Wilcoxia

Family Cactaceae. Wilcoxia is an attractive plant of graceful form, native to Mexico, Lower California, and Texas, where it grows in arid regions.

The thin stems of the cactus can range from 40 cm to 2 m in length; without support they trail and often grow alongside other shrubs. With age the lower parts of the stems become woody. Among Mexicans Wilcoxia is known as "sheep's tail."

Stems of Wilcoxia poselgeri - Wilcoxia poselgeri - are dark green, up to 50 cm long and up to 1.5 cm in diameter. There are 8-10 ribs with small areoles on the tubercles. The central spine of this cactus (one per areole) is longer and stronger than the 9-12 radials; it stands out with a black tip. Light purple flowers with a dark center and pointed petals give off a pleasant fragrance; they appear on the sides in the middle and upper parts of the stem. They open widely in the second half of the day and remain open for two days. Moreover, they continue to increase in size until they wither.

Wilcoxia is close to Echinocereus (cacti with spiny flowers). Americans consider them as one genus, calling Wilcoxia poselgeri Echinocereus tuberosus.



Wilcoxia prefers light and warmth. The cactus root system resembles dahlia tubers. These tubers help the plant survive during dry periods and regenerate if the stem dies. Unlike ordinary Echinocereus species, it needs a larger container; otherwise this cactus will not be able to store reserves in its roots, which will slow its growth.

In summer the plants are kept on the balcony, since diurnal temperature fluctuations are necessary. Winter temperature: 7-12 °C. Watering is greatly restricted in winter, but one must monitor that the thin cactus stems do not dry out and die. Starting in spring, fertilize twice a month with a superphosphate solution.

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