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Monvillea spegazzinii
"cristata" (Type B)
This easy to grow plant is very attractive because of its
spectacular purple-blue stems with pronounced sculpture effects.
There also a similar crested form (Type
A) with blue-green marbled stems.
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Description: The
typical Monvillea spegazzinii is a fast-growing slender shrubby
cactus that has bluish stems that creep along the ground to form a
shrub. There are two similar but slightly different crested forms (Type
A and type B) that are now widely cultivated for their beautiful stem
with pronounced sculpture effects.
Stems: Bluish-green that tinge purplish in full sun up to 25 cm tall and wide.
Roots: Tuberose and succulent, Even adventitious roots of
Monvillea spegazzinii become succulent.
Flowers: 10 to 13 cm in length with a slender tube, reddish outer
perianth segments and white inner ones. They arise from near the top on
the sides of the stems; buds point upward but curve suddenly downward
when the flowers open. They bloom at night.
Remarks: These plants produce monstrous crests, and crests occasionally produce
normal shoots.
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Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus
Family)
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES appendix 2.
Scientific name:
Monvillea spegazzinii (Weber) Britton and
Rose
forma Cristata "Type B"
Origin:
Garden origin (Nursery
produced cultivar)
Synonyms:
- Cereus spegazzinii cristata
- Monvillea phatnosperma cristata
- Monvillea haageii Cristata
- Monvillea spegazzini f.monstrosa
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The epidermis is lovely marbled in blue and green, the tips are purple. |
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Cultivation: Produces best results in loose and very drained
soil, rich in leafmold, and if sufficient water is supplied in warm
weather a rather considerable growth can be made. It needs semi-shade.
The plants will stand but little cold and require
a minimum winter temperature of about 10° C. (but can resist for short
period to 0° C). Growth is rapid, and supports are needed for the stems.
The half‑erect habit of the moderately tall plants makes them
desirable for middle foreground position in landscaping, while the
comparatively small room needed for potted plants makes it an acceptable
group for greenhouse culture.
Propagation: By cuttings.
Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of
Monvillea spegazzinii.
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