Mark A. Miller
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
GYMNOCALYCIUM multiflorum
Plant Common Name
Many-flowered Gymnocalycium
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Pale golden spines and large, white flowers are the ornamental highlights of the many-flowered chin cactus. This perennial cactus species is native to the arid grassy highlands in north-central Argentina. Although a tidy globe in shape when young, older specimens become elongated, growing into erect columns or flopping to the ground with an erect growing tip. Over decades, one plant multiplies into a clump of many stems.
Instead of foliage, cacti modified their leaves to become protective spines while the stem became swollen and stored moisture. This chin cactus' stem has 10 to 15 ribs. Five to 10 yellow, curved spines appear in radial clusters on areole bumps on the top of the ribs. Just below the spine cluster is a chin-like bump that gives this species its common name. In the warmth of spring and into midsummer, oval, scaled flower buds appear from the tip of the cactus. A flower is predominantly white, but may have hints of pale pink. Numerous flowers occur, each lasting up to three days. A rounded, green fruit follows if the blooms are pollinated.
Grow the many-flowered chin cactus in full sun in a sandy, very well-drained soil. This plant also grows well in containers, both indoors and out. Use a special cactus potting mix and keep the soil barely moist in winter, and a drier during the warmer months of summer. If grown indoors, place the container where it receives as much light as possible. Outdoors, where winter frosts are rare or absent, use this cactus in a rockery or hillside in a water-conservation garden.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Pink
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
