VOLUME 14 :: January—October, 1952 Illustrations shown in ...

<strong>Illustrations</strong> <strong>shown</strong> <strong>in</strong> brackets.<br />

INDEX<br />

<strong>VOLUME</strong> <strong>14</strong> :: <strong>January—October</strong>, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Page<br />

Acanthocalycium violocea 74<br />

Adenia ... ... ... ... ... 6<br />

Adenium 70<br />

Adromischus ... ... 29, 77<br />

Adromischus clavifolius ... ... ... 77<br />

Adromischus cristatus 77<br />

Adromischus hemisphaericus ... ... 77<br />

Adromischus maculatus ... ... ... 77<br />

Adromischus mariannae 77<br />

Adromischus rhombifolius ... ... 77<br />

Aeonium ... ... 21,64<br />

Aeonium caespitosum ... ... ... 64<br />

Aeonium simsii ... ... ... ... 64<br />

Aeonium tabulaeforme ... ... 21<br />

Agave 6,68,70,79<br />

Agave clavarioides ... ... ... 79<br />

Agave ferd<strong>in</strong>andi-regis ... ... ... 69<br />

Agave filifera 69<br />

Agave franzosceni ... ... ... 69<br />

Agave kerchovei 75<br />

Agave macroacantha 69<br />

Agave mexicana ... ... ... ... 69<br />

Agave parryi ... ... 9<br />

Agave rigida ... ... ... 75<br />

Agave victoriae-reg<strong>in</strong>ae 69, 75<br />

Agave sp. Arizona ... 75<br />

Agave sp. Grand Canyon 75<br />

Agnirictus agn<strong>in</strong>um ... ... ... 95<br />

Aichryson domesticum ... ... ... 6<br />

Aloe 31,55,64,69,<br />

70, 71, 92, 93<br />

Aloe ausana 70<br />

Aloe hereroensis ... ... ... ... 70<br />

Aloe mycrostigma 75<br />

Aloe rubrolutea 70<br />

Aloe striatula 75<br />

Aloe supralaevis 75<br />

Aloe variegata ... ... 70<br />

Anacampseros rufescens 75<br />

Ancistrocactus scheeri 2,69<br />

Annual D<strong>in</strong>ner ... ... ... 79<br />

Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g 45<br />

Aporocactus ... ... ... ... 89<br />

Aporocactus flagelliformis (13), 51<br />

Aptenia cordifolia (<strong>14</strong>), 63, 75<br />

Are Cacti slow grow<strong>in</strong>g ... ... 21<br />

Argeta petrensis 53<br />

Argyroderma ... ... 95<br />

Argyroderma ovale (86)<br />

Ariocarpus fissuratus 2<br />

New descriptions <strong>in</strong> heavy type.<br />

Page<br />

Ariocarpus kotschubeyanus ... ... 79<br />

Astrophytum 22<br />

Astrophytum myriostigma 69, 74<br />

Astrophytum ornatum (13), 69, 75<br />

Autumn Show ... ... ... ... 93<br />

Aylostera 81<br />

Aylott.A. J 92<br />

Aztekium ritteri ... 2<br />

Barbata (Series: Conophytum) ... 44, 80<br />

Barrett, R 92<br />

Bartschella schumannii 2<br />

Bates, Mr 8<br />

Bedford, Duke of 17<br />

Beeson, W 13,36<br />

Bergeranthus 87<br />

Bergeranthus multiceps 75<br />

Bergeranthus scapiger 95<br />

Berghem, Mrs. Grullemans van ... 49<br />

Berks and Bucks Branch 45<br />

Berrisfordia (sub-genus Conophytum) 81<br />

Berry, Dr. G. L 17, 25, 41<br />

Bertrand, A 47<br />

Beschorneria yuccoides ... 5,75<br />

B/7oba (series: Conophytum) 32, 33<br />

Boarder, A 2, 5, 18, 22,<br />

26, 44, 45, 50, 65, 73 ,74, 75, 81, 92, 93<br />

Boer, Dr. de 8<br />

Boke, N. H 90<br />

Bolus, Dr. L 8,9,30<br />

Book Review 90<br />

Borg, Professor J 30<br />

Borzicactus straussii 21<br />

Bowiea 6<br />

Bowiea volubilis ... ... ... 10<br />

Bravest th<strong>in</strong>g that grows 19<br />

Brown, Dr. N. E 8, 9, 15, 20,<br />

33,34<br />

Brownanthus schenkii (38)<br />

Bruce, Mrs. P. M 36<br />

Bryophyllum tubiflorum 21,70<br />

Bu<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, A. F. H 49<br />

Byrd, R. K 30<br />

Cactoblastis cactorum 16<br />

Cactus 91<br />

Cactus Cultural Notes 2, 26, 50, 74<br />

Carnegiea gigantea 75<br />

Carpobrotus 95<br />

Carruanthus can<strong>in</strong>us (38)

---

Page<br />

Carruicola (series: Conophytum) ... 56, 80<br />

Cataphraeta (series: Conophytum) ... 50,80<br />

Cephalocereus chrysacanthus 75<br />

Cephalophyllum ebracteatium (61)<br />

Cereeonae 64,92,93<br />

Cereus 6, (12), 22,<br />

42, 50, 69, 74, 90<br />

Cereus aethiops 69<br />

Cereus areolatus 69<br />

Cereus beneckei ... ... ... ... 78,(83)<br />

Cereus bridgesii ... ... ... ... 69<br />

Cereus candicans ... 69<br />

Cereus celsianus ... ... ... 69<br />

Cereus coerulens 69<br />

Cereus dumortieri ... 69<br />

Cereus eruca 69<br />

Cereus flagelliformis 69<br />

Cereus gonianthus ... 5<br />

Cereus horrida 5<br />

Cereus jamacaru ... 21<br />

Cereus jusberti 69<br />

Cereus lamprochlorus 69<br />

Cereus macrogonus 69<br />

Cereus mart<strong>in</strong>ii 69<br />

Cereus peruvianus 69,70,75<br />

Cereus pr<strong>in</strong>glei 69<br />

Cereus rostratus ... 69<br />

Cereus schickendantzii 69<br />

Cereus senilis 55,69<br />

Cereus spachianus ... ... ... 69<br />

Cereus sp<strong>in</strong>ulosus 69<br />

Cereus straussii 69<br />

Cereus thelogonus ... 69<br />

Cereus tortuosus 69<br />

Chamaecereus silvestris 26, 29<br />

Chamaegigas 20<br />

Chamaegigas <strong>in</strong>trepidens 19<br />

Cheale, J. H. C 45<br />

Cheiridopsis 53,88,95<br />

Cheiridopsis candidissimis ... ... 88<br />

Cheiridopsis marhthii (61)<br />

Cheiridopsis meyeri 88, 95<br />

Cheiridopsis peculiaris 95<br />

Cheiridopsis pillansii 88<br />

Cheiridopsis purpurascens (84), 88<br />

Cissus ba<strong>in</strong>esii ... ... ... ... 71<br />

Cissus juttae 71,79<br />

Cissus kramerianus ... 71<br />

Clark, N. M 16,40<br />

Cleistocactus straussii ... ... ... 2<br />

Cochemiea halei ... 2<br />

Cole, A. E 45<br />

Coll<strong>in</strong>gs, P. V. 18, 25, 79, 92,93<br />

Colour <strong>in</strong> Autumn 82<br />

Conophytum I, 4, 8, 15,<br />

28,32,52,56,73,76,81,87,94,95<br />

Conophytum types (II)<br />

Page<br />

Conophytum acutum ... 9<br />

Conophytum advenum 56<br />

Conophytum aggregatum 56<br />

Conophytum albescens 32<br />

Conophytum albifissum ... 57<br />

Conophytum altile 56<br />

Conophytum ahum 32, 95<br />

Conophutym ahum plenum ... ... 32<br />

Conophytum amplium 32<br />

Conophytum andausanum ... ... 32<br />

Conophytum andausanum immaculatum 32<br />

Conophytum angelicae 80<br />

Conophytum angustum ... 32<br />

Conophytum apertum 32<br />

Conophytum apiatum 32<br />

Conophytum apiculatum 32<br />

Conophytum approximatum 32<br />

Conophytum archeri 56<br />

Conophytum assimile 57<br />

Conophytum auctum 32<br />

Conophytum auriflorum 63<br />

Conophytum batesii 57<br />

Conophytum bicar<strong>in</strong>atum 56<br />

Conophytum bilobum 32<br />

Conophytum biandum 32<br />

Conophytum bolusiae 80<br />

Conophytum braunsii ... 57<br />

Conophytum breve 80<br />

Conophytum brevipetalum 56<br />

Conophytum brevitubum 56<br />

Conophytum brownii 63<br />

Conophytum calculus 80<br />

Conophytum calculus protrusum ... 80<br />

Conophytum calitzdorpense 56<br />

Conophytum caroli 9<br />

Conophytum catervum 56<br />

Conophytum ceresianum 56<br />

Conophytum cibdelum ... 56<br />

Conophytum circumpunctatum 57<br />

Conophytum chloratum 63<br />

Conophytum clarum 56<br />

Conophytum comptonii 57, 81<br />

Conophytum concavum ... ... 9<br />

Conophytum conc<strong>in</strong>num 57<br />

Conophytum connatum 32<br />

Conophytum conradi 32<br />

Conophytum comexum 32<br />

Conophytum corculum 32<br />

Conophytum cordatum 32<br />

Conophytum cordatum macrostigma ... 32<br />

Conophytum cor<strong>in</strong>terum 32<br />

Conophytum cupreatum 9<br />

Conophytum cyl<strong>in</strong>dratum 9<br />

Conophytum decl<strong>in</strong>atum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum decoratum 57<br />

Conophytum dennisii 32<br />

Conophytum densipunctatum 33

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Page<br />

Conophytum depressum 80<br />

Conophytum difforme 32<br />

Conophytum dispar 56<br />

Conophytum divaricatum 32<br />

Conophytum divergens 57<br />

Conophytum diversum 32<br />

Conophytum doorense 57<br />

Conophytum ectypum 63<br />

Conophytum edithae 9, 15<br />

Conophytum edwardii 56<br />

Conophytum edwardsae 9, 63<br />

Conophytum eenkokerense 33, 63<br />

Conophytum elishae 32(35),<br />

Conophytum elongatum 33<br />

Conophytum ernianum 32<br />

Conophytum etoylorianum 57<br />

Conophytum exertum 4, 32<br />

Conophytum exiguum ... 33<br />

Conophytum fenestratum 9<br />

Conophylum fibulaeforme 80<br />

Conophytum ficiforme 56<br />

Conophytum fimbriatum 56<br />

Conophytum flavum 57<br />

Conophytum forresteri 80<br />

Conophytum fossulatum 57<br />

Conophytum framesii 56<br />

Conophytum fraternum 57<br />

Conophytum fraternum leptanthum ... 57, 80<br />

Conophytum frutescens 32,95<br />

Conophytum fuller! 63, 80<br />

Conophytum geometricium 32<br />

Conophytum germanum 57<br />

Conophytum globosum 57<br />

Conophytum globuliforme 80<br />

Conophytum gracile 32<br />

Conophytum gracilistylum 32<br />

Conophytum graessneri 33<br />

Conophytum grandiflorum 32<br />

Conophytum gratum 57<br />

Conophytum halenbergense 33<br />

Conophytum helmuthii 80<br />

Conophytum herrei 62<br />

Conophytum hians 33<br />

Conophytum hirtum ... 33<br />

Conophytum <strong>in</strong>curvum 32<br />

Conophytum <strong>in</strong>ornatum 57<br />

Conophytum iucundum 57<br />

Conuphytum johannis w<strong>in</strong>kleri ... 80<br />

Conophytum joubertii 57<br />

Conophytum julii ... 56,87<br />

Conophytum karamoepense 32<br />

Conophytum khamiesbergense 81<br />

Conophytum klaverense 57<br />

Conophytum klipbokbergense 32<br />

Conophytum kubusianum 57<br />

Conophytum labry<strong>in</strong>theum 57<br />

Conophytum laetum ... 32<br />

Page<br />

Conophytum lambertense 57<br />

Conophytum latum ... 32<br />

Conophytum lavisianum 32<br />

Conophytum laxipetalum 32<br />

Conophytum leightoniae 57<br />

Conophytum leipoldtii 32, 44<br />

Conophytum lekkers<strong>in</strong>gense 32<br />

Conophytum ieucanthum 32<br />

Conophytum Ieucanthum multipetalum 32<br />

Conophytum leviculum 57<br />

Conophytum limbatum 63<br />

Conophytum l<strong>in</strong>earilucidum ... ... 32<br />

Conophytum literatum 57<br />

Conophytum lithopoides 9<br />

Conophytum loeschianum 33<br />

Conophytum longibracteatum 32<br />

Conophytum longifissum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum longipetalum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum longistyium 57<br />

Conophytum longum ... 15<br />

Conophytum lucipunctum 56<br />

Conophytum luckhoffii ... 63<br />

Conophytum luisae 32<br />

Conophytum luteolum ... ... ... 57<br />

Conophytum luteum ... 57<br />

Conophytum macrostigma 32<br />

Conophytum marg<strong>in</strong>atum 32<br />

Conophytum markoetterae 32<br />

Conophytum marlothii 57, 80<br />

Conophytum maughani 9<br />

Conophytum meleagris ... 56<br />

Conophytum meyerae ... 32<br />

Conophytum meyeri ... ... ... 32<br />

Conophytum m<strong>in</strong>imum ... 57<br />

Conophytum m<strong>in</strong>isculum 63<br />

Conophytum m<strong>in</strong>utiflorum 80<br />

Conophytum m<strong>in</strong>utum 57<br />

Conophytum m<strong>in</strong>utum laxum 57<br />

Conophytum misellum ... 33<br />

Conophytum miserum ... 33<br />

Conophytum modestum 33<br />

Conophytum morganii 56<br />

Conophytum muirii 56<br />

Conophytum multicolor 57<br />

Conophytum multipuntctatum 56<br />

Conophytum mundum 57<br />

Conophytum muscosipapillatum ... 32<br />

Conophytum namibense 33<br />

Conophytum nanum 32<br />

Conophytum nelianum 32<br />

Conophytum nevillei 57<br />

Conophytum noisabisense 32<br />

Conophytum notabile 4, 32<br />

Conophytum notatum 57<br />

Conophytum novellum 56<br />

Conophytum novicium 57<br />

Conophytum nutaboiense 32

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Page<br />

Conophytum obconellum 57<br />

Conophytum obcordellum 57<br />

Conophytum obmetale 57<br />

Conophytum obovatum 57<br />

Conophytum obovatum obtusum ... 57<br />

Conophytum obscurum 63,80<br />

Conophytum obtusum 32<br />

Conophytum occultum ... 57<br />

Conophytum odoratum 56, 95<br />

Conphytum ornatum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum ovigerum 32,33<br />

Conophytum pageae 80<br />

Conophytum pallidum 56, 87<br />

Conophytum pardivisum 57<br />

Conophytum parvipetalum 57<br />

Conophytum parviflorum 57<br />

Conophutym parvulum 32<br />

Conophytum pauxillum 57<br />

Conophytum pearsonii 57<br />

Conophytum pearsonii m<strong>in</strong>or 57<br />

Conophutym peersii 56<br />

Conophytum pellucidum 4,9(12),<br />

Conophytum percrassum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum permaculatum 56, 80<br />

Conophytum petraeum ... 57<br />

Conophytum pictum 57<br />

Conophytum picturatum 57, 95<br />

Conophytum pillansii 9<br />

Conophytum piluliforme 56, 57<br />

Conophytum piriforme 32<br />

Conophytum pis<strong>in</strong>um 56<br />

Conophytum placidum 56<br />

Conophytum plenum ... ... ... 32<br />

Conophytum poellnitzianum 80<br />

Conophytum pole-evansii 32<br />

Conophytum polulum ... ... ... 57<br />

Conophytum polyandrum 4,32<br />

Conophytum praec<strong>in</strong>ctum 57<br />

Conophytum praecox 57<br />

Conophytum praeparvum 57, 80<br />

Conophytum primosii 9, 63<br />

Conophytum puberulum 32<br />

Conophytum publicalyx 80<br />

Conophytum pumilum 80<br />

Conophytum purpusii 56<br />

Conophytum purpusillum 57<br />

Conophytum pusillum 57<br />

Conophytum pygmaeum 80<br />

Conophytum quaesitum 33<br />

Conophytum quarziticum 33<br />

Conophytum radiatum 57<br />

Conophytum ramosum 32<br />

Conophytum rarum 57<br />

Conophytum recisum 32<br />

Conophytum regale 32<br />

Conophytum renniei 56<br />

Conophytum reticulatum 63<br />

Page<br />

Conophytum reticulatum roseum ... 63<br />

Conophytum retusum 32<br />

Conophytum ricardianum 57, (60)<br />

Conophytum robustum 57<br />

Conophytum roodiae 9, 63<br />

Conophytum rubricar<strong>in</strong>atum 33<br />

Conophytum rubristylosum 57<br />

Conophytum rubroniveum 9<br />

Conophytum rubrum 57<br />

Conophytum rufescens 15<br />

Conophytum ruschii 57<br />

Conophytum salm<strong>in</strong>ocolor 32<br />

Conophytum saxetanum 33<br />

Conophytum schickianum 80<br />

Conophytum schlechteri 57<br />

Conophytum scitulum 57<br />

Conophytum sellatum 57<br />

Conophytum semivestitum 32,33<br />

Conophytum signatum 57<br />

Conophytum simile 32<br />

Conophytum simplum 32<br />

Conophytum sitzlerianum 32<br />

Conophytum smithersii 32<br />

Conophytum sororium 32<br />

Conophytum spectabile ... ... 57, 80<br />

Conophytum spirale 56<br />

Conophytum spr<strong>in</strong>gbokense 32<br />

Conophytum stephani 80<br />

Conophytum strictum 32<br />

Conophytum strictum <strong>in</strong>aequale ... 32<br />

Conophytum subacutum 32<br />

Conophytum subfenestratum 9<br />

Conophytum subglobosum 56<br />

Conophytum subrisum 80<br />

Conophytum subtenue 32<br />

Conophytum subtilis 80<br />

Conophytum tabulare 80<br />

Conophytum tantillum 63<br />

Conophytum taylorianum 32<br />

Conophytum tectum 32<br />

Conophytum teguliflorum 32<br />

Conophytum terricolor 9<br />

Conophytum tetracarpum 57<br />

Conophytum t<strong>in</strong>ctum 57,80<br />

Conophytum tischeri 32<br />

Conophytum tischleri 63,80<br />

Conophytum translucens 56<br />

Conophytum triebneri 32<br />

Conophytum truncatellum 56, 87<br />

Conophytum truncatum 56<br />

Conophytum tubatum 57<br />

Conophytum tumidum 4, 32<br />

Conophytum turrigenum 9,33,63<br />

Conophytum udabibense 80<br />

Conophytum ursprungianum 57<br />

Conophytum uvaeforme 56<br />

Conophytum vagum 57

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Page<br />

Conophytum vanrhynsdorpense ... ... 56<br />

Conophytum vanzijlii 80<br />

Conophytum velut<strong>in</strong>um 32, 44<br />

Conophytum vescum 33,44<br />

Conophytum victohs 80<br />

Conophytum villettii 80<br />

Conophytum violaciflorum 32<br />

Conophytum virens 63,80<br />

Conophytum viridicatum 56<br />

Conophytum viridicatum punctatum ... 56<br />

Conophytum vlakmynense 32<br />

Conophytum wagneriorum 56<br />

Conophytum wettste<strong>in</strong>ii 4, 57<br />

Conophytum wettste<strong>in</strong>ii oculatum ... 57<br />

Conophytum wiesemannianum 63<br />

Conophytum wiggettae 56<br />

Cooke, Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne ... 8, 45, 92, 93,<br />

94<br />

Cordiformia (Conophytum) 33<br />

Coryphantha 90<br />

Coryphantha vivipara 90<br />

Coryphanthanae 64,92,93,94<br />

Costata (series : Conophytum) ... 80<br />

Cotyledon 29,34,64,69,<br />

76,91,93<br />

Cotyledon orbiculata 34<br />

Cotyledon orbiculata oophylla ... 34<br />

Cotyledon papillaris 75<br />

Cotyledon reticulata 52<br />

Cotyledon undulata 34<br />

Cotyledon wallichii ... ... ... 52<br />

Crassula 6,21,29,30,<br />

39,63,64,69,91,93<br />

Crassula falcata (35), 42<br />

Crassula orbicularis 39<br />

Crassula rosularis 39<br />

Crassula sarcocaulis 63,76<br />

Crassula tecta 39<br />

Crassulaceae ... 7, 39<br />

Craziest th<strong>in</strong>g that grows 16,40<br />

Cultivation of Succulents 4,28,52,76<br />

Cutler, Mrs 55<br />

Cyl<strong>in</strong>drata (section: Conophytum) ... 9<br />

Cyl<strong>in</strong>drophyllum 95<br />

Dactylopsis digitata ... (38)<br />

Delacour, Capta<strong>in</strong> J 1,60,68<br />

Delosperma 95<br />

Delosperma brunnthaleri (85)<br />

Delosperma sutherlandii 95<br />

Denton, W 4,28,45,52,<br />

73, 76, 92, 93<br />

Derenbergia (sub-genus: Conophytum) 9, 32, 33, 44<br />

Derenbergiella luisae (<strong>14</strong>)<br />

Dickens, Charles 17<br />

Digitorebutia 65,81<br />

D<strong>in</strong>ter, H 19,20<br />

Page<br />

D<strong>in</strong>teranthus puberulus 77<br />

Disphyma crassifolia 88<br />

Donald, J. D 79<br />

Drosanthemum (85)<br />

Drosanthemum candens ... ... 88<br />

Dudleya pulv<strong>in</strong>ata 21<br />

Dyckia altissima 5,75<br />

Dyckia montividensis ... ... ... 5, 75<br />

Dyckia rariflora 5,75<br />

Dyckia remontia ... ... ... 5, 75<br />

Dyckia sulphurea 5,75<br />

Eatwell, Mr 55<br />

Ebracteola montis moltkei (62)<br />

Echeveria 5, 7, 21, 34,<br />

58, 64, 69, 79, 93<br />

Echeveria far<strong>in</strong>osa 34<br />

Echeveria glauca cristata 7<br />

Echeveria leucotricha 34,39<br />

Echeveria metallica 21<br />

Echeveria pulv<strong>in</strong>ata 39<br />

Echeveria setosa 58<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactanae 64,65,81,92,<br />

