Maihuenia poeppigii

photos:(left) J.G. in SF (right) Spiniflores/Flickr.com

From high altitudes in southern Chile comes this very rare, bizarre & hardy cactus that forms fascinating cushions (up to 3’ across) composed of hundreds of tiny, spiny heads. It produces large, edible, 3” fruits after the 2” creamy yellow flowers appear & these sit atop the foliage, looking almost alien to the plant. It should fruit within its first few years (that’s speedy for a cactus!) Unique cultural requirements apply – it can deal with snow cover & though it takes the Summer heat here & brief dry spells, it’s not the extremely drought tolerant type you might expect from its appearance. Some water is recommended & if you live in a scorching hot clime, some protection from Summer’s hottest sun is advised.

Claire Woods
Propagator