THELOCACTUS SETISPINUS SEEDS EXOTIC CACTUS SUCCULENT IN PORT ELIZABETH

Thelocactus being a synonym for Hamatocactus and Thelomastus is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. Members of the genus are native to the arid lands of Central and Northern Mexico. Thelocactus species are globe-shaped, short and cylindrical. They are small cacti, although there are one or two species which, while only about 15 cm high, can be 25 cm in diameter; for example, Thelocactus nidulans. Thelocactus species are generally solitary, but some varieties will cluster in groups. Thelocactus species grow in the wild in central and North Mexico but also on the other (northern) side of the Rio Grande, in Texas. Species can be distinguished by where they grow, whether in mountainous stony/rocky places or grassy territory with clay soil. Thelocactus species are generally easy to cultivate. Soils should be composed of equal proportions of sand and humus.            Water them normally from spring to autumn. In winter, keep most species at a minimum temperature of 8°C. They can survive at lower temperatures but the roots must then be kept dry. The dark brown or black seeds can be relatively large for the size of cactus and they germinate readily. They are well suited for growing in pots and rockeries. Reproduction is nearly always from seed, since the plant rarely produces plantlets. Thelocactus setispinus commonly known as Fish Hook Cactus, Hedgehog or Miniature Barrel Cactus is a globe-shaped to short cylindrical cactus about 8 to 12cm wide and up to 16cm tall. The 12 to 15 radial spines are needle-shaped, bright, brown or white and up to 4cm long. The 1 to 3 central spines are longer and stronger, straight and curved like a hook at the tip. The flowers are orange or dark yellow with a red center. This cactus blooms in summer. The red fruits are round or elliptical, a little scaly, about 8 to 10mm.