93<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus 68,90<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus acanthodes 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus bicolor 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus echidne 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus grusonii ... 69,75<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus horizonthalonius 78<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus <strong>in</strong>gens 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus johnsoni ... 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus len<strong>in</strong>ghaussii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus longihamatus 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus mammulosus 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus ottonis 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus pampeanus 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereeanae 64,65,81,92,<br />

93<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus 51, 68, 74, 90<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus berlandieri 74<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus blanckii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus c<strong>in</strong>erascens 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus cocc<strong>in</strong>eus 17<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus ehrenbergii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus englemannii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus fendleri 51<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus fitchii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus knippelianus (36)<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus melanocentris 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus mojavensis 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus paucisp<strong>in</strong>us 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus pect<strong>in</strong>atus longiseta ... 51<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus pentalophus (36), 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus reichenbachii 90<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus scheerii 51<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus stram<strong>in</strong>eus 17,69

---

Page<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis aurea 69,74,75<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis calochlora 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis campylcantha 5, 75<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis eyriesii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis multiplex 51,69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis pentlandii 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis rhodotricha 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis turb<strong>in</strong>ata 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis valida 69<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis violacea 69, 75<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>us gem<strong>in</strong>atus (85)<br />

Editorial 1,25,49,73<br />

Edwards, A. J 45,77,92,93<br />

Elkan, Dr. E 1,35,42,89<br />

Engler, E 8,73<br />

Epiphyllum 17,21,22,52,<br />

69, 89<br />

Epithelantha micromeris 2<br />

Escobaria dasyacantha 78<br />

Escobaria tuberculosa 69<br />

Euarthrocereus microsphaericus ... (83)<br />

Euconophytum (sub-genus: Conophytum) 44, 56, 80<br />

Euphorbia 6,21,29,43,<br />

49,52,64,70,76,91,92,93<br />

Euphorbia bupleurifolia 29, 76<br />

Euphorbia crispata 43<br />

Euphorbia enterophora ... ... 43, 44<br />

Euphorbia eustacei 29<br />

Euphorbia lemaireana 43<br />

Euphorbia leucodendron 44<br />

Euphorbia milii 29,76<br />

Euphorbia multiceps 79<br />

Euphorbia nerifolia 29<br />

Euphorbia obesa 29, 79<br />

Euphorbia rhipsaloides 43<br />

Euphorbia splendens ... ... ... 29<br />

Euphorbia tuberosa 29<br />

Euphorbia viper<strong>in</strong>a 39<br />

Euphorbia virosa 71<br />

Euphorbia xylophylloides (35), 43, 44<br />

Faucaria 64,87,93<br />

Faucaria duncanii 75<br />

Faucaria fel<strong>in</strong>a 95<br />

Faucaria lup<strong>in</strong>a 75<br />

Faucaria tigr<strong>in</strong>a 95<br />

Fenestraria 29,52,95<br />

Fenestraria aurantiaca 79, 95<br />

Fenestraria rhopalophylla 52<br />

Fenestrata (sub-genus: Conophytum) ... 8, 9, 15, 33<br />

Ferocactus 79<br />

Ferocactus wislizenus 75,78<br />

Ficoidaceae 6,7<br />

Fiedler, S. G 18,79<br />

Filiformia (series: Conophytum) ... 56<br />

Fitzpatrick, C. M 17<br />

Page<br />

Floral Clocks 87<br />

Fockea 6<br />

Frailea 79<br />

Frailea schii<strong>in</strong>zkyana 2<br />

Frithia 87<br />

Frithia pulchra (36), 52<br />

Fuaux Herbarium 78<br />

Fuaux, L. I<br />

Furcraea 70<br />

Furcraea roezli 75<br />

Garland, Mrs. K. M 21<br />

Gasteria 64, 69, 92, 93<br />

Gates, Howard E (12), 18, 40,<br />

64, 73, 87<br />

Geranianaceae 10<br />

Geyer, Dr. R. L. 45<br />

Gibbaeum 95<br />

Gibbaeum album 53, 95<br />

Gibbaeum comptonii ... 53<br />

Gibbaeum dispar 53<br />

Gibbiflora (section: Echeveria) ... 75<br />

Glottiphyllum 87,95<br />

Glottiphyllum erectum 95<br />

Graessner, Mr. 8<br />

Graptopetalum 21<br />

Grazilistyla (Conophytum) 33<br />

Greaves, S. L 92<br />

Green, G. G 10,34,58,73,<br />

82<br />

Guillaum<strong>in</strong>, A 45<br />

Gymnocalycium 74<br />

Gymnocalycium damsii 69<br />

Gymnocalycium leptanthus (13)<br />

Gymnocalycium platensis (13)<br />

Gymnocalycium schickendantzii ... 69<br />

Haageocereus 79<br />

Halenbergia hypertrophica (37)<br />

Hall, H I, 18,60,70,<br />

73,88<br />

Hariota 20<br />

Harle, K. W 18,29,45<br />

Harrisia bonplandii 2,75<br />

Harrisia mart<strong>in</strong>i 21<br />

Haselton, S. E 30<br />

Haworthia 6,49,53,64,<br />

69, 92, 93<br />

Haworthia arachnoides 53<br />

Haworthia argyrostigma 66<br />

Haworthia atrovirens 53<br />

Haworthia attenuata 53, (59), 66,<br />

67,69<br />

Haworthia bolusii 53<br />

Haworthia britteniae (59), 66<br />

Haworthia caespitosa 67<br />

Haworthia clariperla (59), 66

---

Page<br />

Haworthio cooperi S3<br />

Haworthia correcta 53<br />

Haworthia cymbidiformis 53<br />

Haworthia deltoides 67<br />

Haworthia dielsiana 53<br />

Haworthia eilyae 53<br />

Haworthia fasciata (59)<br />

Haworthia fasciata caespitosa 67<br />

Haworthia gracilidel<strong>in</strong>eata 53<br />

Haworthia herrei 53<br />

Haworthia hilliana 53<br />

Haworthia hurl<strong>in</strong>gii 53<br />

Haworthia joneseae 53<br />

Haworthia l<strong>in</strong>earis 67<br />

Haworthia margaretiferae 53,67<br />

Haworthia m<strong>in</strong>issima 67<br />

Haworthia o'donoghueana 67<br />

Haworthia planifolia 53<br />

Haworthia radula 67, 69<br />

Haworthia rugosa 69<br />

Haworthia subattenuata 69<br />

Haworthia subulata 69<br />

Haworthia tessellata 53<br />

Haworthia venosa 53<br />

Haworthia viscosa 53<br />

Haworthia zanteriana 53<br />

Heliopachycereus 78<br />

Henricia sibbettii 79<br />

Herreanthus meyeri 78<br />

Herre, H 8,44,87<br />

Hereroa 95<br />

Hereroa granulata (61)<br />

Hertrichocereus beneckei 78<br />

Higg<strong>in</strong>s, Mrs. V. 30<br />

Hirta (Conophytum) 33<br />

Homalocephala texensis 2<br />

Hoodia 70<br />

Houghton, Dr. A. D. 17<br />

Howard, Mrs. E. B. Pryke 65, 79, 92, 93<br />

Hydrodea sarcocalycantha (<strong>14</strong>)<br />

Idria 6<br />

Importance of Right Background ... 42<br />

International Organisation of Succulent<br />

Plant Study 93<br />

Jacobsen, H 8, 19, 30<br />

Janse, J. A 1,35,43,49<br />

Jard<strong>in</strong> des Plantes, Paris (84)<br />

Journey to France 89<br />

Junior Challenge Shield 77<br />

Juttad<strong>in</strong>teria 95<br />

Kalanchoe 34, 58<br />

Kalanchoe aleurodes 76<br />

Kalanchoe beharensis 39<br />

Kalanchoe eriophylla 58<br />

Page<br />

Kalanchoe kewensis 58<br />

Kalanchoe marmorata 78<br />

Kalanchoe tomentosa 34,39,58<br />

Karsten, Miss M, 47<br />

Kassai, Mrs. H. 32, 73<br />

Kelly, Miss E. F 45<br />

Kidd, Miss M. M 47<br />

Kle<strong>in</strong>ia 6,71<br />

Kle<strong>in</strong>ia articulata ... 21<br />

Kle<strong>in</strong>ia longiflora 70<br />

Kle<strong>in</strong>ia pendula 79<br />

Kra<strong>in</strong>zia 94<br />

Lampranthus (62)<br />

Lapostolle, J. Marnier 69<br />

Lemaireocereus ... ... 90<br />

Leuchtenbergia pr<strong>in</strong>cipis (12), 79<br />

Lithops 4, 5, 22, 28,<br />

29, 52, 70, 76, 77, 82, 87, 95<br />

Lithops bella 4<br />

Lithops comptonii ... 4<br />

Lithops d<strong>in</strong>teri 87<br />

Lithops dorothea 5<br />

Lithops fossulifera 5,28<br />

Lithops fulleri 28,77<br />

Lithops fulviceps 4<br />

Lithops helmuti 4<br />

Lithops herrei 52<br />

Lithops karasmontana 4, 77<br />

Lithops kunjasensis 77<br />

Lithops lesliei 77<br />

Lithops marg<strong>in</strong>ata 5<br />

Lithops mennellii 5<br />

Lithops peersii 4<br />

Lithops salicola 77<br />

Lithops schlechteri 77<br />

Lithops terricolor 4<br />

Lithops triebneri 87<br />

Lithops verruculosa ... 4, 5<br />

Lithops werneri 5<br />

Lobivia 5,22,65,74,<br />

81<br />

Lobivia backebergii 75<br />

Lobivia famatimensis 65<br />

Lobivia haageana 65<br />

Lobivia pentlandii 65<br />

Lophophora williamsii 2,30<br />

Machaerocereus eruca 79<br />

Mamillopsis senilis 2<br />

Mammillaria 2, 3, 5, 21,<br />

22, 26, 27, 30, 42, 50, 51, 54, 64, 74, 90, 91,<br />

92,93,94<br />

Mammillaria bicolor 69<br />

Mammillaria bocasana 21,22,51,69,<br />

74,94<br />

Mammillaria bocasana splendens ... 74

---

Page<br />

Mammillaria brauneana 51<br />

Mammillaria bravoae 51<br />

Mammillaria caput medusae 51<br />

Mammillaria coll<strong>in</strong>sii 51<br />

Mammillaria compressa 69<br />

Mammillaria decipiens 21<br />

Mammillaria denudata 51<br />

Mammillaria discolor 51<br />

Mammillaria dumetorum 51<br />

Mammillaria ech<strong>in</strong>aria 69<br />

Mammillaria erythrosperma 21,69<br />

Mammillaria formosa 51<br />

Mammillaria kunzeana 69<br />

Mammillaria lenta 51<br />

Mammillaria lesaunieri 51<br />

Mammillaria longiflora 74, 94<br />

Mammillaria longisp<strong>in</strong>a 69<br />

Mammillaria mart<strong>in</strong>ezii 51<br />

Mammillaria pennisp<strong>in</strong>osa 51<br />

Mammillaria perbella lanata 51<br />

Mammillaria plumosa 79<br />

Mammillaria pseudokliss<strong>in</strong>giana ... 51<br />

Mammillaria pusilla 21<br />

Mammillaria rettigiana 2, 22, 51<br />

Mammillaria rhodantha 2, 22, 69<br />

Mammillaria rhodantha pfersdorffii ... 2<br />

Mammillaria schiedeana 2<br />

Mammillaria setisp<strong>in</strong>a ... ... 69<br />

Mammillaria sonorensis 51<br />

Mammillaria sonorensis hiltoni ... 51<br />

Mammillaria sp<strong>in</strong>osissima 22<br />

Mammillaria tolimensis 6?<br />

Mammillaria unc<strong>in</strong>ata 94<br />

Mammillaria woodsii 22, 51<br />

Mammillaria zeilmanniana ... 51<br />

Mammillaria zuccar<strong>in</strong>iana 51<br />

Mansfield, Earl of 45<br />

Margaretiferae (section: Haworthia) ... 67<br />

Marshall, W.T 31<br />

Matthews, T. P. 93<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 18<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>gs, 1953 79<br />

Mesembryanthemum 4, 5, 8, 33,<br />

63,64,71,77,82<br />

Mesembryanthemum agn<strong>in</strong>um 95<br />

Mesembryanthemum grandifolium ... (<strong>14</strong>)<br />

Mesembryanthemacaea I<br />

M<strong>in</strong>uscula (Conophytum) 33, 44, 57, 80<br />

Mitrophyllum 95<br />

Monanthes muralis 63<br />

Monilaria 95<br />

Monvillea rhodoleucantha 75<br />

Muiria hortenseae 95<br />

Nananthus malherbei 95<br />

Naylor, S. 45<br />

Page<br />

Nelia schlechteri (86)<br />

Neobesseya missouriensis 2<br />

Neohenricia sibbettii 53<br />

Neomammillaria 90<br />

Neoraimondia 90<br />

Nopalia cocch<strong>in</strong>illifera 69<br />

Notocactus 21,22,26<br />

Notocactus pampeanus 75<br />

Odontophorus (61)<br />

On Euphorbia xylophylloides and £.<br />

enterophora 43<br />

Oohpytum oviforme 79<br />

Ophthalmophyllum 9,15,29,77,<br />

87,95<br />

Ophthalmophyllum caroli 9<br />

Ophthalmophyllum longum 15<br />

Ophthalmophyllum maughanii 9<br />

Ophthalmophyllum refescens 15<br />

Opuntia 6,41,42,50,<br />

68,69,71,75,89,90<br />

Opuntia acanthocarpa 69<br />

Opuntia alcahes 69<br />

Opuntia aurantiaca 69<br />

Opuntia basilaris 69<br />

Opuntia bergeriana 69<br />

Opuntia bigelowii 69<br />

Opuntia cholla ... 69<br />

Opuntia clavarioides 79<br />

Opuntia corrugata 69<br />

Opuntia cyl<strong>in</strong>drica 69,70,90<br />

Opuntia dilleni 69,71<br />

Opuntia ech<strong>in</strong>ocarpa 69<br />

Opuntia ficus <strong>in</strong>dica 21,69,71<br />

Opuntia fragilis 69<br />

Opuntia fulgida 69<br />

Opuntia grahamii 69<br />

Opuntia imbricata 69<br />

Opuntia <strong>in</strong>ermis 16<br />

Opuntia kle<strong>in</strong>iae 69<br />

Opuntia leptocaulis 69<br />

Opuntia leucotricha 69<br />

Opuntia microdasys 69<br />

Opuntia miquelii 69<br />

Opuntia pentlandii 69<br />

Opuntia phaeacantha 69<br />

Opuntia polyacantha 69<br />

Opuntia prolifera 69<br />

Opuntia raf<strong>in</strong>esquei 69<br />

Opuntia robusta 69<br />

Opuntia rodantha 69<br />

Opuntia rufida 69<br />

Opuntia rutila 69<br />

Opuntia salmiana 69<br />

Opuntia santa rita 69<br />

Opuntia scheeri 69<br />

Opuntia schickendantzii 69

---

Page<br />

Opuntia setisp<strong>in</strong>a 69<br />

Opuntia soehrensii 69<br />

Opuntia strobiliformis 69, 79<br />

Opuntia subulata 21,70<br />

Opuntia sulphurea 69<br />

Opuntia tomentosa (60), 69, 71<br />

Opuntia tortisp<strong>in</strong>a 69<br />

Opuntia tunicata 69<br />

Opuntia vestita 69<br />

Opuntia vivipara 69<br />

Opuntia vulgaris 69<br />

Opuntia whipplei 69<br />

Oreocereus 79<br />

Oreocereus celsianus 79<br />

Oscularia deltoides (62)<br />

Outdoor Cactus Garden <strong>in</strong> Normandy 68<br />

Ovigera (series: Conophytum) ... 32,33,44<br />

Pachyphytum oviferum 34<br />

Pachypodium 70<br />

Pam, Major A I<br />

Parodia 5,65,81<br />

Parodia catamasensis ... 65<br />

Pelargonium 10,71<br />

Pelargonium carnosum ... ... ... 15<br />

Pelargonium crassicaule 15<br />

Pelargonium ech<strong>in</strong>atum 6, 15<br />

Pelargonium eerulaceum 79<br />

Pelargonium sp<strong>in</strong>osum ... ... ... 71<br />

Pelargonium tetragonum 15<br />

Pelecyphora aselliformis 2<br />

Pellucida (series: Conophytum) ... 9, 33<br />

Pereskia 6, 91<br />

Peters, Mrs. G 73<br />

Phyllobolus resurgens (37)<br />

Phyllocacti 52<br />

Picta (sub-series: Conophytum) ... 57, 80<br />

Piluliformia (sub-series: Conophytum) 56,80,81<br />

Pleiospilos 18,22,26,77,<br />

87,95<br />

Pleiospilos bolusii 31, 75<br />

Pleiospilos hilmari 77, 87<br />

Pleiospilos nelii 4, 18, 31<br />

Pleiospilos optatus 75<br />

Poore, Miss D. M 45,92<br />

Psammophora (86), 95<br />

Pseudolobivia kratochvilliana 65<br />

Pullen.S. J 5, 12, 92, 93<br />

Puya alpestris 75<br />

Puya spathacea 75<br />

Rabiea 95<br />

Rebutia 5,22,26,51,<br />

65, 74, 79, 81<br />

Rebutia aylostera 65<br />

Rebutia dem<strong>in</strong>uta 69<br />

Rebutia fiebridgii 65,69,81<br />

Page<br />

Rebutia m<strong>in</strong>iscula 69,81<br />

Rebutia pseudom<strong>in</strong>iscula 69<br />

Rebutia senilis 65,81<br />

Rebutia ste<strong>in</strong>mannii 81<br />

Rebutia violaciflora 51, 65, 81<br />

Rebutia Study Group 79<br />

Repertorium Plantarum Succulentarum 93<br />

Reports of Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 22,65,94<br />

Reviews 47<br />

Reynolds, G.W 31,67<br />

Reynolds, L.J 45,47<br />

Rh<strong>in</strong>ephyllum 95<br />

Rhipsalis 21,90,91<br />

Rhipsalas cereuscula saglionis 79<br />

Rhipsalis paradoxa 90<br />

Rhombophyllum 87<br />

Rhopalota aphylla 20<br />

Rickett, R. J 92<br />

Rimaria 95<br />

Roan, H. M ... 93<br />

Rochea 69<br />

Rowley, G. D 6,20,30,54,<br />

73,91<br />

Ruschia 88,95<br />

Ruschia granitica 88<br />

Ruschia levynsiae ... (38)<br />

Sansom, E. W 77<br />

Saxetana (series: Conophytum) ... 33, 44<br />

Sceletium anatomicum (37)<br />

Schmoll, Mrs. C 15<br />

Schwantes, Prof. Dr. G 1,8,9,33,<br />

37,38,61,62,73,77<br />

Schwantesia 95<br />

Scientific Approach to Succulents ... 30, 54<br />

Scrophulariaceae 19<br />

Sedum 6, 30, 63, 69<br />

Sedum palmeri 63<br />

Sedum telephium variegatum 6<br />

Selenicereus 21<br />

Selenicereus grandiflorus 2<br />

Sempervivum 64<br />

Sempervivum caespitosum 64<br />

Sempervivum ciliare 64<br />

Semperv/vum ciliatum 64<br />

Sempervivum simsii 64<br />

Senecio medleywoodii 58<br />

Senecio scaposus 58<br />

Senecio vestita 58,63<br />

Setiech<strong>in</strong>opsis mirabilis (83)<br />

Sherman Hoyt Trophy 79<br />

Shurly, E 5, 10, 18, 19,<br />

45,64,87,91,94<br />

Shurly, Mrs. D. F 79, 92, 93<br />

Smith, Major A. A. Dorrien 25,45<br />

Solisia pect<strong>in</strong>ata 2

---

Page<br />

Stapelia 22,29,64,79,<br />

91, 93<br />

Stapelia rufa attenuata 75<br />

Stapelia sch<strong>in</strong>zii ... ... ... 75<br />

Stapelia variegata 75<br />

Stearn, W. T I, 64<br />

Stenocactus lamellosus 2<br />

Stephania 6<br />

Stillwell, Mrs. M 18,79,92<br />

Stomatium 29,53,64,93,<br />

95<br />

Stomatium agn<strong>in</strong>um 53<br />

Stomatium bryantii 53<br />

Stomatium geoffreyi 53<br />

Subfenestrata (series: Conophytum) ... 9, 15<br />

Succulent Melange 78<br />

Succulents Outdoors <strong>in</strong> Normandy ... (60)<br />

Summer Show 92<br />

Synaptophyllum juttae (37)<br />

Systematics of Conophytum 8, 32, 56, 80<br />

Tegelberg, G. H. 41<br />

Testud<strong>in</strong>aria 6,87<br />

Testud<strong>in</strong>aria elephantipes 79<br />

Thelocactus bicolor 2<br />

Tischer, Dr. A I, 8, II, 12,<br />

32, 35, 60, 73, 80<br />

Titanopsis 28, 53, 95<br />

Titanopsis astridea 28<br />

Titanopsis calcarea 21,28<br />

Titanopsis fuller! 28<br />

Titanopsis hugo schlechteri 28<br />

Titanopsis luckhoffii 28<br />

Titanopsis primosii ... ... ... 28<br />

Titanopsis renoforme 28<br />

Titanopsis schwantesii 28<br />

Titanopsis setifera 28,74<br />

Titanopsis triebneri 28<br />

Trichocaulon 70<br />

Trichocereus gladiatus 75<br />

Page<br />

Trichocereus spachianus 75, 90<br />

Trichocereus thelagonus 75<br />

Trichodiadema 87<br />

Trichodiadema bulbosum 63<br />

Trichodiadema <strong>in</strong>tonsum (85)<br />

Triebner, W 8,70<br />

Truncatella (series: Conophytum) ... 56,80<br />

Tuberculata (sub-series: Conophytum) 57, 80<br />

Turtle, Dr. W. R. M 93<br />

Uitewaal, A. J. A 1,49,59,66,<br />

Uncommon Succulents 10, 34<br />

Unusual Succulents 58<br />

Vanheerdia 95<br />

Vanheerdia roodiae (62)<br />

Veau, E. 89<br />

Verrucosa (Tribe: Conophytum) ... 80<br />

Viridipunctata (Conophytum) 33<br />

71,73<br />

Wagner, W 15<br />

Walden, K. H 5, 45, 64, 93<br />

Walska, Mme. Ganna 17<br />

Weekend <strong>in</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dhoek 70<br />

