Obregonia denegrii
Obregonia denegrii - The Artichoke Cactus. This is one of the rarest and most sought-after “living rock” cacti and is prized for its pine-cone-like shape.
It is the only species in its monospecific genus, though it is most closely related to Ariocarpus and Lophophora.
You will receive one established seedling roughly 20-30mm in diameter. Please see the photo which includes an Australian $2 coin for size reference.
-
Endemic to an incredibly small region near Ciudad Victoria in the Valley of Jaumave, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Relative to the rest of Mexico this region is quite wet, receiving roughly 550mm per year of rain.
Obregonia denegrii can be found growing in both open areas and in the shelter of dense bushes in limestone soil, among gravel and small stone. It grows alongside other species of cacti including Mammillaria baumii and Ariocarpus trigonus.
The native population consists of less than 5,000 plants and is decreasing due to habitat loss due to animal grazing, illegal over-collecting from poachers and locals who use it to treat rheumatism.
-
Obregonia denegrii requires a sharp, fast-draining mineral-based substrate with only a little organic matter (90% mineral, 10% organic).
Keep in a part shade position to maintain the deep green colour. Plants that receive too much sun without being acclimatised slowly will turn a red-purple colour.
Water only lightly once per month when temperatures drop below 10°C. Water deeply once a week in Summer.
-
Obregonia denegrii is a slow-growing miniature cactus. Plants typically take ~2-3 years to reach 20mm diameter (this size).
With correct care, they will reach 50mm diameter by years 5-6. Plants will begin to flower around 7-8 years.
Mature plants (20+ years old) will reach a maximum size of around 150-200mm in diameter.
