the plants developing excess vegetation, which is easily attacked by fungal diseases.
Exposure: It will do its best with lots of sun and become stressed with inadequate light which could result in poor growth and unnatural shape.
Hardiness: An unheated greenhouse would be perfect. It can survive low temperatures, approx. -7° (-12°) C.
Use: This is a good pot plant suited for a non heated green house. It can be also cultivated outdoors in raised beds, terraces if sheltered from winter rain. This cactus continues to be, a particular prize among collectors.
Pests & diseases: These cacti may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by misting the plants from above.
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new leaves and flowers with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Scales, thrips and aphids: (they are rarely a problem.)
- Rot: Rot is only a minor problem if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
Propagation: Grafting, since cutting root hardly.
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