We<strong>in</strong>gartia fidaiana ... (83)<br />

Wells, Mrs. J. A 92,93<br />

West, R. H 92,93<br />

Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia (Conophytum) 33, 57, 80<br />

Young, E. W 45<br />

Yucca 70,79<br />

Yucca desmetiana 79<br />

Yucca filamentasa 79<br />

Zygocactus 21<br />

Zygophyllum fontanesii 15

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

Established 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> JANUARY <strong>1952</strong> No. 1<br />

Contents<br />

PAGE<br />

Editorial I<br />

Cactus Cultural Notes 2<br />

Cultivation of Succulents 4<br />

The Scientific Approach to Succulents 6<br />

The Systematics of Conophytum 8<br />

Uncommon Succulents 10<br />

The Craziest Th<strong>in</strong>g that Grows 16<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 18<br />

Pleiospilos nelii 18<br />

The Bravest Th<strong>in</strong>g that Grows 19<br />

Are Cacti Slow Grow<strong>in</strong>g ? 21<br />

Reports of Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 22<br />

Published Quarterly by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Great<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong> at 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Price 2/6 Post Free 2/8<br />

Strange the Pr<strong>in</strong>ter Ltd., Eastbourne and London. L722

---

<strong>1952</strong><br />

Branches<br />

President : Rt. Hon. The Earl of Mansfield<br />

Vice-Presidents :<br />

Dr. A. L. Geyer, High Commissioner <strong>in</strong> London for the<br />

Union of South Africa.<br />

Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke. K. W. Harle.<br />

COUNCIL :<br />

A. J. EDWARDS, A.M.Tech.l.(Gt. Bt.) W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

H J AYLOTT Chairman. Miss E. FERGUSSON KELLY<br />

, ' • , „ „ „ S. J. PULLEN<br />

A - BOARDER c H R O W L A N D<br />

P. V. COLLINGS E. SHURLY, F.C.S.S.<br />

Secretary : K. H. Walden, 152 Ardgowan Road, Catford, London, S.E.6.<br />

Treasurer : Miss D. M. Poore, 48 The Mead, Beckenham, Kent.<br />

Editor : E. Shurly, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Librarian : P. V. Call<strong>in</strong>gs, St. John, Northumberland Road, New Barnet, Herts.<br />

Exchanges : A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.<br />

Assistant Secretary : W. Denton, 262 Ivydale Road, London, S.E.I5.<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>g Place : New Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, V<strong>in</strong>cent Square, London, S.W.I.<br />

January No meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

SOCIETY NEWS<br />

February 12th Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g. 7 p.m.<br />

March 12th, WEDNESDAY Lecture by Howard E. Gates, with one hundred coloured Kodachromes of<br />

"Cacti <strong>in</strong> Baja, California," read by E. Shurly. 6 p.m.<br />

April 8th Covent Garden Succulent Corner. 6 p.m.<br />

Berks & Bucks : Secretary : Mrs. M. Stillwell, 10 St. Andrews Crescent, W<strong>in</strong>dsor.<br />

West Kent : Secretary : Mrs. J. M. Hoather, 6 Cromwell Close, Bromley, Kent.<br />

North Kent : Secretary : S. F. Milton, 75 Portland Avenue, Gravesend.<br />

Back Numbers of the Journal<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are still available :—<br />

Volume 2 Part I<br />

3 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

,, 4 Complete.<br />

5 Parts I, 2 and 3.<br />

6 Parts I and 2.<br />

7 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

8 Parts 2, 3 and 4.<br />

9, 10, II, 12 and 13 complete.<br />

Prices : Volumes 10/6 each, post free.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>gle parts, 2/8 each, post free.<br />

From the Editor, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

ESTABLISHED 1931<br />

Vol <strong>14</strong> JANUARY, <strong>1952</strong> No.<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

With this issue, we publish, as an <strong>in</strong>set, the first <strong>in</strong>stalment of Professor Dr. G. Schwantes' new book " The<br />

Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae." It is an extremely comprehensive account of a Family which so many<br />

members f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and has a special <strong>in</strong>terest as these plants come exclusively from a part of<br />

the British Commonwealth. The book will become a standard work on the subject ; its author has already long<br />

established himself as the lead<strong>in</strong>g authority on these plants. We are very grateful to have the honour of publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this study and we also greatly appreciate Professor Schwantes' generosity and k<strong>in</strong>dness <strong>in</strong> contribut<strong>in</strong>g this to our<br />

Journal. Unfortunately, pr<strong>in</strong>ters' costs have <strong>in</strong>creased so much that we must leave the illustrations to the end of<br />

the work, <strong>in</strong>stead of reproduc<strong>in</strong>g some with each <strong>in</strong>stalment. However, so that members will be able to see some<br />

of them, we are <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a pageful <strong>in</strong> our ord<strong>in</strong>ary illustrations. These, however, will be repr<strong>in</strong>ted at the end of<br />

the work, which will conclude with title page, <strong>in</strong>dex, etc., as well as some scores of illustrations, so that<br />

the <strong>in</strong>stalments can be bound together as a separate volume.<br />

We are equally grateful for the generosity and k<strong>in</strong>dness of Dr. Tischer's contribution on Conophytum. This<br />

work will also be found to be of such a high quality that its authority will stand for a very long time and, aga<strong>in</strong>,<br />

we are grateful that our Journal should be chosen as the medium <strong>in</strong> which it appears.<br />

I wonder what members will th<strong>in</strong>k of "The craziest th<strong>in</strong>g that grows" ? An American friend sent<br />

me " Saturday Even<strong>in</strong>g Post " <strong>in</strong> which the article appeared, and it <strong>in</strong>trigued me so much that I wrote and obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

the k<strong>in</strong>d permission of the Curtis Publish<strong>in</strong>g Co. to repr<strong>in</strong>t. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reproduce the<br />

many illustrations with the article. It does, however, give us a good idea of the scornful, but rather <strong>in</strong>terested<br />

attitude of an author. Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g the caustic note <strong>in</strong> some places, it is extremely well written and conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />

material that certa<strong>in</strong>ly is of <strong>in</strong>terest to us.<br />

In addition to cont<strong>in</strong>uation of Dr. Tischer's article and the further <strong>in</strong>set of Professor Schwantes, I have very<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g articles from Mr. Stearn, on Aeonium simsii ; Dr. Elkan on photography ; Mr. Hall, on a week <strong>in</strong><br />

W<strong>in</strong>dhoek; Mr. Uitewaal, on Haworthia attenuata ; a very nice article on an outdoor cactus garden, by Capta<strong>in</strong><br />

Delacour (by the k<strong>in</strong>dness of Major Pam) ; one of Mr. Janse's f<strong>in</strong>e Euphorbia articles, and a very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g letter<br />

and photos, from Mr. Fuaux, of Australia. These, I hope, you will enjoy <strong>in</strong> the very near future.

---

THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CACTUS CULTURAL NOTES<br />

By A. BOARDER<br />

I have been asked by a member how the spirals are counted on Mammillarias. This question arises out of the<br />

descriptions <strong>in</strong> Craig's Mammillaria handbook, <strong>in</strong> which he shows that the spirals on these plants are arranged <strong>in</strong><br />

series, both <strong>in</strong> a clockwise and anti-clockwise fashion. They run from the top of the plant to the base, and if the<br />

plant is exam<strong>in</strong>ed from the top, the spirals will be seen quite easily. If a small piece of tissue paper is fixed to one<br />

of the tubercules as a guide, the plant can be turned round and the spirals counted back to the mark. Craig gives<br />

the number of spirals of most of the species of Mammillarias and states that they can be recognised by these numbers<br />

of spirals. This may be of some use when deal<strong>in</strong>g with mature plants <strong>in</strong> America, but I do not see that it can assist<br />

us very much <strong>in</strong> this country where so many of our plants are grown from seed. When I came to test the value<br />

of the spiral count I chose a Mammillaria rhodantha var. pfersdorffi which had been raised from seed by me from<br />

a parent plant raised from seed obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 1927 from Haage <strong>in</strong> Germany. Craig gives the plant, M. rhodantha<br />

as hav<strong>in</strong>g 13 one way and 21 the other. My seven-year-old plant from seed has 21 spirals one way and 34 the other.<br />

This caused me to exam<strong>in</strong>e the other plants I had raised from seed of the same variety and found that a one-year<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>g showed no noticeable spirals at all, whilst a second-year plant from seed had 10 spirals. A five-year plant<br />

had 21 spirals. It is quite obvious to me that one cannot possibly expect to f<strong>in</strong>d the large number of spirals on the<br />

plants he describes on a small seedl<strong>in</strong>g Mam., and at what age the plant is expected to develop the necessary spirals<br />

by which it can be recognised we are not told. I consider that the rate of development of the spirals will depend<br />

on how quickly the plant matures. It certa<strong>in</strong>ly appears to me that the number of spirals are likely to <strong>in</strong>crease as<br />

the plant <strong>in</strong>creases <strong>in</strong> size, and I shall make a note of the plants <strong>in</strong> question to see if the spiral count changes.<br />

In the October issue of the Journal I gave a list of Cacti species suitable for a beg<strong>in</strong>ner and I now add a further<br />

list of different genera so that the grower can extend the range with other plants some of which are not so easy<br />

to grow or yet to acquire. I have raised from seed plants that are mentioned and so it is not impossible to obta<strong>in</strong><br />

these k<strong>in</strong>ds, although I must admit that some of them were grown before the war. They are : Ancistrocactus<br />

scheeri, Ariocarpus fissuratus, Aztekium ritteri, Bartschella schumannii, Cleistocactus straussii, Cochemia halei,<br />

Epithelantha micromeris, Frailea schil<strong>in</strong>zkyana, Harrisia bonplandii, Homocephala texensis, Lophophora williamsii,<br />

Mamillopsis senilis, Neobesseya missouriensis, Pelecyphora aselliformis, Selenicereus grandiflorus, Solisia pect<strong>in</strong>ata,<br />

Thelocactus bicolor, and Stenocactus lamellosus.<br />

Included <strong>in</strong> the above are a few plants which are more difficult to grow from seed than the previous plants<br />

mentioned, but with some care <strong>in</strong> the early stages it is quite possible to get reasonably-sized specimens <strong>in</strong> a year or<br />

two. The Mamillopsis senilis is a fairly quick grow<strong>in</strong>g k<strong>in</strong>d from seed but after about four years many of these plants<br />

seem to go wrong. Such plants as Epithelantha micromeris and Ariocarpus fissuratus are slow from seed and beg<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

will be well advised to let someone with more experience raise these for them ; the latter species is particularly<br />

slow from seed. In a later article I shall give a few more uncommon ones and gradually deal with some fresh<br />

species of some of the Genera mentioned.<br />

I promised <strong>in</strong> the previous Journal to give a complete guide to grow<strong>in</strong>g Cacti from seed. I know that I have<br />

dealt with this subject before, but I get so many enquiries on this subject that I feel sure that it will be well worth<br />

while to deal with seed rais<strong>in</strong>g once more. Most growers f<strong>in</strong>d it difficult to believe that I can get my seedl<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

to grow as quickly as I do, and the plants which I usually take with me to a meet<strong>in</strong>g of the Society are exam<strong>in</strong>ed, as<br />

a rule, with amazement, and I am always accused of hav<strong>in</strong>g blown them up with a bicycle<br />

pump. I was able to tell the members at the meet<strong>in</strong>g on November 6th, that I now had another pump ; one which<br />

blew the flowers on them as well. This because I showed a Mammillaria rettigiana plant which had been raised<br />

from seed sown <strong>in</strong> February this year which was already <strong>in</strong> prom<strong>in</strong>ent flower bud. S<strong>in</strong>ce that meet<strong>in</strong>g I have<br />

noticed a seedl<strong>in</strong>g, sown at the same time, of At schiedeana, which also shows two flower buds.<br />

This proves once aga<strong>in</strong> that it is not the long w<strong>in</strong>ter's rest which assists the formation of flowers, nor be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pot-bound. It ties up with my constant rem<strong>in</strong>der that a plant will flower if it is grown well. I notice that an<br />

article on rais<strong>in</strong>g Cacti from seed was published <strong>in</strong> the March Journal of 1933, be<strong>in</strong>g a resume of a talk I gave to<br />

the Society, and a photograph of a number of my seedl<strong>in</strong>gs was published at the same time. It is <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

note that my methods have not changed very much s<strong>in</strong>ce then, but it is surpris<strong>in</strong>g that as I have been regularly<br />

giv<strong>in</strong>g away my methods s<strong>in</strong>ce that time there are so many members who say that they cannot get anywhere near<br />

the same rate of growth. I am at a loss to know why this can be and to clear up any doubts once and for all I will<br />

give now the exact method which I use, and then if this is carried out there is no earthly reason why everyone<br />

else should not be able to grow Cacti from seed equally as well.

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

For rais<strong>in</strong>g my seedl<strong>in</strong>gs I use four <strong>in</strong>ch half pots. These I f<strong>in</strong>d much better than wooden boxes which can<br />

warp and conta<strong>in</strong> spores of fungi, etc. The half pots are similar to ord<strong>in</strong>ary pots except that they are not so deep.<br />

The pots are sterilised by soak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a strong solution of permanganate of potash and are well scrubbed. The seed<br />

is obta<strong>in</strong>ed from many sources, but I do f<strong>in</strong>d that seed which I have saved from my own plants <strong>in</strong>variably germ<strong>in</strong>ates<br />

better than some of the imported seed. Some seed will reta<strong>in</strong> its virility for a number of years, especially the larger<br />

black k<strong>in</strong>ds, whereas some of the smaller brown Mammillaria seed does not germ<strong>in</strong>ate as well if it is over four<br />

years old. I use a note book for list<strong>in</strong>g all my seed and each k<strong>in</strong>d is given a number. This number is marked on<br />

the side of the pot but it can be placed on a very short label if preferred. The seed should be free from dust and<br />

pod cas<strong>in</strong>g which will only start a mold on the surface of the soil. I buy some John Innes Seed Compost from<br />

E. J. Woodmans, of P<strong>in</strong>ner, and use this soon after it is obta<strong>in</strong>ed. Us<strong>in</strong>g a small sieve I have made with perforated<br />

z<strong>in</strong>c, I then sieve a quantity of the compost. A large crock of broken flower pot is then placed<br />

over the dra<strong>in</strong>age hole and a little granulated charcoal is added so that it just covers the base. The coarse compost<br />

is then added to a depth of nearly half way up the pot and then some unsifted compost goes <strong>in</strong> next. The top<br />

<strong>in</strong>ch or so is filled with the f<strong>in</strong>ely sifted mixture and this is brought nearly up to the top of the pot. If I am sow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

seeds which I have purchased I then divide the top with either strips of glass or celluloid labels so that I make four<br />

equal divisions. This is because as a rule only about a dozen seeds are found <strong>in</strong> each packet and it would be a waste<br />

of valuable space to use a whole pot for one k<strong>in</strong>d of seed. The seeds are then very carefully spr<strong>in</strong>kled on the surface<br />

of the soil and the correspond<strong>in</strong>g number is placed on the side of the pot. When the pot is sown the surface is<br />

gently pressed down but the seeds are not covered. I have proved that many failures with seed rais<strong>in</strong>g are caused<br />

through cover<strong>in</strong>g the seed too deeply. Make sure that the seeds are not sown too thickly ; there is not much<br />

fear of this happen<strong>in</strong>g with a packet of purchased seed, but if you are sow<strong>in</strong>g some of your own produce it can<br />

easily happen. The seeds will generally germ<strong>in</strong>ate well if sown thickly, but once they beg<strong>in</strong> to develop they will<br />

soon cover the surface of the soil and it is possible that some will be forced right up from the top by the swell<strong>in</strong>g<br />

group of plantlets and these may be starved if not completely killed. Also, when the whole surface becomes<br />

covered with t<strong>in</strong>y seedl<strong>in</strong>gs it is very difficult to see whether the soil needs water<strong>in</strong>g or not, with the consequence<br />

that they are either under watered when they will stop grow<strong>in</strong>g, or they keep too wet when they will surely rot off.<br />

The pots must now be watered carefully. This may be done with a f<strong>in</strong>e spray, but my method is to place the<br />

pots <strong>in</strong> a shallow conta<strong>in</strong>er with sufficient water to come part way up the pot. The whole of the water should<br />

be soaked up <strong>in</strong>to the pots so that none rema<strong>in</strong>s. It will need a little experiment<strong>in</strong>g to decide how much water<br />

is necessary but if a little is added at a time until all is absorbed it will be all right. What you must avoid is to<br />

allow a quantity of water to run out of the dra<strong>in</strong>age hole from the pot when it is lifted. In this water will go some<br />

of the valuable soluble m<strong>in</strong>erals, fertilisers, etc., on which the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs should depend for some time. When all<br />

the soil <strong>in</strong> the pots is well damped the pots should be placed <strong>in</strong> the propagat<strong>in</strong>g frame. This can be anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

which a temperature of about 70 degrees can be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed. I use a frame <strong>in</strong> my greenhouse v/hich is six feet long<br />

by 18 <strong>in</strong>ches wide, be<strong>in</strong>g about six <strong>in</strong>ches or so deep. This frame has a six-foot electric heater <strong>in</strong> the base and then<br />

a number of fairly large bak<strong>in</strong>g t<strong>in</strong>s are stood over this.<br />

The t<strong>in</strong>s are nearly filled with peat which is always kept damp. The pots do not actually stand <strong>in</strong> water as<br />

I consider that this is ask<strong>in</strong>g for trouble <strong>in</strong> the form of damp<strong>in</strong>g off. The t<strong>in</strong>s each hold six of the pots and when<br />

they are placed <strong>in</strong> position a piece of glass is placed over each pot so that most of the moisture is conserved. I<br />

sometimes use a piece of brown paper <strong>in</strong>stead of the glass as this appears to prevent some of the condensed moisture<br />

from dropp<strong>in</strong>g back on the seeds. I have a thermostat <strong>in</strong> the frame which is set at 70 degrees and the frame is<br />

kept fairly close whilst germ<strong>in</strong>ation is expected. Either shade the whole frame or else shade the separate cover<br />

glasses with a little whitewash or similar substance as it is imperative that the strong sunlight must not reach the<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>gs at this early stage. Once the seeds have been sown you will only need a little patience and care with<br />

any necessary water<strong>in</strong>g. Whilst the seeds are germ<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g the soil must not dry out, but yet it is as important to<br />

see that the soil is not always really wet. There is a great difference between dampness and wetness and until<br />

you are able easily to recognise the difference you are not likely to succeed. Remember, there are three important<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs necessary for germ<strong>in</strong>ation ; they are : Air, moisture, and warmth. The time of the year when you sow<br />

will depend entirely on what temperature you are able to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>. I sow <strong>in</strong> February as I consider that this is<br />

the best month for me under my circumstances. I have sown many times <strong>in</strong> January but f<strong>in</strong>d that generally those<br />

seeds sown <strong>in</strong> February catch the others up. If you cannot fix up some form of heated frame then do not sow until<br />

April. It is, however, quite an easy matter for anyone to make a small heated frame if only a night-light is used<br />

under a biscuit t<strong>in</strong>. Small wattage electric lamps can also be used and it is surpris<strong>in</strong>g how even a couple of five-watt<br />

lamps can keep a small frame warmed if all draughts are excluded.

