Epithelantha micromeris ssp. polycephala
(Syn: Epithelantha polycephala)
 

CACTUSPEDIA       

Epithelantha polycephala
An old plant may have more than 100 heads, and be 10 cm in diameter.
 

Description:   Clustering miniature cactus;  an old plant may have more than 100 heads, and be 10 cm of diameter.
Stem:  Elongated and very thin,  1-2cm in diameter.
Spines: Very short, appressed, grey/whitish or pastel new spines on shoot apexes are reddish.
Remarks: This is a very distinctive cactus, though quite variable regarding stem's sizes and branching propensity.
 

An old specimen
From   Mr. Landini's collection, Italy 

A plant from the collection
of Jean-louis Bayet, Belgium.

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Cultivation: Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant in cultivation it is relatively easy. It needs a soil mix that's particularly well-draining (rot prone). Water sparingly.
Frost Tolerance: Depending on the clone, will take -12° C (Temperature Zone: USDA 8-11)
Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun

Propagation: Seeds, offsets.

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms an cultivars of Epithelantha micromeris:

• E. micromeris
• E. micromeris var. dickisoniae
• E. micromeris var. polycephala
• E. micromeris var. rufispina
• E. micromeris var. unguispina
• E. micromeris cv. ping-pong
• E. micromeris forma cristata

Origin: Mexico (Coahuila)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Synonyms:

• E. polycephala Backeberg 1954
  in: Cactus, Paris, No. 39, 32; et No. 40, 62 (1954); cf. Backeb. Cactac. Handb. Kakteenk. 5. 2918 (1961), 1954 Basionym
• E. micromeris v. polycephala
• E. micromeris ssp. micromeris var.polycephala
• E. greggii v polycephala

Etymology: The subspecies name "polycephala" derives from  the Greek adjective “polys (πολυς)” meaning  “much, many, frequent; large; heavy” and the word “cephale (κεφαλη)” meaning “head; front; end, point; source, top; chief person”
(The subspecific name implies: “many-headed”)

Clusters of tiny heads From Mr. Landini's collection, Italy