---

THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CULTIVATION OF SUCCULENTS<br />

By W. DENTON, B. E. M.<br />

Although these notes are due to appear <strong>in</strong> the January issue of our Journal, one has to th<strong>in</strong>k about the subject<br />

well <strong>in</strong> advance of this date. I have never known such a late season for the flower<strong>in</strong>g of stemless Mesembs. On<br />

the 10th October I noted the follow<strong>in</strong>g Lithops <strong>in</strong> flower : terricolor, peersii, verruculosa, helmuti, comptonii, fulviceps,<br />

bella, karasmontana ; numbers of others have buds just appear<strong>in</strong>g and I am afraid will not develop fully as they<br />

must have sunsh<strong>in</strong>e to give of their best. The Conophytums are <strong>in</strong> bloom and make a brave show. The follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

are full out on the same date : pellucidum, polyandrum, exertum, tumidum, notabile, wettste<strong>in</strong>ii, etc.<br />

These are charm<strong>in</strong>g little plants that have a much larger colour range, compris<strong>in</strong>g shades of p<strong>in</strong>k, straw, deep<br />

yellow and white. It is a pity that the Lithops do not give us a few different colours, yellow and white are the only<br />

two ! know of <strong>in</strong> this genus. With me the Conophytums will be kept steadily grow<strong>in</strong>g through our w<strong>in</strong>ter till about<br />

March. This does not mean that you should water frequently, but just a little <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>e spells we sometimes<br />

get <strong>in</strong> our w<strong>in</strong>ters. They are mak<strong>in</strong>g new roots now, a certa<strong>in</strong> amount of the old root<strong>in</strong>g system hav<strong>in</strong>g died away.<br />

September is a good time to take cutt<strong>in</strong>gs of these. For good results, great care should be taken to see they are<br />

trimmed right, numbers of the plants, after a few years, develop hard woody stems sometimes an <strong>in</strong>ch long and<br />

even more with the very old ones.<br />

Do not attempt to plant your cutt<strong>in</strong>g with a piece of the stem attached to it, it may not root at all. Cut back<br />

as close as possible to the growth, just leav<strong>in</strong>g enough to give you a scar. You will f<strong>in</strong>d they root well <strong>in</strong> Vermiculite<br />

or ord<strong>in</strong>ary compost. I do suggest that a layer of sand should be used on top of the compost for cutt<strong>in</strong>gs to go<br />

directly <strong>in</strong>to. They will f<strong>in</strong>d their way down to the good material soon enough. Unlike most of the stemless<br />

Mesembs., they are very shallow root<strong>in</strong>g subjects and do not require deep pots.<br />

Lithops will go to rest directly after flower<strong>in</strong>g with me and will rema<strong>in</strong> dry till about next May. Another<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g plant <strong>in</strong> flower with me at this date is Pleiospilos bolusii, this is reward<strong>in</strong>g me this year with eight flowers,<br />

it is one of my favourites, hav<strong>in</strong>g been <strong>in</strong> my possession twenty years and has four nice growths. I have had several<br />

queries about the cultivation of this plant dur<strong>in</strong>g the past season. It is very easy to manage and should be kept<br />

perfectly dry while the new leaves are develop<strong>in</strong>g, they are do<strong>in</strong>g so at the expense of the old ones. When these<br />

old stems persist <strong>in</strong> the form of dried sk<strong>in</strong>s, that is the time to give a little water. Unlike some others <strong>in</strong> this<br />

Family, there should never be more than two leaves present on each growth at the time of flower<strong>in</strong>g. When <strong>in</strong><br />

full growth, two leaves com<strong>in</strong>g and two go<strong>in</strong>g is the correct procedure. Pleiospilos nelii is a much more difficult<br />

plant and not nearly so free flower<strong>in</strong>g, or so I f<strong>in</strong>d it. It will, most times, throw a bud long before the old stem<br />

has died away and this always appears on new growth com<strong>in</strong>g, but still I never water this while the old stem is<br />

green and succulent. My plant of this is a fairly large one and I have not watered it at all this year, because of the<br />

four leaves present. In fairness, I should state that my plants are plunged <strong>in</strong> sand and frame grown and that I know<br />

there is always a certa<strong>in</strong> amount of dampness present under these conditions. I am not afraid of the plant dy<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for the want of water, however, they do not m<strong>in</strong>d a long dry spell.<br />

Both these plants have been <strong>in</strong> the same pots three years now and are due for an overhaul and re-pot next<br />

spr<strong>in</strong>g. I expect to f<strong>in</strong>d a certa<strong>in</strong> amount of root bug present, they are very subject to this pest. It is as well, at<br />

this time of the year, to go over the stemless Mesembs. and carefully remove any dead sk<strong>in</strong>s rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g on the plants.<br />

A pair of blunt tweezers are suitable for this and care should be taken not to <strong>in</strong> any way <strong>in</strong>jure the new growths.<br />

My reason for this is, ow<strong>in</strong>g to our usually damp w<strong>in</strong>ters, these old growths sometimes absorb any atmospheric<br />

moisture present and this is liable, <strong>in</strong> some cases, to cause rot at the back of the plants. In their native habitats<br />

the atmosphere is always very dry and bright and, remember, they are out of doors and not under glass. On<br />

imported plants you can often count seven or eight, or even more, old sk<strong>in</strong>s and this gives you a good idea of the<br />

age of the specimen.<br />

You will f<strong>in</strong>d this clean<strong>in</strong>g up of old plants a slow, tedious job, especially with a clump of the small grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Conophytum types, but it is well worth it.<br />

I know that numbers of people will be us<strong>in</strong>g paraff<strong>in</strong> lamps for heat<strong>in</strong>g small greenhouses this year <strong>in</strong> lieu of<br />

electric tubular heaters which are subject to cuts <strong>in</strong> supply. These should be quite satisfactory if kept clean and<br />

the wicks trimmed frequently. It is better to use two smaller pieces of apparatus rather than one large one ;<br />

you can keep the flames low and avoid the draw<strong>in</strong>g up of the flame <strong>in</strong> a sudden warm spell. It is a very bad bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />

to come out to look at your plants and f<strong>in</strong>d them covered with soot. This will only happen if you are runn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

them at top capacity.<br />

In my greenhouse I have a forty gallon tank filled under the stag<strong>in</strong>g. I keep this filled with ra<strong>in</strong> water which

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

is by far the best for the plants. They require so little they deserve the best. I offer this as a suggestion, to people<br />

will<strong>in</strong>g to go to the trouble, as well worth while. Keep the tank top covered to keep the water clean and avoid<br />

algae form<strong>in</strong>g, as this only happens when light is able to reach the water. I have another old tank <strong>in</strong> the garden ;<br />

this is useful for wash<strong>in</strong>g pots, etc. If you are able to leave any dirty pots soak<strong>in</strong>g for a fortnight, you will f<strong>in</strong>d them<br />

clean up like new with very little scrubb<strong>in</strong>g. Perhaps I am a little out of date, but I do like the old hand-made<br />

pots we were supplied with years ago. The present day smooth mach<strong>in</strong>e-made articles are not nearly so porous<br />

and, <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion, not so satisfactory.<br />

The long wet spell we had <strong>in</strong> November was very bad for our rest<strong>in</strong>g plants, especially the Mesembs. ; this,<br />

comb<strong>in</strong>ed with the rather warm weather for the time of year, is not so good. Remember, the plants must have<br />

air. A warm temperature <strong>in</strong> a greenhouse, without ventilation, will ru<strong>in</strong> numbers of specimens.<br />

One job I am go<strong>in</strong>g to do this spr<strong>in</strong>g, is to cut down my Echeverias, some of these, <strong>in</strong> the gibbiflora section, are<br />

now two feet tall and have become very leggy and ugly. I do this about every three years and f<strong>in</strong>d the plants do<br />

much better and rega<strong>in</strong> the nice large leaves that look so well on these. Just cut them off the length to suit you ;<br />

leave to dry for a couple of weeks and re-pot. Use the double pot method you all know about, it is a simple<br />

operation and should be no trouble.<br />

The w<strong>in</strong>ter care of stemless Mesemb. seedl<strong>in</strong>gs is one of the most important jobs, especially Lithops, dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their first w<strong>in</strong>ter. I know a good many people were sow<strong>in</strong>g seed as late as last May, these are difficult to br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

through, as the water<strong>in</strong>g of them requires a certa<strong>in</strong> amount of extra care. They must certa<strong>in</strong>ly not dry right out,<br />

but still should have a period of rest. If kept <strong>in</strong> a moist condition, the true form of the Lithops will force its way<br />

through the little green globe of its first growth and will look sp<strong>in</strong>dly and very much elongated. This is very<br />

unsatisfactory as you do want the first growth to die away and give you the true round form of the proper plant.<br />

Here aga<strong>in</strong>, is the advantage of the plunged pot. You are able to give just that little dampness necessary to<br />

keep them go<strong>in</strong>g through the w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

It is one of the pleasures of seed rais<strong>in</strong>g to note the little plants develop<strong>in</strong>g and see all the slight differences<br />

<strong>in</strong> each one, although they all may have been taken from the same capsule. Aga<strong>in</strong>, somegrow much faster than others.<br />

I note among my seedl<strong>in</strong>gs sown last March some that are much more forward than others, but all have had<br />

the same treatment. Lithops werneri, fossulifera, mennellii are among the best. Lithops dorothea, marg<strong>in</strong>ata,<br />

verruculosa are more backward.<br />

You can start to raise a few seedl<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> February, if you are able to keep a constant temperature <strong>in</strong><br />

the propagator of not less than sixty-five degrees, seventy degrees would be better. I thought we might have<br />

a chat about this <strong>in</strong> our April issue, as I consider this is quite time enough to start seed rais<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

In addition to the meet<strong>in</strong>gs given on the <strong>in</strong>side of the front cover, the Council have arranged the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g<br />

programme for <strong>1952</strong>. On May 12th, there will be a general discussion on Rebutias, Parodias and Lobivias. The<br />

discussion will be opened by Mr. Boarder. There will be no R.H.S. Show co<strong>in</strong>cident with this date. June 24th<br />

and 25th will be our Summer Show, with a meet<strong>in</strong>g on the even<strong>in</strong>g of the 24th, when the judges will comment on<br />

our exhibits. July 22nd, Mr. E. Shurly will give a talk on Mammillarias. August 26th, there will be a lecture on<br />

Stemless Mesembryanthemums and it is hoped to get a lead<strong>in</strong>g authority on these plants to give the lecture. September<br />

24th and 25th will be our Autumn Show, with comments by the judges on the even<strong>in</strong>g of the 24th. October 21st,<br />

Euphorbias by Mr. W. Denton. November 18th will be an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g even<strong>in</strong>g devoted to the reproduction of<br />

photographs from members by an Epidiascope and members are asked to br<strong>in</strong>g along any photos they have of cacti<br />

and other succulents. December 2nd, there will be talks and discussion on Propagation by cutt<strong>in</strong>gs, Succulents by<br />

Mr. S. Pullen, and Cacti by Mr. K. H. Walden. In all cases the meet<strong>in</strong>gs start at 6 p.m., the time at which the R.H.S.<br />

Show closes ; it has been decided by the R.H.S. that shows should close at this time <strong>in</strong> future, <strong>in</strong>stead of / p.m.<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer. Members are requested to br<strong>in</strong>g along a few specimens of types of plants covered by the<br />

lectures so that we can have a good meet<strong>in</strong>g table display.<br />

Mr. Boarder writes : " I have been swamped by enquiries for free seeds and many more members are try<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their hands at this fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g pastime. I have packeted over eight hundred lots so far with enquiries still arriv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Some seeds were <strong>in</strong> short supply and quickly disappeared, but others were not <strong>in</strong> such demand and if any member<br />

wants a few more seeds and will leave the selection to me, I will forward them under the same conditions as on<br />

previous occasions. Many are left of the Puyas, Cereus gortianthus, C. horridus and the mixed cactus seeds. I also<br />

have Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis campylacantha, Dyckia rariflora, D. montividensis, 0. remontia, D. altissima, D. sulphurea,<br />

Beschorneria yuccoides."

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THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SUCCULENTS<br />

By GORDON D. ROWLEY<br />

INSTALMENT FIVE<br />

Practical Experiments for the Amateur<br />

January is the month for plann<strong>in</strong>g the year's work <strong>in</strong> the glasshouse, and as good a time as any to take the plunge<br />

and prepare for some constructive experiment<strong>in</strong>g. Here, then, are details of just a few more obvious projects.<br />

1 Propagation problems<br />

F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g novel ways of multiply<strong>in</strong>g rare plants is a never-end<strong>in</strong>g source of amusement. I recall my own surprise<br />

and delight on receiv<strong>in</strong>g a robust Pelargonium ech<strong>in</strong>atum grown from a snippet of a flower stalk ; on rais<strong>in</strong>g Pereskias<br />

from leaves stuck <strong>in</strong> Vermiculite like Crassulas, and on watch<strong>in</strong>g discarded bulb scales from an old Bowiea sprout<br />

bulbils until I had so many I didn't know where to put them all. No less strange is the way that many promis<strong>in</strong>g<br />

leaves come to noth<strong>in</strong>g. Some may root, but fail to grow a shoot—a common experience <strong>in</strong> Haworthias, Kle<strong>in</strong>ias<br />

and Ficoidaceae. Would treatment with root<strong>in</strong>g hormones have the desired stimulat<strong>in</strong>g effect, I wonder ?<br />

Of particular <strong>in</strong>terest to the propagator are those curious succulents to which I have applied the name<br />

" caudiciform 1 ." These have <strong>in</strong> common a stout, fleshy, perennial trunk or " caudex," and slender, leafy, often<br />

short-lived branches. Owners of rare plants like Testud<strong>in</strong>aria, Idria, Fockea, Stephania, and the tuberous Adenias<br />

would earn our last<strong>in</strong>g gratitude if they could work out means of reproduc<strong>in</strong>g them from cutt<strong>in</strong>gs of roots or side<br />

branches. The case of the Medusa-head Euphorbias that require two steps before side branches can be <strong>in</strong>duced to<br />

form symmetrical heads has never been satisfactorily thrashed out, and bristles with possibilities for the keen<br />

experimenter.<br />

2 Grafts and Chimaeras<br />

Cutt<strong>in</strong>g fat plants <strong>in</strong>to pieces and stick<strong>in</strong>g them together aga<strong>in</strong> has a great appeal for many growers, and the<br />

suggestion that this may serve useful ends should set razors stropp<strong>in</strong>g all over England. What happens when<br />

a cactus is grafted upside down ? Do new shoots arise from its lower or upper end ? I cannot say : perhaps<br />

some enterpris<strong>in</strong>g reader will enlighten me. How does one species react to graft<strong>in</strong>g on different stocks ? In the<br />

world of fruit trees we recognise stocks which <strong>in</strong>fluence vigour and form of growth. Is it true that for best results<br />

the stock and scion should be genetically related—a Cereus on Cereus stock, Opuntia on Opuntia stock, and so on ?<br />

Also, why among succulents is graft<strong>in</strong>g almost the exclusive privilege of the Cactaceae ?<br />

Then there are <strong>in</strong> cultivation those very strange plants that we call chimaeras. A chimaera consists of two<br />

plants <strong>in</strong> one : a sk<strong>in</strong> of one over a core of the other. In this side by side weld<strong>in</strong>g of tissues, each layer preserves<br />

its identity, but character expression is dependent on a sort of <strong>in</strong>ternal tug-of-war between them. A break <strong>in</strong> the<br />

sk<strong>in</strong> exposes the core, and if a shoot arises here (as when plants are grown from root cutt<strong>in</strong>gs) it will be different<br />

<strong>in</strong> form and all of one tissue. Often this happens naturally, or shoots may appear composed of the surface tissue<br />

only : three different forms on one plant ! Variegated plants are often chimaeras and sort themselves out <strong>in</strong><br />

this way : the striped form of Aichryson domesticum, for <strong>in</strong>stance, always throws some branches that are wholly<br />

yellow. Sedum telephium variegatum when raised from root cutt<strong>in</strong>gs reverted to the orig<strong>in</strong>al green form : an<br />

example well worth follow<strong>in</strong>g up for variegated Sedums, Agaves, and any striped succulents. If root cutt<strong>in</strong>gs cannot<br />

be raised, try scoop<strong>in</strong>g out all the buds from the stem and forc<strong>in</strong>g new shoots to break out from the <strong>in</strong>terior.<br />

Chimaeras arise <strong>in</strong> nature by mutations, but can be synthesized by graft<strong>in</strong>g. If a number of grafts are cut<br />

back leav<strong>in</strong>g a th<strong>in</strong> film of scion cover<strong>in</strong>g the stock, a chance bud aris<strong>in</strong>g just at the po<strong>in</strong>t of union may conta<strong>in</strong><br />

a mixture of the elements of both species. Stem succulents should prove ideal subjects for chimaera production,<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g simple to graft and hav<strong>in</strong>g a large area of union. An excellent picture of a cactus chimaera is <strong>shown</strong> by<br />

J. J. V. Wolthuys <strong>in</strong> his book "The Enigma of the Orig<strong>in</strong> of Monstrosity and Cristation <strong>in</strong> Succulent Plants "<br />

Ed./2 (1948) 77, though the author's fanciful remarks about "vegetative splitt<strong>in</strong>g "of a hybrid are clearly <strong>in</strong>admissible<br />

<strong>in</strong> the light of the chromosome theory.<br />

3 Fasciations<br />

The occurrence of fasciations, nowhere more frequent or more startl<strong>in</strong>g than <strong>in</strong> some families of succulents,<br />

has long puzzled botanists, and it is evident that no one theory will account for the orig<strong>in</strong> of all such forms. Like<br />

callus-formation, fasciation is a reaction aga<strong>in</strong>st some irritant, whether that irritant is an external <strong>in</strong>jury, a<br />

nutritional upset, a pathogenic <strong>in</strong>fection, or a straightforward genetic factor. Sometimes it is <strong>in</strong>herited ; sometimes<br />

only the tendency to fasciate is passed on, need<strong>in</strong>g only some shock to start it off ; sometimes neither takes place.<br />

Undoubtedly more <strong>in</strong>formation is needed here, and any reader fortunate enough to have blooms on a crested plant

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

should make every effort to try to raise seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. A chance remark at one of the Society meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> 1949 raised<br />

the question of propagat<strong>in</strong>g cristate Echeverias from leaves : would they " come true " or revert to normal growth ?<br />

I didn't know. Nor, apparently, did anyone else. So it was decided to try. The follow<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g a large plant<br />

of E. glauca cristata was cut up and sufficient leaves obta<strong>in</strong>ed to give six different people uniform samples of 100<br />

each. Another year will be needed before all the plantlets can be confirmed, but estimates so far suggest that both<br />

cristates and non-cristates appear, and <strong>in</strong> about equal proportions. An extension of the work to cover other<br />

Crassulaceae, with controls test<strong>in</strong>g leaves from non-fasciated plants, would be most desirable.<br />

4 Breed<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Nowhere is the scope for <strong>in</strong>novation greater than <strong>in</strong> the field of plant genetics. And until you have raised<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from your own plants your hobby is static : a one-generation bl<strong>in</strong>d alley ; a futureless n<strong>in</strong>e days' wonder.<br />

Two courses are open <strong>in</strong> selective seed rais<strong>in</strong>g : (/) the propagation of true species, and (//') the creation of varieties<br />

superior <strong>in</strong> form, floriferousness and hard<strong>in</strong>ess for a particular climate and country. The former <strong>in</strong>volves " self<strong>in</strong>g "<br />

(bagg<strong>in</strong>g unopened buds) or, where that fails, cross<strong>in</strong>g between two <strong>in</strong>dividuals of the same species. Bagg<strong>in</strong>g can<br />

be dispensed with if the plant is isolated from <strong>in</strong>sect visitors or if no others of the same family are <strong>in</strong> bloom at the<br />

same time. Rais<strong>in</strong>g progeny from such a self<strong>in</strong>g gives an idea of the natural variation with<strong>in</strong> the species, and is an<br />

essential undertak<strong>in</strong>g for anyone attempt<strong>in</strong>g a study of the species grown outside their native land. The geneticist<br />

may be <strong>in</strong> an even better position here than the field worker, who sees only those variants sturdy enough to survive.<br />

In a glasshouse, all have equal chances—the stoutest and the most fragile. Hybridisations should not be made,<br />

however, unless one is patient enough to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the work to at least the second generation, and strong-willed<br />

enough to reject all but the most promis<strong>in</strong>g novelties. Decid<strong>in</strong>g which to reta<strong>in</strong> and which to scrap is where the<br />

real skill (and luck) of the breeder come <strong>in</strong>, for, as we have seen, characters can lie dormant, and a scruffy, undersized<br />

runt yet prove a valued source of improved varieties.<br />

5 Self-fertility and self-<strong>in</strong>compatibility<br />

A good foot<strong>in</strong>g for the above work would be a knowledge of which succulents set seed with their own pollen,<br />

and which do not. Reference books tell us airily that " Cactaceae are self-fertile " and " Ficoidaceae self-sterile,"<br />

but these are wild generalisations, and <strong>in</strong> addition some very queer happen<strong>in</strong>gs have been reported. Thus, our<br />

fellow-members <strong>in</strong> the German Cactus Society, v/ho organise their research on these problems with unrivalled<br />

zest and seriousness, claim that some Cacti are self-sterile, but under the <strong>in</strong>fluence of foreign pollen set seed which<br />

reproduces the female parent exactly 2 . Hybridisation has not occurred ; <strong>in</strong>stead, some stimulus to self<strong>in</strong>g, or<br />

parthenogenesis (<strong>in</strong> the widest sense). Such behaviour would <strong>in</strong>deed be extraord<strong>in</strong>ary, but is not altogether<br />

unknown <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> other plants 3 . First, a catalogue is needed of as many succulents as possible grouped accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to whether or not they set viable seed when selfed. Then, hav<strong>in</strong>g selected a suitable self-<strong>in</strong>compatible species<br />

with as many buds as possible, let us divide them <strong>in</strong>to three batches and treat each as follows : emasculate (I)<br />

and (2), and give (I) and (3) pollen from an unrelated species. Successful sett<strong>in</strong>g from (I) would typify normal<br />

hybridisation, to be confirmed by rais<strong>in</strong>g the seed. Viable seed from (2), without any pollen, should reproduce<br />

the mother plant exactly, hav<strong>in</strong>g arisen abnormally without the <strong>in</strong>tervention of a male parent. Seed from (3) but<br />

not (I) would be even more abnormal, and <strong>in</strong>dicate the outside stimulus to self<strong>in</strong>g that the German workers report.<br />

If readers care to send me the results of any poll<strong>in</strong>ation trials they have made, I will gladly collate them <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dex<br />

form, and publish them if the response justifies.<br />

6 Co-ord<strong>in</strong>ated research<br />

On October 21st this year, fourteen earnest-look<strong>in</strong>g specialists on succulents met round a table <strong>in</strong> London<br />

to try to foster greater co-operation between the private and research workers <strong>in</strong> this country and abroad.<br />

Excellent work is go<strong>in</strong>g on everywhere <strong>in</strong> small collections ; yet valuable results never get known outside the<br />

immediate locality. Distance, isolation, language difficulties, lack of contacts and petty rivalries have cut off<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ental workers from those <strong>in</strong> this country and America. Nobody wants " directed labour " : the go-as-youplease<br />

attitude is essential to a hobby like succulent-grow<strong>in</strong>g, but the problems raised <strong>in</strong> cultivation are too many<br />

and too great to be dealt with by a few scattered people unaided. Given the support it deserves, this little nucleus<br />

of students, the British Section of the I.O.S., can go far to meet the problems of the small grower. And I hope<br />

no-one will be so foolish as to imag<strong>in</strong>e that this is no concern of his—for have you ever met the cactophile who did<br />

not ask a dozen queries on pest control, overw<strong>in</strong>ter<strong>in</strong>g, choice of soil, and identification ?<br />

References :<br />

1 ROWLEY, G. D. <strong>in</strong> Nat. Cactus and Sue. J. Ill 102-3 (Dec. 1948).<br />

2 SCHULTZ, B. <strong>in</strong> loc. cit. IV 69-70 (Dec, 1949).<br />

3 ROWLEY, G. D. <strong>in</strong> loc. cit. V 9 (March, 1950).

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THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br.<br />

By Dr. A. TISCHER<br />

Translated by E. Engler<br />

When <strong>in</strong> the year 1922, N. E. Brown, by separation from Mesembryanthemum L, formed the genus Conophytum*,<br />

about fifty species, that were adjudged to this genus, were known. Already Brown himself felt the need to group<br />

these species accord<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>ite characteristics. In the meantime, the number of described species and forms<br />

has grown to nearly three hundred. The necessity for a systematic arrangement of this large number of species,<br />

has prompted a number of scientists to suggest a division <strong>in</strong>to groups and sub-groups. Such proposals emanated<br />

from N. E. Brown, L. Bolus, Herre and especially Schwantes**. The most comprehensive systematics, up to the<br />

present, was recently published by Schwantes <strong>in</strong> " Kakteen und andere Sukkelenten," year 1950, No. 5, and 1951,<br />

Nos. I and 2. The work represents a cont<strong>in</strong>uation of his earlier systematic studies, but deserves special notice for<br />

the reason that here, for the first time, attention is drawn to the limited geographical distribution of the members<br />

of each group. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to these writ<strong>in</strong>gs, conclusions <strong>in</strong> regard to the systematic aff<strong>in</strong>ity of a species can already<br />

be drawn from the place of occurrence. At all events, for future f<strong>in</strong>ds, the systematic group<strong>in</strong>g will thereby be<br />

considerably facilitated. It is regrettable, though, that Schwantes had only limited plant and flower material at<br />

his disposal. Thus, a number of species could not be taken <strong>in</strong>to consideration <strong>in</strong> the group<strong>in</strong>g, others were grouped<br />

wrongly, due to <strong>in</strong>sufficient knowledge of the flower. Nevertheless, all further systematics of Conophytum will<br />

have to build on the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of Schwantes.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the fundamental rules of modern Botany, for the group<strong>in</strong>g of species, it is, <strong>in</strong> the first place, the<br />

sex characteristics which count. In future systematic exam<strong>in</strong>ations of Conophytum, we shall have to pay attention<br />

to these pr<strong>in</strong>ciples even more than <strong>in</strong> the past. In this task the exam<strong>in</strong>ation of seed, ovules, or even of the chromosomes<br />

will perhaps br<strong>in</strong>g us knowledge of aff<strong>in</strong>ities which we were not able to have up to now. First of all, we<br />

shall have to concentrate chiefly on the characteristics of the flowers. I myself had the opportunity, dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

past years, to study not only an extensive plant material of this genus, but also to observe the flowers of a large<br />

number of species. I was assisted <strong>in</strong> my work by means of h<strong>in</strong>ts, plants and literary material, particularly by<br />

Messrs. Bates, of Hounslow, Capta<strong>in</strong> Dunne Cooke, of London, Dr. de Boer, of Haren, Herre, of Stellenbosch,<br />

Jacobsen, of Kiel, Professor Schwantes, also of Keil, Graessner, of Perleberg and Triebner, of W<strong>in</strong>dhoek, to whom<br />

I would extend my special thanks here.<br />

My studies enable me partly to supplement the systematic f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of Schwantes, partly to amplify them, so<br />

that I can now submit suggestions for a systematic group<strong>in</strong>g of all species known to me as hav<strong>in</strong>g been described.<br />

The body shapes of the Conophyta allow them to be traced back to a number of fundamental types. Already<br />

<strong>in</strong> 1922, N. E. Brown set up a table of types, which comprised types of body shapes***. The large number of species<br />

and forms, which have become known meanwhile, make a still more thorough characterisation of the fundamental<br />

types desirable. I have, therefore, enlarged the number of types set up by Brown and established a new type table.<br />

In the follow<strong>in</strong>g systematics of the genus Conophytum the types belong<strong>in</strong>g to the groups have been mentioned<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividually.<br />

The systematics given <strong>in</strong> this work does not replace a key to the species of Conophytum. But, <strong>in</strong> order to<br />

facilitate the ascerta<strong>in</strong>ment of species for the benefit of those who are <strong>in</strong>terested scientifically, or of friends of these<br />

attractive plants, I have added to each species, <strong>in</strong> parenthesis, the colour of the flower and the type of the type table.<br />

In this connection, w means white, c—cream or ivory, y—yellow, o—orange, co—coppery or salmon coloured,<br />

r—red, rs—rose red or rosy, p—purple or magenta, v—w<strong>in</strong>e coloured. For <strong>in</strong>stance (y/10) means " flower yellow,<br />

type 10 ; (r36/39) means flower red, type about 36 and 39. The figure <strong>in</strong>dicates only the contour of the little<br />

bodies, seen laterally, but does not signify the size of the bodies, which may be larger or smaller.<br />

CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br.<br />

Sub-genus ; Fenestrate N.E. Br.<br />

Plants with short stems, or stemless, form<strong>in</strong>g cushions. The small bodies — cyl<strong>in</strong>drical to obconical, flat to<br />

convex above, partly ± bilobate due to small fissure on the upper surface, lobes flat or slightly convex, not keeled,<br />

* The Gardener's Chronicle 1922, p. 198 and 450.<br />

** N. E. Brown I.e., Schwantes <strong>in</strong> Gartenflora 1927, page 424, L. Bolus <strong>in</strong> Notes on Mesemb., Part III, H. Herre<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Cact. and Succ. Journal of Gt. Brita<strong>in</strong>, Vol. 10, page 56 et seq., N. E. Br. <strong>in</strong> the Journal of the Cactus and<br />

Succulent Society of America, Vol. II, page 425.<br />

*** The Gardener's Chronicle, Vol. LXXI, pages 2<strong>14</strong> and 450.

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

upper surface of the bodies or lobes ± translucent like a w<strong>in</strong>dow. Colour<strong>in</strong>g light green, grey-green, clay coloured<br />

to reddish brown, flower white or red.<br />

1st Series; Pellucida Schwant.<br />

Transparent dots distributed ± irregularly over the upper surface, and <strong>in</strong>terspersed with opaque dots or<br />

zones, upper side partly pitted or gibbous. Colour<strong>in</strong>g brownish red, clay coloured or dark grey green. Flower<br />

white or red, partly with stam<strong>in</strong>odes.<br />

Types : 9, 13, <strong>14</strong>,28-31.<br />

Type species : C. pellucidum Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Little Namaqualand, from Vanrhynsdorp-Div, as far as the Orange River, Bushmanland.<br />

C. cupreatum Tisch (w/10/13), C. fenestratum Schwant (w/29/30), C. lithopoides L. Bol (p-rs/8/9), C. pellucidum<br />

Schwant (w/30), C. primosii Lav. (w/28), C. roodiae N. E. Br. (w/28), C. rubroniveum I. Bol. (w/<strong>14</strong>-IS), C. terricolor<br />

Tisch. (w/29-30).<br />

2nd Series ; Subfenestrata Tisch.<br />

Translucent dots mostly uniform and regular, absent (?) <strong>in</strong> C. cyl<strong>in</strong>dratum Schwant. upper surface smooth,<br />

not pitted or gibbous. Colour<strong>in</strong>g light green to yellowish green.<br />

Types : 13, <strong>14</strong>, 19,20, 25-27,30.<br />

Type species : C. subfenestratum Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Little Namaqualand and Bushmanland.<br />

C. acutum L. Bol. (w/31), C. concavum L. Bol. (w/19-20), C. cyl<strong>in</strong>dratum Schwant. (w/31), C. edithae N. E. Br.<br />

(?/30), C. pillansii Lav. (r-p/<strong>14</strong>-15), C. subfenestratum Schwant. (r/23).<br />

N. E. Brown has placed the species with transparent, w<strong>in</strong>dow-like upper surfaces together <strong>in</strong> a group of their<br />

own, Fenestrata^, whereas Schwantes tables them as a sub-group with<strong>in</strong> the sub-genus Derenbergia. The species<br />

of this group are so different from the proper bilobate forms <strong>in</strong> regard to shape, colour and flower, that they have<br />

to be placed as a separate group by the side of the bilobate forms <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> Derenbergia Schwant. N. E. Brown<br />

has correctly recognised this. With<strong>in</strong> this group, <strong>in</strong> turn, two sets of forms can be discerned, which differ from<br />

one another by the colour<strong>in</strong>g of the bodies, the formation of the upper surface and by the characteristics of the<br />

flowers. I suggest, therefore, a sub-division <strong>in</strong>to two series, one of which is already specially characterised by the<br />

type species, C. pellucidum Schwant. First of all, I have <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the Section Pellucida also C. roodiae N. E. Br.<br />

and C. primosii Lav. as the authors po<strong>in</strong>t out a close aff<strong>in</strong>ity to C. pellucidum. But <strong>in</strong> the case of these species which<br />

are not clearly marked with w<strong>in</strong>dows, there appears to me to exist a closer aff<strong>in</strong>ity to forms like C. turrigenum<br />

N. E. Br. or C. edwardsae Lav. This question has yet to be exam<strong>in</strong>ed. Also <strong>in</strong> the case of C. rubroniveum L. Bol.<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestigations have yet to be made as to whether there is not a closer aff<strong>in</strong>ity to the forms of the Subfenestrata.<br />

The systematic place of C. cyl<strong>in</strong>dratum Schwant. is also not yet cleared up. Habit and flower place it <strong>in</strong> the vic<strong>in</strong>ity<br />

of the other forms <strong>in</strong>cluded under para. Subfenestrata, although the translucency is not stated as be<strong>in</strong>g so dist<strong>in</strong>ct<br />

as with other species of this group. Schwantes has previously created a Section Cyl<strong>in</strong>drata Schwant. of its own for<br />

this species!!, ' 3Ut m n ' s new Systematics, left the systematic position of C. cyl<strong>in</strong>dratum open. C. caroli Lav.,<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to its flower, as well as its habit, is an Ophthalmophyllum, which, therefore, I have re-named Ophthalmophyllum<br />

caroli (Lav.) Tisch. Likewise, the species described as C. maughani N. E. Br. is a genu<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Ophthalmophyllum. For this genus there is especially the partial cohesion of calyx tube and flower tube, which is<br />

characteristic]" J!, <strong>in</strong> addition the cup shaped cavity of the upper side of the ovary. The latter characteristic is not<br />

so pronounced <strong>in</strong> the case of 0. maughani as <strong>in</strong> other species of this genus. On the other hand, the calyx tube and<br />

flower tube of this species are jo<strong>in</strong>ed together to the extent of about 2 mm. Also present are the stam<strong>in</strong>odes<br />

which are characteristic of Ophthalmophyllum, furthermore, this species has six stigmata. I myself possess a plant<br />

of it, which was sent to me by N. E. Brown and on which I was able to observe the characteristic features of the<br />

flower. The absence of the cup-shaped recess <strong>in</strong> the ovary, stated by L. Bolus!!!!, c ' oes not P rove to be true.<br />

Admittedly, it is less deep than on other species, but, nevertheless, it is <strong>in</strong>dicated. Also the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g characteristics<br />

of the flower clearly refer the species to the genus Ophthalmophyllum. Schwantes, therefore, was right <strong>in</strong> re-nam<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this species as 0. maughani (N. E. Br.) Schwant. Neither is the systematic place of C. edithea N. E. Br. unequivocably<br />

clarified. The flower of this species has, so far, not been described. Neither have I had an opportunity to observe<br />

! Journal of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, Vol. II, p. 425.<br />

!! Gartenflora 1927, p. 424.<br />

!!! Compare Kakteenkunde 1934, p. 58,<br />

!!!! Notes III, p. 206.<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on Page 15)

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THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

UNCOMMON SUCCULENTS<br />

By G. G. GREEN<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g a recent visit to Mr. Shurly's home, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that his well grown plant of<br />

Bowiea volubilis was <strong>in</strong> full bloom. The m<strong>in</strong>ature greenish-white flowers, so similar to those of the Asparagus<br />

fern, were fully opened <strong>in</strong> their hundreds at the top of the branch<strong>in</strong>g stem, and though not to be called beautiful,<br />

were nevertheless, very pretty.<br />

The surprise was really <strong>in</strong> the forwardness of the growth, for the Editor is no believer <strong>in</strong> coddl<strong>in</strong>g, but prefers<br />

to give his plants as much ventilation as possible, which results <strong>in</strong> much stronger specimens. I told him that m<strong>in</strong>e<br />

had not yet flowered, and <strong>in</strong>deed, it was two weeks later that the first t<strong>in</strong>y blooms opened, show<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

difference <strong>in</strong> latitude between the north and the south has a great deal to do with the times of growth and bloom<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of the majority of plants.<br />

This difference accounts, no doubt, for the fact that many amateurs who follow the usual rout<strong>in</strong>e of water<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and rest, do not, <strong>in</strong> some seasons, get the amount of growth and bloom that is to be found <strong>in</strong> the south. In the<br />

north of England the summer beg<strong>in</strong>s much later and I th<strong>in</strong>k the water<strong>in</strong>g and grow<strong>in</strong>g periods should be extended<br />

slightly <strong>in</strong> the autumn to enable the plants to have as much time as possible <strong>in</strong> which to develop and ripen.<br />

So long as there is no fear of heavy frost, I see no reason why growth should not be encouraged right up to the<br />

end of September, and the slacken<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> water<strong>in</strong>g, etc. dur<strong>in</strong>g the latter part of October. This extra time, for<br />

us up here at least, will be welcomed by the Succulents as a whole, and they will then have a more normal season<br />

of growth. In their native homes, the plants are used to a much longer period than they can possibly get <strong>in</strong> these<br />

islands.<br />

I have many times po<strong>in</strong>ted out to disappo<strong>in</strong>ted collectors that their plants have suffered from too short a season<br />

of growth, caused by the premature dry<strong>in</strong>g-off when they are just com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the full flush of growth. This is<br />

seen <strong>in</strong> many cases, by the failure to develop of late flower buds and the shr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and brown<strong>in</strong>g of the tissues at<br />

the grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts, or the dropp<strong>in</strong>g off of leaves by the succulents. More satisfaction and success will be found<br />

if this grow<strong>in</strong>g period is not curtailed so soon.<br />

Bowiea volubilis, from South Africa, has not much to recommend it as a collector's piece, but when properly<br />

grown it can provide an attractive background subject, as the fern-like foliage is very useful for space fill<strong>in</strong>g or<br />

tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g up the lean-to wall. Actually, the foliage is part of the <strong>in</strong>florescence and there are no leaves, as such, on<br />

the plant. What do form drop off very quickly.<br />

The stems, generally two on mature plants, arise from an onion shaped bulb of a sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g green colour, and similar<br />

to a hyac<strong>in</strong>th dur<strong>in</strong>g the rest<strong>in</strong>g period. It is customary to plant the bulb <strong>in</strong> rich sandy soil so that only one third<br />

is below ground level, <strong>in</strong> order to prevent rott<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g the rest<strong>in</strong>g period when no water should be given.<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g late spr<strong>in</strong>g and summer, liberal water<strong>in</strong>g can be given until the stems beg<strong>in</strong> to wither or dry up and<br />

no more until the follow<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g or until new shoots appear.<br />

The plants are easily propagated from seed sown <strong>in</strong> the usual way, or from pieces of bulb taken from the outer<br />

layers. These should be carefully removed dur<strong>in</strong>g the rest<strong>in</strong>g period, <strong>in</strong> portions similar to those of the garden<br />

lilies such as lancifolium or madonna, and fixed upright <strong>in</strong> a mixture of sand and peat. New bulblets will develop<br />

at the base the follow<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g and will soon make good plants.<br />

Another unusual genus, and one that for some unknown reason is rather rare <strong>in</strong> collections, is the Pelargonium,<br />

of the family Ceraniaceae. These succulent members of this great geranium family are most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and unusual,<br />

and fairly easy to grow. Some species develop beautifully coloured flowers and foliage, and are <strong>in</strong> bloom for<br />

several weeks dur<strong>in</strong>g early summer, mak<strong>in</strong>g a most attractive display.<br />

The very succulent stems gradually harden with age either <strong>in</strong>to short, sp<strong>in</strong>y and irregular growth, or are semi<br />

climb<strong>in</strong>g with long slender branches. The taller species branch very freely and can be tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>to compact bushes,<br />

or supported on canes <strong>in</strong>to very handsome specimens.<br />

The leaves are smaller than those of the ord<strong>in</strong>ary greenhouse Pelargonium and are prettily marked <strong>in</strong> green<br />

and reds, with m<strong>in</strong>ute silky white hairs and curl<strong>in</strong>g edges. The flowers of these species are brightly coloured and<br />

ve<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> p<strong>in</strong>ks and purples look<strong>in</strong>g like small orchids, and are very freely produced dur<strong>in</strong>g the early summer.<br />

The smaller, or low grow<strong>in</strong>g species, generally have thick, swollen, tuber-like stems with many notches and<br />

sp<strong>in</strong>es, the rema<strong>in</strong>s of previous growth. The branches are th<strong>in</strong> at first, be<strong>in</strong>g thickened at the nodes and bear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the leaves on very long stalks. They like a well dra<strong>in</strong>ed gritty soil that must be porous, for the stems soon rot if<br />

they have to endure prolonged dampness. A sunny position will prevent any leggy growth and will ripen the<br />

stems ready for the rest<strong>in</strong>g period dur<strong>in</strong>g our w<strong>in</strong>ter.

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN II<br />

New Conophytum type table<br />

Dr. A. Tischer

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12 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

30 ft. high Cereus <strong>in</strong> Lower California !<br />

Howard E. Gates<br />

Howard E. Gates, cactus collect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> Lower California Howard E. Gates<br />

Conophytum pellucidum Dr. A. Tischer Leucbtenbergia pr<strong>in</strong>cipis S. J. Pullen

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 13<br />

Astrophytum ornatum W. Beeson Aporocactus flagelliformis W. Beeson<br />

Gymnocalycium leptanthum W. Beeson Gymnocalycium platensis W. Beeson

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<strong>14</strong> THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Aptenia cordifolia<br />

Mesembryanthemum grandifolium<br />

Derenbergiella luisae Hydrodea sarcocalycantha<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' "The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae

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January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 15<br />

As the flowers fail, the leaves wither and drop and very little water should be given <strong>in</strong> order that the plants<br />

may have the rest so essential to good growth. Cutt<strong>in</strong>gs can be taken at any time of the year, but preferably <strong>in</strong><br />

early spr<strong>in</strong>g, and I f<strong>in</strong>d it best to break them off cleanly at the jo<strong>in</strong>ts rather than cut across a stem.<br />

These can be placed <strong>in</strong> very sandy peat until roots have formed, only a little water be<strong>in</strong>g given from underneath.<br />

Large pots are the best medium for hold<strong>in</strong>g cutt<strong>in</strong>gs which can be arranged round the edge. Water<strong>in</strong>g after a week<br />

or so, by stand<strong>in</strong>g the pots <strong>in</strong> water for a few m<strong>in</strong>utes, is then much easier, and the stems will not bend or fall.<br />

The easiest grown species, and one of the best, is P. tetragonum which has long, four sided, rounded stems and<br />

very bright p<strong>in</strong>k flowers on long stalks. This plant looks well if the branches are kept down to three jo<strong>in</strong>ts and<br />

supported on th<strong>in</strong> canes, when a f<strong>in</strong>e bushy specimen will result.<br />

P. ech<strong>in</strong>atum is a smaller grow<strong>in</strong>g species with sp<strong>in</strong>y stems and pretty leaves. The flowers are lilac coloured<br />

with purple ve<strong>in</strong>s, and <strong>in</strong> bloom for long periods.<br />

P. carnosum and P. crassicaule have thickened woody stems, rounded and notched, with hairy leaves on very<br />

long, upright stalks. The flowers are p<strong>in</strong>k and white respectively, need<strong>in</strong>g as much sun as possible to encourage<br />

free bloom<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

All the above, with their dist<strong>in</strong>ct flower formation and bright colour<strong>in</strong>gs, are well worth a place<br />

<strong>in</strong> the collection.<br />

Zygophyllum fontanesii used to be a very popular plant before the war, but it is most difficult to f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> a collection<br />

today. This easy grown succulent seems to have lost favour, as so many plants do, and has had to give place to<br />

the more popular species at present <strong>in</strong> vogue. It is, however, a charm<strong>in</strong>g plant with sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g green to golden yellow<br />

leaves, short and narrow and flattened on the upper sides. These are borne <strong>in</strong> twos on the short stems and fall<br />

off dur<strong>in</strong>g the rest<strong>in</strong>g period <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter. The root system is very strong on mature plants and larger pots are<br />

necessary, with a rich, gritty compost conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a fair amount of leafmould.<br />

The small, star-shaped flowers, produced <strong>in</strong> great profusion dur<strong>in</strong>g early summer, are pale p<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> colour, and<br />

are followed, later on <strong>in</strong> the season, by the rounded fruits that turn colour from green to orange. The colour<br />

and appearance of the plant, together with the brightly coloured berries, gives a twofold attraction that is most<br />

charm<strong>in</strong>g, and it is remarkable that so few can be found.<br />

The propagation from seed takes rather a long time as they are slow to germ<strong>in</strong>ate, but cutt<strong>in</strong>gs may be taken<br />

<strong>in</strong> May and rooted successfully.<br />

There have been rumours that the new edition of Borg's " Cacti " is now out of pr<strong>in</strong>t. We are glad to say<br />

that this rumour is <strong>in</strong>correct, and members can still obta<strong>in</strong> copies from the publishers as given <strong>in</strong> the advertisement<br />

on the outside of the back cover.<br />

It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the pass<strong>in</strong>g of Mrs. Carol<strong>in</strong>e Schmoll. Mrs. Schmoll,<br />

with her husband, the late Ferd<strong>in</strong>and Schmoll, contributed very largely to our knowledge of our plants and their<br />

pass<strong>in</strong>g will be of considerable loss to us. We are <strong>in</strong>formed that their nephew, Willi Wagner, will cont<strong>in</strong>ue the<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess, but, unfortunately, is not able to give the same amount of help with identification as was so much the<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> the past.<br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br. (Cont<strong>in</strong>ued from Page 9)<br />

a plant of this species myself. The habit described by N. E. Brown rem<strong>in</strong>ds one strongly of types of Ophthalmophyllum,<br />

It will be necessary to go <strong>in</strong>to this question thoroughly. If C. edithae N. E. Br. is to be left <strong>in</strong> the genus Conophytum,<br />

it is to be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the sub-genus Fenestrata N. E. Br., as already suggested by N. E. Brown himself. Accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to its habit and its colour<strong>in</strong>g, it belongs to the series Sub-fenestrata Tisch. The species described by N. E. Brown<br />

as C. rufescens N. E. Br. and C. longum N. E. Br., must be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the genus Ophthalmophyllum. Of both species<br />

I have received type plants from Brown. To judge by their habit, the translucency, the colour<strong>in</strong>g and the nature<br />

of the substance, they are <strong>in</strong>dubitably true Ophthalmophylla. Unfortunately, I was unable to observe the flower.<br />

Already, previously, I have re-named C. rufescens N. E. Br. as Ophth. rufescens (N. E. Br.) Tisch. Also C. longum<br />

N. E. Br. must be re-named Ophth. longum (N. E. Br.) Tisch.<br />

(To be cont<strong>in</strong>ued)

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16 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE CRAZIEST THING THAT GROWS<br />

By NEIL M. CLARK<br />

(Repr<strong>in</strong>ted from the " Saturday Even<strong>in</strong>g Post " of April 7th, 1951, by special permission of The Curtis Publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Co., of Philadelphia, U.S.A.)<br />

The two deck hands stowed the last of the six cases <strong>in</strong> their assigned places. " Special handl<strong>in</strong>g," the labels<br />

said. One-by-twos nailed along the sides of the cases, jutted out at the ends for handles. Each case had small<br />

screened w<strong>in</strong>dows and was about the size and shape of a small doghouse with a gable roof.<br />

"Wonder what's <strong>in</strong> them ? " said the first hand.<br />

" Don't you know ? " said his mate scornfully. " This here's that new k<strong>in</strong>d of cactus. Grows on deserts an'<br />

don't hardly need no ra<strong>in</strong>. You feed cows on it, they get fat <strong>in</strong> no time. What you want to do, my lad, if you got<br />

a rich uncle that'll lend you a pile, is buy up a lot of this rotten-cheap land <strong>in</strong> Australia. Plant this cactus, buy cows<br />

an' lay back <strong>in</strong> yer hammock. In no time or less, yoj'H be richer'n Rockyfeller."<br />

Naturally, he didn't know a darn th<strong>in</strong>g about it. But he was repeat<strong>in</strong>g a dream that many a "smart " man<br />

has believed <strong>in</strong>, and that nobody except sharpsters has cashed <strong>in</strong> on yet. And <strong>in</strong> fact, as his quick eyes had discovered<br />

through the w<strong>in</strong>dows of f<strong>in</strong>e-meshed screen, the cases did conta<strong>in</strong> great fat stems of prickly-pear cactus. This<br />

strange cargo went aboard a steamer <strong>in</strong> the harbor of Buenos Aires <strong>in</strong> March, 1925. It sailed the high seas for ten<br />

weeks and <strong>14</strong>,000 miles, f<strong>in</strong>ally arriv<strong>in</strong>g at Sherwood, a suburb of Brisbane, <strong>in</strong> Australia. Actually, those six cases<br />

conta<strong>in</strong>ed a small company of remarkable " soldiers " dest<strong>in</strong>ed to w<strong>in</strong> one of the toughest wars ever waged aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

one of man's life-and-death enemies—weeds—and they contributed as brilliant a chapter to the history of entomology<br />

as has been written s<strong>in</strong>ce bug study became a science.<br />

Years before, somebody carried a prickly-pear cactus of the species Opuntia <strong>in</strong>ermis to Australia ; nobody<br />

knows who, when or why. It was an odd plant, unknown <strong>in</strong> that part of the world, and seemed only a harmless<br />

curiosity. It is known that a pot of it was taken from Sydney to Scone, New South Wales, <strong>in</strong> 1839. Neighbors<br />

begged cutt<strong>in</strong>gs and planted them. They grew prolifically. Forty years later the cactus from that one pot had<br />

become tens of thousands of cactus plants, and they were beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to be considered an agricultural threat. In<br />

1893, Queensland declared cactus a noxious weed. By 1925 it had become one of the worst plagues ever to hit<br />

the island cont<strong>in</strong>ent, and it was estimated that it had occupied more than 60,000,000 acres, half of them so<br />

completely that other plants, or man, couldn't compete with it.<br />

Cactus, <strong>in</strong> short, was threaten<strong>in</strong>g to drive man right out. People desperately dug it up, burned it and dragged<br />

it out by the roots. It was so stubborn that an Australian soldier <strong>in</strong> California, <strong>in</strong>spect<strong>in</strong>g the so-called Burbank<br />

sp<strong>in</strong>eless cactus, warned wryly that <strong>in</strong> his homeland if you dug up a prickly-pear cactus and hung it high on a fence,<br />

it would grunt and stretch till its roots reached the ground, and the plant would go on grow<strong>in</strong>g. Many a settler<br />

had to give up his homestead, licked by cactus. Big hold<strong>in</strong>gs became memories on maps.<br />

All sorts of expedients were tried. Would cattle eat cactus ? They would if they had to. But it was found<br />

that all the cattle <strong>in</strong> Australia, eat<strong>in</strong>g only cactus, couldn't keep up with the annual <strong>in</strong>crease, let alone the old growth.<br />

Would chemicals kill it ? Yes, arsenic pentoxide could lick it, but the cost of kill<strong>in</strong>g cactus that way was around<br />

fifty dollars an acre, and most of the land wasn't worth a tenth of that. So they got around to the idea that maybe<br />

cactus-eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sects would do the job without pay. World-wide studies were undertaken. Cactus is almost<br />

exclusively a native of the Americas ; it was almost unknown elsewhere before Columbus. But it has never been<br />

such a pest here as it became <strong>in</strong> Australia. Apparently it had American enemies, whether diseases or <strong>in</strong>sects, that<br />

kept it <strong>in</strong> check. What were they ? Could they be <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong>to Australia ?<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g this period, some 350 <strong>in</strong>sects that throve on cactus were closely studied. The object was to f<strong>in</strong>d an<br />

<strong>in</strong>sect that was deadly to prickly-pear cactus, but harmed noth<strong>in</strong>g else, for any bug that could also live on wheat,<br />

grass, fruit or other economic plants could be an even worse pest than cactus. Detailed histories of literally<br />

hundreds of thousands of <strong>in</strong>dividual cactus-eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sects were studied, and twelve k<strong>in</strong>ds were eventually established<br />

<strong>in</strong> Australia.<br />

The miracle bug, however, when he turned up, was more or less an accident. One member of the Australian<br />

commission happened to be travell<strong>in</strong>g briefly <strong>in</strong> the Argent<strong>in</strong>e, and located a few cocoons of an <strong>in</strong>sect said to be<br />

bad news for cactus, which went by the terrible name, Cactoblastis cactorum. Th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g anyth<strong>in</strong>g was worth<br />

try<strong>in</strong>g, he saved the cocoons, and <strong>in</strong> a few days butterfles emerged and laid eggs. It was those eggs that were shipped<br />

<strong>in</strong> the mysterious cases from Buenos Aires <strong>in</strong> March, 1925. They hatched as caterpillars dur<strong>in</strong>g the voyage. The<br />

cactus <strong>in</strong> the cases was there for the caterpillars to eat,

---

January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 17<br />

From here on, the story moves rapidly. Approximately 2,750 eggs of this <strong>in</strong>sect reached Australia <strong>in</strong> that lot.<br />

There was no second shipment. With<strong>in</strong> a year—after two generations—the number of the <strong>in</strong>sects had <strong>in</strong>creased<br />

to 2,540,000. The first ones to be released from close conf<strong>in</strong>ement were put out as eggs on some of the cactus<br />

plague spots <strong>in</strong> February and March, 1926. The caterpillars hatched and immediately went to work eat<strong>in</strong>g cactus.<br />

They ate it for breakfast, lunch and d<strong>in</strong>ner. The cactus couldn't take it. Whole plants rotted and died under<br />

this attack.<br />

A sober scientific paper, report<strong>in</strong>g results fourteen years later, said of these <strong>in</strong>sects : " The conquest of<br />

prickly-pear has been due almost entirely to this remarkable <strong>in</strong>sect. Its <strong>in</strong>troduction brought a complete change<br />

<strong>in</strong> the outlook with<strong>in</strong> a few years. Its progress has been spectacular, its achievements border on the miraculous.<br />

Great tracts of country, utterly useless on account of the dense growth of the weed, have been brought <strong>in</strong>to<br />

production. The prickly-pear territory has been transformed as though by magic. ... In Queensland 22,000,000<br />

acres of former dense pear country have been selected for settlement."<br />

Of all plants, cactus is probably the craziest, meanest, stubbornest, the hardest to kill, the ugliest, the one that<br />

takes the most different shapes and sizes and also the one that produces perhaps the loveliest flowers. For these<br />

and other reasons, cactus has become an object of affection and near worship for thousands of cactus nuts, or<br />

cactomaniacs. Cactus collect<strong>in</strong>g is an absorb<strong>in</strong>g hobby if you like it.<br />

The hobby is not new. A century ago the British novelist, Charles Dickens, was berat<strong>in</strong>g one of his characters<br />

for lik<strong>in</strong>g her cactus plants too well ; and at about the same time, the Duke of Bedford and others were bidd<strong>in</strong>g as<br />

much as thirty gu<strong>in</strong>eas for rare orchid cacti. It's not much different now, with the high-up f<strong>in</strong>anciers, Madame<br />

Ganna Walska, the former opera s<strong>in</strong>ger, who is apparently <strong>in</strong>tent on build<strong>in</strong>g the world's f<strong>in</strong>est private cactus<br />

collection on her thirty-five acre estate near Santa Barbara, California, recently paid a grower 585 dollars for a few<br />

cactus plants he didn't want to sell. When it's played that way, the hobby takes cash. However, for five dollars,<br />

an amateur can get quite a nice collection.<br />

Cactomania catches up with people <strong>in</strong> different ways. Dr. Arthur D. Houghton, well-known botanist and<br />

horticulturist and an old-time cactus hound, concentrated on cactus only after a neighbor asked him to identify<br />

a plant she had. He started to satisfy her curiosity and ended by stimulat<strong>in</strong>g his own to such an extent that he<br />

never got over it.<br />

Charles M. Fitzpatrick was runn<strong>in</strong>g a gas station <strong>in</strong> Ed<strong>in</strong>burg, Texas. An old Mexican slipped <strong>in</strong> furtively with<br />

a package under his arm.<br />

" You want to see ? " he whispered mysteriously.<br />

" What you got, Jose ? "<br />

The old man took the newspaper off a tomato box which was moderately full of what he declared were<br />

the rarest specimens <strong>in</strong> the cactus k<strong>in</strong>gdom. Fitzpatrick, who was fresh from Georgia and ignorant about such<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs, parted with five bucks to own the prize. He learned almost at once that they were just common old cactus<br />

plants, found almost everywhere. But his <strong>in</strong>terest was stirred. He went on to become a collector and grower,<br />

and today he has twenty acres <strong>in</strong> commercial gardens and sells millions of cactus plants all over the country.<br />

The classic k<strong>in</strong>g of cactomaniac, who does it all for love, is G. L. Berry, M.D., of Lawton, Oklahoma. Twenty<br />

years ago a friend who was mov<strong>in</strong>g gave Berry five plants. One was a night-bloom<strong>in</strong>g Epiphyllum, the large-flowered<br />

orchid cactus. Soon afterwards he visited the Garfield Park Conservatory <strong>in</strong> Chicago and saw a remarkable<br />

collection. He was off. His present collection is his third. The first was frozen out. The second was given<br />

away when he left home for graduate study. The third has grown steadily for eight years.<br />

Cactomaniacs love to get together and throw around the big Lat<strong>in</strong> names of their plants. In his own eagerness<br />

to become acqua<strong>in</strong>ted with other collectors, Berry began list<strong>in</strong>g the names of all he could f<strong>in</strong>d. When he travelled,<br />

he called on them. He thought others might like to have the list. Last year he pr<strong>in</strong>ted it, and it conta<strong>in</strong>ed 2,000<br />

names. Next year he will repr<strong>in</strong>t it with, he expects, 5,000 names. He believes there are more than 10,000 serious<br />

cactus collectors <strong>in</strong> the United States.<br />

Many collectors get a kick out of digg<strong>in</strong>g their own specimens <strong>in</strong> the wild. Some States frown on this. Others<br />

are glad to have the stupid stuff carted off. Berry's favorite hunt<strong>in</strong>g ground is the Guadalupe Mounta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> New<br />

Mexico, where roads are few and competition is scarce. A gleam is <strong>in</strong> his eye when he tells of see<strong>in</strong>g mounds of<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus stram<strong>in</strong>eus with hundreds of heads literally covered with bloom ; " Claret-red blossoms beautiful<br />

beyond description ! " In t<strong>in</strong>y pockets of earth <strong>in</strong> lava beds, where rocks were so hot from the sun that they<br />

almost burned holes <strong>in</strong> his shoes, he has come across Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus cocc<strong>in</strong>eus <strong>in</strong> equally gorgeous bloom. Those<br />

are moments collectors live for !<br />

(to be concluded)

---

THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

MEETINGS<br />

Our twentieth anniversary celebration was a complete success and there are many expressed wishes that such<br />

events should be repeated <strong>in</strong> the future. A company of fifty ladies and gentlemen assembled at La Coquille, St.<br />

Mart<strong>in</strong>'s Lane, London, and enjoyed a really nice, plentiful meal, after which Mr. Shurly briefly outl<strong>in</strong>ed the event,<br />

twenty years ago and on the 28th November, 1931, when he called a meet<strong>in</strong>g of those <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> our plants for<br />

the purpose of commenc<strong>in</strong>g our Society. The results of our activities s<strong>in</strong>ce has <strong>in</strong>creased the ranks of collectors<br />

many fold, and thousands today, were actively <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> our plants <strong>in</strong> addition to the hundreds of thousands<br />

of others who just simply had a plant or two. Mr. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs seconded the toast of the cont<strong>in</strong>ued prosperity of the<br />

Society and Mr. Boarder k<strong>in</strong>dly added a few remarks of his own. After a short <strong>in</strong>terval there was a lecture and<br />

a display of fifty coloured Kodachromes, half of a tour of Lower California by and from Howard E. Gates, the lecture<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g read by Mr. Shurly. These Kodachromes were perfect and greatly <strong>in</strong>terested the company, while the lecture<br />

from Mr. Gates conta<strong>in</strong>ed many <strong>in</strong>formative and <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g facts. A very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Gates was<br />

passed with acclamation and Mr. Shurly promised to communicate the deep appreciation of the company for his<br />

k<strong>in</strong>dness and generosity. The full lecture and Kodachromes will be given <strong>in</strong> March as schedule on the <strong>in</strong>side of<br />

the front cover, after which it will be available to any responsible body, who has or can obta<strong>in</strong> the projector, called<br />

Lightmaster, and a self fix screen four feet by five feet.<br />

The past quarter was notable for the projection of coloured slides by Mr. S. G. Fiedler <strong>in</strong> October. Mr. Fiedler<br />

has once before given such a display .with his <strong>in</strong>imitable remarks, but this occasion produced different slides. His<br />

displays are always welcome, enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>formative.<br />

At the December meet<strong>in</strong>g Mr. K.W. Harle very generously brought along extensive equipment for a film display<br />

of cacti and succulents with runn<strong>in</strong>g comments by himself. There were also views of his own establishment, views<br />

of the recent Italian exhibit at the Chelsea Show and many other views which were novel and extremely helpful<br />

to all of us.<br />

PLEIOSPILOS NELII<br />

By H. HALL, Kirstenbosch, South Africa<br />

The observations by Mrs. Stillwell <strong>in</strong> the Journal for July, 1951, page 69, prompts this note on its behaviour<br />

<strong>in</strong> its native country. With us it flowers three to four months after all its relatives have f<strong>in</strong>ished and it is flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />

at the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g, August. Although the size of the flowers does not compare with those of most species of<br />

Pleiospilos, the <strong>in</strong>dividual blooms on healthy plants may be over one and a half <strong>in</strong>ches across. They show no variation<br />

<strong>in</strong> colour, which is a p<strong>in</strong>kish-orange here. From a s<strong>in</strong>gle pair of leaves three, rarely four, flowers form <strong>in</strong> one season,<br />

develop<strong>in</strong>g speedily after each other. A healthy plant, with a s<strong>in</strong>gle pair of leaves, may measure five <strong>in</strong>ches from<br />

leaf tip to leaf tip, and although they may rema<strong>in</strong> as a s<strong>in</strong>gle pair of leaves for many years, but one new pair form<strong>in</strong>g<br />

as the old shrivel away, they do branch <strong>in</strong> time, form<strong>in</strong>g a clump with three or four pairs of leaves, though never<br />

form<strong>in</strong>g the huge clumps seen <strong>in</strong> many other species. This species forms a very stout and dist<strong>in</strong>ct tap-root. I do<br />

not th<strong>in</strong>k there are grounds for Mrs. Stillwell's view that it might not be a Pleiospilos at all for the capsule and seeds<br />

are almost identical with many other species, and were they mixed with them could not be readily picked out from<br />

them aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

It is extremely rare <strong>in</strong> the wild state and will always rema<strong>in</strong> one of the choicest species ; however, all species<br />

of Pleiospilos are now protected by law and may not be uprooted from their stony habitats.<br />

Members are urgently warned that the March meet<strong>in</strong>g will be on the twelfth, a Wednesday. This is an<br />

unusual day for a meet<strong>in</strong>g, but it is due to the impossibility of gett<strong>in</strong>g the Lecture Room for the usual Tuesday.<br />

The advice on rais<strong>in</strong>g Cacti from seed will be cont<strong>in</strong>ued by Mr. A. Boarder <strong>in</strong> the Cactus Cultural Notes <strong>in</strong><br />

the next issue of the Journal.

---

January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 19<br />

THE BRAVEST THING THAT GROWS<br />

By E. SHURLY<br />

In the July, 1951 issue of the Journal I <strong>in</strong>serted a paragraph <strong>in</strong> regard to Chamaegigas <strong>in</strong>trepidens.<br />

It is <strong>in</strong>deed unfortunate that my experiment with this plant failed and I do not know whether it was my bad<br />

cultivation or the bulbs were dead. The bulbs are so m<strong>in</strong>ute that it is next to impossible to be sure they are alive<br />

or otherwise, but, certa<strong>in</strong>ly, my piece of veldt <strong>in</strong> which there were several bulbs seemed to be <strong>in</strong> good order, but<br />

although I prepared accord<strong>in</strong>g to directions there was no result.<br />

The plant was first mentioned by D<strong>in</strong>ter and I th<strong>in</strong>k it would be best if I quote verbatim from his report :—<br />

1921, D<strong>in</strong>ter's Botanische Reisen <strong>in</strong> Deutsch Suedwest-Afrika (Fedde's Repertorium, Beihefte, Band III).<br />

Dahlem-Berl<strong>in</strong>. 1921. Page 169.<br />

" A not less important example of a water succulent is offered by a t<strong>in</strong>y, extremely delicate Scrophulariacea,<br />

Dtr. 952, which, as already mentioned above, I discovered <strong>in</strong> small, natural rock bas<strong>in</strong>s on the peaks of a gneiss<br />

mounta<strong>in</strong> top, 12 kms. to the east of Okahandja. The nature of its place of occurrence on the hot, nearly barren<br />

hills, <strong>in</strong> bas<strong>in</strong>s, the largest of which only holds about one cubic metre of ra<strong>in</strong> water, is <strong>in</strong>deed exceed<strong>in</strong>gly remarkable.<br />

The bottom of these bas<strong>in</strong>s, which is always completely horizontal, is always quite dry from the end of May onwards<br />

and is covered with a layer, §" to |" thick, of arenaceous quartz, mixed with a ' wadd<strong>in</strong>g ' of dulse (masses of rotted<br />

algae, dead bodies of flea lobsters, dropp<strong>in</strong>gs of baboons and a little bit of humus formed by old float<strong>in</strong>g leaves,<br />

one cm. long, of the Scrophulariacea which conta<strong>in</strong>s the dim<strong>in</strong>utive bulbs, hardly exceed<strong>in</strong>g the size of a p<strong>in</strong>'s head,<br />

of the little plant, one close to the other). One would th<strong>in</strong>k that three days of burn<strong>in</strong>g sun <strong>in</strong> October would be<br />

sufficient to heat through the bas<strong>in</strong>s, together with their th<strong>in</strong> layer of contents, and to render them lifeless. However,<br />

this is not the case. Although the air, which is completely devoid of water vapour, sweeps over the barren<br />

heights from not later than the end of May until December, and sometimes also until February, and withdraws<br />

the last atom of water from the lifeless matter, although, also, the sun heats up the rocks, from October onwards,<br />

to a temperature of up to 50°C. these mighty factors are not able to kill the latent life <strong>in</strong> the t<strong>in</strong>y bulbs of the<br />

Scrophulariacea, for, only a few m<strong>in</strong>utes after the first summer ra<strong>in</strong>, which fills the small bas<strong>in</strong>s, the soil is thickly<br />

covered with subulate, sap green little leaves of about one cm. length, and on the second follow<strong>in</strong>g day, neat,<br />

rose-violet coloured flowers, eight mm. large, borne on long, threadlike stalks, floated <strong>in</strong> the middle of the rosettes<br />

formed by four sh<strong>in</strong>y, oval, float<strong>in</strong>g leaves of one cm. length. This is probably the most touch<strong>in</strong>g example, known<br />

to me, of the educational struggle of pitiless nature aga<strong>in</strong>st her own children, <strong>in</strong> which fight, however, the latter<br />

are the victors."<br />

1923. D<strong>in</strong>ter's Sukkulentenforschungen <strong>in</strong> Suedwest-Afrika I. (Fedde's Repertorium, Beihefte, Band XXIII).<br />

Dahlem-Berl<strong>in</strong>. 1923. Page 7.<br />

" For one of the most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g phenomena of the flora of Okahandja which I described, without name, on<br />

the last page of my ' Reisen <strong>in</strong> Deutsch Suedwest-Afrika," the little Chamaegigas <strong>in</strong>trepidus Dtr., which, by the<br />

whole of its nature, although it is a typical aquatic plant, nevertheless it is also a true succulent. I searched 12 kms.<br />

to the east on the arid, barren gneiss mounta<strong>in</strong>s between Okahandja and Otjasazu, and found it <strong>in</strong> four or five of<br />

the water filled bas<strong>in</strong>s. Unfortunately, it had not developed any flowers yet, but only float<strong>in</strong>g leaves. We<br />

<strong>in</strong>grafted several, so far plantless, but water filled bas<strong>in</strong>s with it, and took a felt like piece, of about one square foot,<br />

with us to Okahandja. Here we dried it <strong>in</strong> the sun for several days and, as samples of no value, despatched it to<br />

Hamburg, Berl<strong>in</strong>, Bautzen and Zurich. In the Hamburg Botanical Gardens and <strong>in</strong> Bautzen, the dim<strong>in</strong>utive bulbsucculent,<br />

set <strong>in</strong>to luke warm water, at once began to develop its awl shaped under water leaves ; whether it<br />

developed there also its charm<strong>in</strong>g float<strong>in</strong>g flowers, I have not yet heard."<br />

I communicated with Mr. H. Jacobsen and learned that he had had experience with this plant and was good<br />

enough to send me an excerpt from his large succulent book :— " Synopsis Plantarum Succulentarum,"<br />

by H. Jacobsen.<br />

Chamaegigas <strong>in</strong>trepidus Dtr. S.W. Africa, 12 kms. to the east between Okahandja and Otjasazu. Interest<strong>in</strong>g<br />

small water succulent, which, <strong>in</strong> dried up water pools, survives the period from May to December, or even longer.<br />

Succulent bulb, extremely small, hardly as large as a p<strong>in</strong>'s head. After the first ra<strong>in</strong>, strap like, sap green leaves<br />

of I cm. length form after a few m<strong>in</strong>utes, on the second day rosettes form consist<strong>in</strong>g of four, I cm. large, oval,<br />

float<strong>in</strong>g leaves, <strong>in</strong> the midst of which an 8 mm. large, p<strong>in</strong>k-violet <strong>in</strong>florescence develops on a th<strong>in</strong> stem. Cultivation<br />

<strong>in</strong> shallow water conta<strong>in</strong>ers <strong>in</strong> humus rich, heavy soil, <strong>in</strong> a light succulent house. To be kept absolutely dry dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the rest<strong>in</strong>g period. Occurs rarely <strong>in</strong> cultivation, although the latter is not difficult.

---

20 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

At the time of writ<strong>in</strong>g I have only had one reply to my appeal for news of other aquatic succulents. Mr. Gordon<br />

Rowley sends me a copy of a mention of Rhopalota aphylla N. E. Br. (Crassulaceae), which appeared <strong>in</strong> the American<br />

Cactus Journal on pages 7 and 8, 1931. It reads : "A very dwarf, leafless annual, with articulated stems like a<br />

m<strong>in</strong>iature plant of Hariota. It grows beneath n<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>ches of water and is frequently covered by ice <strong>in</strong> the w<strong>in</strong>ter,<br />

but apparently flowers only when the water level drops and the branches are exposed."<br />

This is not quite the same as Chamaegigas which throws leaves and flowers while covered with water, but it<br />

is a very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g addition to our knowledge of this type of succulent plant. Mr. Rowley's extract is from a much<br />

longer article by Dr. N. E. Brown and <strong>in</strong>cludes a draw<strong>in</strong>g of this plant.<br />

I aga<strong>in</strong> appeal to all our friends <strong>in</strong> South Africa and elsewhere to furnish us with details, and samples if possible,<br />

of any other plant that justifies the name of aquatic succulent, for this is a phase of our subject that has been very<br />

neglected and would add change and <strong>in</strong>terest to our collections.<br />

I have already mentioned that I was unsuccessful <strong>in</strong> cultivat<strong>in</strong>g the plant, but I could make some comments on<br />

what I saw. I received a piece of South African veldt about two <strong>in</strong>ches square and about a quarter of an <strong>in</strong>ch thick.<br />

This conta<strong>in</strong>ed more than a dozen of the plants. The upper surface of the piece of ground was covered by dead,<br />

short, gray grass ; the soil was of a very sandy nature and a separate sample of soil sent me is made up of very<br />

f<strong>in</strong>e sand, some larger types of sand, like f<strong>in</strong>e gravel, a small mixture of f<strong>in</strong>e textured soil and quite a bit of humus<br />

<strong>in</strong> the form of whitish grey rema<strong>in</strong>s of short grass. Here and there gl<strong>in</strong>ts t<strong>in</strong>y pieces of quartz-like substance.<br />

Obviously the soil is extremely porous and must absorb ra<strong>in</strong> very fast <strong>in</strong>deed and this may be the cause of my failure.<br />

In its native habitat the soil quickly gets thoroughly wet and so reaches the whole of the bulb almost at once, but<br />

the piece of veldt I received was very matted and it is possible my submerg<strong>in</strong>g under luke warm water may not<br />

have penetrated to the bulbs.<br />

The bulbs 1 measured with a magnify<strong>in</strong>g glass and metre rule. They were one mm. <strong>in</strong> diameter, roundish to<br />

slightly pear shape, green, with short wavy roots. The presence of the bulbs was <strong>shown</strong> on the surface of the soil<br />

by the rosette-like rema<strong>in</strong>s of old leaves, or, more probably, the stems.<br />

I hope that I may have the chance of aga<strong>in</strong> try<strong>in</strong>g to cultivate the plant through to its flowers, for one can only<br />

echo D<strong>in</strong>ter's comment that it is the most touch<strong>in</strong>g example of the victory by one of her children over Nature's<br />

apparently pitiless fight. Aga<strong>in</strong>st extremely hot conditions dur<strong>in</strong>g its rest<strong>in</strong>g period, months of completely arid<br />

conditions, the bulb is able to reta<strong>in</strong> stored sufficient nourishment to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> life, even though dur<strong>in</strong>g dormancy<br />

it does not absorb anyth<strong>in</strong>g near as much as dur<strong>in</strong>g its liv<strong>in</strong>g period, then when the shallow bas<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> which it grows<br />

becomes covered with water, its quiescent life jerks <strong>in</strong>to action <strong>in</strong> a few m<strong>in</strong>utes, and one day after it flowers !<br />

The bulb rema<strong>in</strong>s under water, sends out thread-like stems which term<strong>in</strong>ate on the surface of water, like water<br />

lilies, with leaves. In its native habitat ra<strong>in</strong>s may not appear for much longer periods than those mentioned <strong>in</strong><br />

the extracts given above, yet the plant lives on. Frequently the ra<strong>in</strong>s are short lived and its life cycle has to be<br />

completed <strong>in</strong> possibly a very few days, then to return to its rest<strong>in</strong>g period for another ra<strong>in</strong>fall.<br />

If this does not typify "the bravest th<strong>in</strong>g that grows," then I should like an <strong>in</strong>troduction to a plant that is<br />

braver. While D<strong>in</strong>ter comments on Nature's pitiless struggle aga<strong>in</strong>st her children, we must credit Nature with<br />

evolv<strong>in</strong>g adaptions of plant structure that this, one of her children, can withstand the conditions and live and flower<br />

and reproduce its k<strong>in</strong>d.<br />

Frames Tours Ltd. are runn<strong>in</strong>g a very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g tour cover<strong>in</strong>g the dates February 16th to March 1st, or March<br />

1st to 15th and March 15th to 29th. The tour covers extensive ground and is of special <strong>in</strong>terest to all <strong>in</strong>terested<br />

<strong>in</strong> horticulture with a special <strong>in</strong>terest to our plants. It covers San Remo, Monaco, La Mortola, Grasse, Cannes,<br />

Genoa. Members <strong>in</strong>terested should write Messrs. Frames, direct.<br />

Lists received :<br />

T. N. Blackburn, Woodplumton, nr. Preston ; a five-paged priced list of cacti and succulents.<br />

A. E. Green, Normandale Nurseries, Sheffield, 6 ; a three foolscap paged typed list of cacti and succulents.<br />

F. Jansen, Leyweg, 24, Loosdu<strong>in</strong>en, Holland ; a four-paged priced list of cacti and succulents.

---

January, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 21<br />

ARE CACTI SLOW GROWING?<br />

By Mrs. K. M. GARLAND<br />

Two years ago, I was asked to look after a few " w<strong>in</strong>dow sill " plants and, much aga<strong>in</strong>st my will, I was talked<br />

<strong>in</strong>to do<strong>in</strong>g so.<br />

That, of course, started it ! My <strong>in</strong>terest grew until I felt I must add a few plants of my own. I bought numerous<br />

books on the subject, technical ones, ones with the most beautiful coloured illustrations, which, alas, ! cannot read<br />

as they are <strong>in</strong> Dutch (a job for this w<strong>in</strong>ter, to translate them with the aid of a dictionary) ; also a few assorted<br />

p'ants. Then I jo<strong>in</strong>ed your Society !<br />

My first <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ation was towards succulents, with their lovely colour<strong>in</strong>gs and, perhaps, because they are a little<br />

nearer, <strong>in</strong> appearance, to the garden plants to which I am accustomed.<br />

Then, <strong>in</strong> February of this year, I had a greenhouse erected and made one side of it <strong>in</strong>to a raised bed with a twelve<br />

<strong>in</strong>ch depth of soil at the back, slop<strong>in</strong>g to eight <strong>in</strong>ches <strong>in</strong> front. The bed was to be five feet wide, then I realised<br />

I could not reach to the back, so it is now f<strong>in</strong>ished <strong>in</strong> bays. Noth<strong>in</strong>g was planted <strong>in</strong> this until February of this year<br />

and yet now, I just do not know what to do, but I do know why most people keep their plants <strong>in</strong> pots.<br />

Opuntia ficus <strong>in</strong>dica grew, from three small pads, to twelve large ones, with a total height of thirty-one <strong>in</strong>ches<br />

and Opuntia subulata from a six <strong>in</strong>ch specimen to a lordly tree of thirty-three <strong>in</strong>ches, with four new branches.<br />

Harrisia mart<strong>in</strong>i's orig<strong>in</strong>al stem of six <strong>in</strong>ches grew to thirty-two <strong>in</strong>ches and achieved a youngster of n<strong>in</strong>eteen <strong>in</strong>ches<br />

and Cereus \amacaru from a th<strong>in</strong> four <strong>in</strong>ches to a very fat thirteen and a half <strong>in</strong>ches. All these had to be moved as<br />

they were fast approach<strong>in</strong>g the roof and so I had a fresh bed made on the floor, where they still cont<strong>in</strong>ue to grow.<br />

Mammillaria erythrosperma <strong>in</strong>creased from a half-<strong>in</strong>ch ball to a mother of eight offsets, with a diameter of<br />

four and a half <strong>in</strong>ches, M. bocasana, M. pusilla, M. decipiens from about the same size to families of seven, ten and<br />

eight offsets, respectively. Borzicactus straussi from three <strong>in</strong>ches to seven <strong>in</strong>ches, with a youngster of three <strong>in</strong>ches.<br />

Ferocactus latisp<strong>in</strong>us grows apace and has the most lovely scarlet <strong>in</strong>ch-long sp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />

All the Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis, Mammillaria and Notocactus have bloomed and even the offsets of the Mammillaria are, or<br />

have been, a mass of blossom, plus some scarlet fruits.<br />

But the succulents ! There is a veritable forest of Aeonium, Crassula, Echeveria, Euphorbia, etc. Shrubs of<br />

three feet square. Last year's plantlet, half-<strong>in</strong>ch <strong>in</strong> height, of Bryophyllum tubiflorum is now forty-eight <strong>in</strong>ches high,<br />

with numerous branches and full of flower buds, which will soon bloom. One Graptopetalum species from about<br />

three <strong>in</strong>ches across is now eighteen <strong>in</strong>ches wide, with three flower stems of fifty-eight <strong>in</strong>ches long. My Aeonium<br />

tabulaeforme is an enormous d<strong>in</strong>ner plate. The other one flowered with four long stems and then died. Kle<strong>in</strong>ia<br />

articulata is a nuisance with three foot long shoots, flower<strong>in</strong>g and com<strong>in</strong>g up all over the place. Titanopsis calcarea,<br />

<strong>in</strong> a few months, has grown another head and had four blooms, and Echeveria metallica from three <strong>in</strong>ches, is now<br />

twelve, with twenty two <strong>in</strong>ch flower heads. Dudleya pulv<strong>in</strong>ata is a pure white, many po<strong>in</strong>ted star of fourteen <strong>in</strong>ches.<br />

There will have to be a drastic th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out and I am afraid a lot of plants thrown away. I cannot give them<br />

away, nobody wants them. Even an advertisement, offer<strong>in</strong>g them for the cost of pack<strong>in</strong>g and postage, elicited<br />

no response ! The trouble is everyth<strong>in</strong>g roots and I just cannot resist the temptation of stick<strong>in</strong>g every fallen leaf<br />

or broken bit <strong>in</strong> my sandy propagator.<br />

No fertiliser has ever been used and my soil is John Innes plus extra crushed brick, old mortar, sand and pea<br />

gravel. Water<strong>in</strong>g is only done when they are bone dry.<br />

In my other greenhouse is a Mimosa, grown from a twenty year old seed from Australia. It is now three years<br />

old and spent its first w<strong>in</strong>ter out of doors. After its first year <strong>in</strong> the greenhouse, it had to be beheaded<br />

as it threatened to go through the roof and it is now an absolute mass of flower buds for the second year.<br />

In this greenhouse I keep my few Zygocactus, Epiphyllum, Selenicereus and Rhipsalis. They do much better here,<br />

which is only natural as be<strong>in</strong>g nearer to their orig<strong>in</strong>al moist-jungle atmosphere.<br />

(Mrs. Garland, (Denham Lodge, Yelverton, Devon) offers plants, chiefly succulents, for the cost of postage—<br />

members <strong>in</strong>terested should write direct).

---

22 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT January, <strong>1952</strong><br />

REPORTS OF MEETINGS<br />

November 6th, 1951 : Mr. A. Boarder—How to avoid flower failures<br />

I do not pretend to know all the answers, but only my own observations over many years and if you get results<br />

you must be on the right track. People make statements <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>t and, thereafter, everyone who writes on the<br />

subject repeats them. For <strong>in</strong>stance, that our plants will flower only when pot-bound. Very few of my plants<br />

are pot-bound and they flower freely. My plant of Mammillaria bocasana had one hundred and fifty flowers at one<br />

time dur<strong>in</strong>g this summer. Another th<strong>in</strong>g that is wrong, is that if they have a good roast<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> sunsh<strong>in</strong>e one year,<br />

they will flower better the follow<strong>in</strong>g year. This year's seedl<strong>in</strong>g of Mammillaria rettigiana is budd<strong>in</strong>g for flower<br />

and that's not from what it has received the previous year.<br />

Mammillaria rhodantha is late flower<strong>in</strong>g on this year's growth. If no new growth, no flower buds <strong>in</strong> the centre.<br />

My Mammillaria sp<strong>in</strong>osissima has two r<strong>in</strong>gs of dried seed pods. The higher ones are from this year's flowers. Some<br />

will not flower on old wood, but on the current year's growth and others on the growth of the previous year.<br />

This little plant (Mr. Boarder displayed it) has flowered and produced a seed pod. It is probably self fertile. It<br />

has hooked sp<strong>in</strong>es. It will be <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to see what happens. Some Mams, flower between every tubercle.<br />

Astrophytums flower at every areole, but only on new growth. Notocactus flower <strong>in</strong> a r<strong>in</strong>g on new growth. Lobivias<br />

flower on last year's wood. Rebutias flower low down and <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g year on newer wood. The best flowers<br />

of Stapelias are on new growth. Epiphyllums will flower on last year's growth ; naturally, they grow <strong>in</strong> steamy,<br />

clammy conditions. Mammillaria woodsii flowers on this year's growth. Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis will flower <strong>in</strong> a room with a<br />

small amount of sunsh<strong>in</strong>e, but with more sunsh<strong>in</strong>e there will be more flowers. Better growth—better flowers,<br />

therefore, keep them grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

There is an old say<strong>in</strong>g that they should have a long w<strong>in</strong>ter's rest and that they should be exposed to scorch<strong>in</strong>g<br />

sun, but I do not f<strong>in</strong>d these maxims confirmed. Sun does make a difference I agree ; Lithops buds may show colour<br />

and the sun will br<strong>in</strong>g the flowers out. Pleiospilos and Lithops will hang fire wait<strong>in</strong>g for the sun. I give no shade to<br />

my plants except for the first six months of their life. My greenhouse is open all through the summer weather.<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>ter's rest I cannot quite see why I should not occasionally give my plants a careful water<strong>in</strong>g<br />

as if they are dry too long, the t<strong>in</strong>y fibrous roots die.<br />

It is ridiculous to keep a plant <strong>in</strong> a pot for three years or more, as a lot of dead roots accumulate and get packed<br />

tight and root bug comes, sucks and damages the root and the plant dies. Some will not want larger pots, but will<br />

appreciate fresh soil. When re-pott<strong>in</strong>g, renew with fresh soil. If pott<strong>in</strong>g-on <strong>in</strong> August when the pot is outgrown,<br />

just lift out carefully and place <strong>in</strong> a larger pot, gently plac<strong>in</strong>g fresh soil around it—it will make better growth.<br />

We cannot imitate the conditions <strong>in</strong> which the plants are found, so it is a wonder we flower as many as we do<br />

when one considers the vast distances apart where they grow, represent<strong>in</strong>g many differences <strong>in</strong> temperature<br />

and condition ; we assemble and flower them <strong>in</strong> one small greenhouse.<br />

If you want to try old cow manure—all right, but it is one th<strong>in</strong>g to use it <strong>in</strong> open ground, but entirely another<br />

to use it <strong>in</strong> a small pot. With spent mushroom compost, quite a lot of the fire and goodness has gone from it, but<br />

it is good clean stuff, although it may clog. It is good for mix<strong>in</strong>g with the soil for Epiphyllums, but be on your guard<br />

for fungus.<br />

I have been told I blow my plants up with a pump, so now I blow flowers on them. However, I am satisfied.<br />

There are one hundred and twenty-four genera of cacti with many of which I have been successful. Cereus have<br />

flowered <strong>in</strong> four years from seed. Other succulents will flower the same year from seed, if they have someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

good to grow <strong>in</strong>, such as, two parts loam, one part peat, one part sharp sand ; add |- 02. limestone, £ oz. sulphate<br />

of potash, li oz. hoof and horn grist and l| oz. superphosphate per bushel and you can add someth<strong>in</strong>g rough like<br />

broken brick, with a little charcoal for mature plants. Hoof and horn grist is a good long and short term fertiliser.<br />

When I say loam, I mean loam with grass stacked down ; do not throw the grass away when break<strong>in</strong>g up loam<br />

from Ketter<strong>in</strong>g.

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

Established 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> APRIL <strong>1952</strong> No. 2<br />

Contents<br />

Editorial 25<br />

Cactus Cultural Notes 26<br />

Cultivation of Succulents 28<br />

The Scientific Approach to Succulents 30<br />

The Systematics of Conophytum 32<br />

Uncommon Succulents 34<br />

The Craziest Th<strong>in</strong>g that Grows 40<br />

Importance of the Right Background 42<br />

On Euphorbia xylophylloides and enterophora 43<br />

Published Quarterly by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Great<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong> at 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Price 2/6 Post free 2/8<br />

Strange the Pr<strong>in</strong>ter Ltd., Eastbourne and London. L863<br />

PAGE<br />

Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g 45

---

President: Rt. Hon. The Earl of Mansfield<br />

Vice-Presidents :<br />

Dr. A. L. Geyer, High Commissioner In London for the<br />

Union of South Africa.<br />

Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke. K. W. Harle.<br />

COUNCIL:<br />

A. J. EDWARDS, A.M.Tech.l.(Gt. Bt.) W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

H. J. AYLOTT Chairman. S. J. PULLEN<br />

A BOARDER W. REYNOLDS<br />

P. V. COLLINGS C. H. ROWLAND<br />

E. SHURLY, F.C.S.S.<br />

Secretary : K. H. Walden, IS2 Ardgowan Road, Catford, London, S.E.6.<br />

Treasurer : E. W. Young, 35 Castle Drive, llford, Essex.<br />

Editor : E. Shurly, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Eistree, Herts.<br />

Librarian : P, V. Cod<strong>in</strong>gs, St. John, Northumberland Road, New Barnet, Herts.<br />

Exchanges : A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex,<br />

Assistant Secretary : W. Denton, 262 Ivydale Road, London, S.E.I5.<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>g Place : New Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, V<strong>in</strong>cent Square, London, S.W.I. 6 p.m.<br />

<strong>1952</strong><br />

Branches<br />

SOCIETY NEWS<br />

May 13th. 6 p.m. A. Boarder : Rebutias, Parodias, Lobivias.<br />

(No R.H.S. Show).<br />

June 24th. 6 p.m. Summer Show and Discussion.<br />

July 22nd. 6 p.m. E. Shurly : Mammillarias.<br />

Berks & Bucks : Secretary : Mrs. M. Stillwell, 10 St. Andrews Crescent, W<strong>in</strong>dsor.<br />

West Kent : Secretary : Mrs. J. M. Hoather, 6 Cromwell Close, Bromley, Kent.<br />

North Kent : Secretary : S. F. Milton, 75 Portland Avenue, Gravesend.<br />

Back Numbers of the Journal<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are still available :—<br />

Volume 2 Part I<br />

3 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

4 Complete.<br />

5 Parts I, 2 and 3.<br />

6 Parts I and 2.<br />

7 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

8 Parts 2, 3 and 4.<br />

„ 9, 10, II, 12 and 13 complete.<br />

Prices : Volumes 10/6 each, post free.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>gle parts, 2/8 each, post free.<br />

From the Editor, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Eistree, Herts

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

ESTABLISHED 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> APRIL, <strong>1952</strong> No. 2<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

The April issue of the Journal seems to be a good opportunity to talk about the com<strong>in</strong>g summer holidays.<br />

It is well known, and at the same time not so well known, that one of the world's most famous gardens is situated<br />

with<strong>in</strong> the borders of Brita<strong>in</strong>. Have you ever been to Tresco, Isles of Scilly ? There Major A. A. Dorrien Smith,<br />

Lord Lieutenant of the Islands, has a most magnificent garden <strong>in</strong> which can be found sub-tropical, and even tropical<br />

trees and shrubs that will <strong>in</strong>terest even the most blase. To us, <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> cacti and succulents, the gardens have<br />

a special <strong>in</strong>terest as there can be found many of our favourites grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the open under the most successful<br />

cultivation. Make a note of Tresco for your I9S2 summer holiday and, if you decide to go, why not get <strong>in</strong> touch<br />

with Major A. A. Dorrien Smith at Tresco Abbey ? He will be glad to afford you the opportunity of visit<strong>in</strong>g his<br />

gardens and will extend you a hearty welcome as a fellow member and enthusiast.<br />

Special note should be made that membership cards conta<strong>in</strong> an error. The cards give our September meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />

as the 24th ; this should be the 23rd. We, of course, have our Autumn Show on the 23rd and 24th of that month,<br />

but the Society meet<strong>in</strong>g is on the even<strong>in</strong>g of the 23rd.<br />

The recent Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g was noted <strong>in</strong> many respects and it drew attention to the enthusiasm<br />

generated by our D<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>in</strong> November last. It was the expressed wish of members that the d<strong>in</strong>ner should be<br />

repeated <strong>in</strong> November of <strong>1952</strong> as an opportunity of members meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a social atmosphere.<br />

I have received a copy of Dr. G. L. Berry's remarkable directory of American cactus and succulent collectors.<br />

This conta<strong>in</strong>s thousands of names and is the most comprehensive publication of its k<strong>in</strong>d that I have ever seen.<br />

Dr. Berry is desirous of extend<strong>in</strong>g the scope of the directory to cover other parts of the world, especially our own<br />

country and the Commonwealth. He would like to have the names of those who have good collections of around<br />

one hundred plants or more. Also <strong>in</strong>formation as to whether they have a greenhouse or grow them <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>dows,<br />

etc. Also the approximate number of plants of cacti and also of succulents that they have ; further, whether a<br />

private or commercial collector or a dealer. Another useful feature would be the name and address of any public<br />

gardens <strong>in</strong> the various countries that feature cacti and succulents, with the name of the horticulturist <strong>in</strong> charge.<br />

Write direct to Dr. G. L. Berry, 1312 Cherry Street, Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S.A.<br />

It will have been noted that the Society is completely out of stock of the first p3rt of volume eight. If any<br />

member could spare a copy it would be gratefully received by the editor for a very good friend of the Society over<br />

many years, who is short of just this copy. The Society's library is also short of one issue of the Journal, so if any<br />

member can spare the second part of volume seven would they send it to Mr. P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs, 53 Northumberland<br />

Road, New Barnet, Herts., our librarian.

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26 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT Apr/7, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CACTUS CULTURAL NOTES<br />

By A. BOARDER<br />

In the January issue of the Journal I dealt with the sow<strong>in</strong>g of Cactus seeds and as I had written far too much<br />

a portion of my notes had to be omitted. I will now cont<strong>in</strong>ue the directions and then it will be possible to have<br />

a complete description by referr<strong>in</strong>g to the two Journals. Once the seeds are sown the subsequent water<strong>in</strong>g can<br />

be a little difficult. I use a very f<strong>in</strong>e spray and water from overhead, always remember<strong>in</strong>g to test the spray first<br />

to see that it has not become partly blocked when it can send out a strong stream which will blow all the seeds<br />

away. Do not allow the peat surround<strong>in</strong>g the pots to dry out, but aga<strong>in</strong> do not let them stand <strong>in</strong> water. Raise<br />

the protect<strong>in</strong>g glass each day and if there is any sign of mildew spray with a fairly strong solution of Permanganate<br />

of Potash. The seed compost should have been sterilised, but some of the pod cas<strong>in</strong>g may have been present with<br />

the seeds and this can soon form mildew. See that the water you use is not polluted and keep it covered so that<br />

the sun does not cause Algae to form, as this will encourage green to form on the surface of the pots.<br />

You can expect the seeds to germ<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong> from four to ten days, but a great deal will depend on the genera.<br />

With my usual batch of Mammillaria, Notocactus and Rebutia seeds, I look for germ<strong>in</strong>ation after about four days<br />

and it is very unusual for many days to go by without some of the seeds show<strong>in</strong>g signs of life. Because of the<br />

different times taken for the germ<strong>in</strong>ation it is advisable that when sow<strong>in</strong>g you should keep the same genera <strong>in</strong> one pot.<br />

Once any seeds have germ<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>in</strong> a pot it is essential that the cover glass is kept raised so that some air can<br />

get to the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. If they are kept too close they will probably damp off. This damp<strong>in</strong>g off disease, or Black-leg,<br />

is not too difficult to prevent, but it is almost impossible to cure affected seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. It can happen over-night and<br />

lack of air and excessive dampness are the ma<strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>ts which accelerate the trouble. Once the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs appear<br />

and look to be grow<strong>in</strong>g it is not so important to keep them damp, and it is possible to treat them <strong>in</strong> a similar manner<br />

to mature plants once the plant proper is form<strong>in</strong>g. You must aim at a steady and un<strong>in</strong>terrupted rate of growth<br />

the whole time, as once a seedl<strong>in</strong>g gets a bad check it will be a long time before it starts to grow aga<strong>in</strong>. These<br />

checks can be caused by excessive dryness and also from over dampness, but whereas a seedl<strong>in</strong>g which has received<br />

a check through dryness can soon pull round ; if the cause has been over-water<strong>in</strong>g the seedl<strong>in</strong>g may never recover.<br />

If the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are unshaded and are subjected to strong sunsh<strong>in</strong>e this can also cause a check. The plants will<br />

turn red <strong>in</strong> colour and once this has happened it may be a long while before you are able to get them grow<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

Some people raise their seeds <strong>in</strong> an air<strong>in</strong>g cupboard or similar place. This will usually produce seedl<strong>in</strong>gs which<br />

are weak, pale and sp<strong>in</strong>dly and where such plants are badly drawn up they may suffer from damp<strong>in</strong>g off. It is better<br />

to raise seeds on an <strong>in</strong>door w<strong>in</strong>dow-ledge shaded from the sun than to do so <strong>in</strong> complete darkness. Such seedl<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

would have to be gradually <strong>in</strong>troduced to the light.<br />

Whilst you are wait<strong>in</strong>g for the seeds to germ<strong>in</strong>ate, as long as you keep the cover glasses on the pots it is not<br />

necessary to water very often. It may well be that provid<strong>in</strong>g you have watered the soil sufficiently <strong>in</strong> the first<br />

place no more water need be given until the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are up. Overwater<strong>in</strong>g can prevent germ<strong>in</strong>ation and cause<br />

the seeds to rot.<br />

I have heard from one or two members that they have been bothered with red spider on their plants. At<br />

least that is what I have deduced from their descriptions. One of the worst plants for this pest is Chamaecereus<br />

silvestris, and the first signs are usually brownish mark<strong>in</strong>gs at the base of the stems. It resembles a brown or<br />

reddish rust but if exam<strong>in</strong>ed with a fairly strong magnify<strong>in</strong>g glass a few t<strong>in</strong>y red spiders will be seen slowly crawl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

over a f<strong>in</strong>e web which covers the plant. The spiders suck the sap from the plant and cause t<strong>in</strong>y scars. Some plants<br />

are more attacked by this pest than others and a close watch should be kept on all Pleiospilos as well as the above<br />

mentioned plant. A certa<strong>in</strong> cure is to spray with a solution of methylated spirit to which has been added one<br />

part of nicot<strong>in</strong>e to forty parts of meth. After about ten m<strong>in</strong>utes the plant can be sprayed with some fairly hot<br />

water to which has been added a little detergent such as Dreft. This will clean away the nicot<strong>in</strong>e which might<br />

otherwise cause some discolouration.<br />

I have made a start at re-pott<strong>in</strong>g all my Cacti. This usually takes me over a fortnight and what with other jobs<br />

I am f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that it will take me much longer this year. All my adult plants are re-potted each year and I am sure<br />

that by this means the plants will not only grow well and flower, but it does tend to prevent root-bug, which is<br />

another pest experienced by many members. The presence of this pest can only be seen as a rule when the plant<br />

is taken from the pot. Small specks of white like flour can be seen on the <strong>in</strong>sides of the pot, <strong>in</strong> the dra<strong>in</strong>age and<br />

among the roots. The actual bug is like a t<strong>in</strong>y rice kernel. They do harm to the plant by suck<strong>in</strong>g the juice from<br />

the roots. I am positive that an annual re-pott<strong>in</strong>g does tend to keep this pest <strong>in</strong> check as if a plant is taken from

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 27<br />

a pot for the first time for several years that plant will be the one with root-bug n<strong>in</strong>e times out of ten. I have<br />

so far f<strong>in</strong>ished about 350 plants and have only found a trace of root-bug on one or two plants. The roots should<br />

be washed well and when re-pott<strong>in</strong>g place a small quantity of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene over the dra<strong>in</strong>age<br />

crock as I f<strong>in</strong>d that this helps to keep the pest away.<br />

I have had the usual job of try<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d room for all the plants when they are put <strong>in</strong>to larger pots. Most of<br />

m<strong>in</strong>e had to have a shift to a larger pot. Generally a pot which is half an <strong>in</strong>ch wider is sufficient. Whilst re-pott<strong>in</strong>g<br />

I have been chang<strong>in</strong>g my labels to the small Tags sold by Woodmans. These enable one to read the names without<br />

turn<strong>in</strong>g the head to one side. I have used up 300 of these and have not yet completed the Mammillarias. There<br />

are, however, one or two duplicates, as I f<strong>in</strong>d that to get seed to form it is imperative that <strong>in</strong> some cases I have more<br />

than one plant of a species. I have had a quiet smile whilst work<strong>in</strong>g when I remember hav<strong>in</strong>g often seen <strong>in</strong> books<br />

Mams, referred to as thimble Cactus. One of my Moms., which I raised from seed sown <strong>in</strong> 1946, is now <strong>in</strong> a seven<br />

<strong>in</strong>ch pot and many more are <strong>in</strong> five and six <strong>in</strong>ch ones ; some thimbles !<br />

I always start with the larger plants as then the pots will come <strong>in</strong> for the smaller ones. Once a pot is clear it<br />

is placed <strong>in</strong> soak so that it can be scrubbed before it is used aga<strong>in</strong>. Failure to do this may br<strong>in</strong>g you a crop of<br />

root-bug. As each plant was re-potted the label was marked on the back with the date for future guidance. My<br />

Mammillarias now take up a space <strong>in</strong> my house three feet wide and twelve feet long, and it is surpris<strong>in</strong>g that s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />

1946 I have been able to raise these from seed, and there are scores of other genera and species yet to be dealt with.<br />

I have been pleased to note that rny plants have come through the w<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> much better condition than iast<br />

year. The electricity cuts have been fewer and I have been us<strong>in</strong>g an oil heater which has kept the greenhouse free<br />

from frost. Although I do not try to keep the greenhouse warm <strong>in</strong> the w<strong>in</strong>ter I do like to keep the frost out.<br />

Several of the Mams, were budded for flower <strong>in</strong> January. Once I had re-potted the plants they were given a spray<br />

with warm water on any bright days as I th<strong>in</strong>k that this encourages them to make fresh rootlets. I have dealt<br />

fully with the actual re-pott<strong>in</strong>g process <strong>in</strong> earlier Journals and so there is no need for me to repeat this.<br />

If you f<strong>in</strong>d that the nozzle of your water<strong>in</strong>g can is too large for the very small pots it is possible to construct<br />

a smaller spout which will only allow a gentle flow of water. Get a short length of plastic tub<strong>in</strong>g as sold at aquarists<br />

stores, and is about three-eighths of an <strong>in</strong>ch <strong>in</strong> diameter. This can be bent with the f<strong>in</strong>gers to a swan-neck shape.<br />

Next place a rubber cork <strong>in</strong> the spout of the can. Bore a hole the size of the tube whilst the cork is <strong>in</strong> position.<br />

The tube can then be placed <strong>in</strong> the cork and it will be found that this enables you to pour out a f<strong>in</strong>e steady stream<br />

which is suitable for seedl<strong>in</strong>gs and small pots.<br />

In my next notes I shall deal with the prick<strong>in</strong>g out of seedl<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

LISTS RECEIVED<br />

T. N. Blackburn, Woodplumton, nr. Preston ; a pr<strong>in</strong>ted six-paged leaflet giv<strong>in</strong>g a good list of species <strong>in</strong> nearly<br />

all the genera of cacti and also several of succulents.<br />

Thiebaut, 30 Place de la Madele<strong>in</strong>e, Paris, 8e, France ; A pr<strong>in</strong>ted sixteen-paged booklet conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g hundreds<br />

of packets of seeds, also cacti and succulent plants, with certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g accessories.<br />

F. Schv/arz, Apartado No. 347, San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico ; Two pr<strong>in</strong>ted booklets, each of sixteen pages,<br />

with hundreds of cacti <strong>in</strong> one and hundreds of selections of seeds <strong>in</strong> the other.<br />

OUR ADVERTISEMENT PAGES INCLUDE MANY OFFERS OF PLANTS, ETC. SUPPORT THOSE WHO<br />

SUPPORT THE JOURNAL. MENTION THE JOURNAL WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS.<br />

The British Section of the International Organisation for Succulent Plant Study has started operations. It is<br />

not an organisation <strong>in</strong> the proper sense of the word, but a loose association of those more deeply <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> the<br />

study of our plants than can be effected by the popular societies. Earlier doubts have been removed as the British<br />

Section works entirely on its own, under its own management and rules while still co-operat<strong>in</strong>g with others overseas.<br />

There is no standard subscription, but everyone <strong>in</strong>terested can assist by adonation, or even a IO/-annual subscription<br />

to their "Repertorium Plantarum Succulentarum," which records all new species described dur<strong>in</strong>g the current year.<br />

The secretary's address is : Mr. J. D. Donald, B.Sc, 3 Braeside Avenue, Brighton, 6.

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28 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CULTIVATION OF SUCCULENTS<br />

By W. DENTON, B. E. M.<br />

In the last issue of our Journal, <strong>in</strong> my succulent notes, I promised to discuss seed sow<strong>in</strong>g as I considered there<br />

was still time to obta<strong>in</strong> satisfactory small plants by those people who were not <strong>in</strong> the position to give the heat<br />

necessary for a start <strong>in</strong> February. In look<strong>in</strong>g up my remarks last October, 1 note that I dealt with this subject<br />

rather fully, and so I do not wish to weary you with undue repetition. I am afraid there is very little I can add to<br />

the general pr<strong>in</strong>ciple then laid down. In talk<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>in</strong>dividual plants I shall endeavour to expla<strong>in</strong> how I slightly<br />

alter the pott<strong>in</strong>g compost to suit particular specimens and genera.<br />

John Innes general mixture is what I use and this is added to, and sifted, to suit the various families I am deal<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with. Any late sown Lithops from last year could now be pricked out <strong>in</strong> new conta<strong>in</strong>ers. It is not possible to take<br />

out the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs as <strong>in</strong>dividuals, the best way is to turn out the lot, mak<strong>in</strong>g sure that the compost is neither too<br />

wet, nor dry, but just at the right consistency for you to separate them without damage to the t<strong>in</strong>y tap roots. This<br />

is not as easy as it sounds, and does require great care. One other po<strong>in</strong>t I have noted with these, it is a very tedious<br />

job prick<strong>in</strong>g out these seedl<strong>in</strong>gs and the tendency is to take out the largest and not trouble about the very small<br />

ones. This year take the trouble to save a few of these very small chaps ; <strong>in</strong> lots of cases they turn out to be of<br />

the most pretty mark<strong>in</strong>gs and it does make a difference to the general collection when viewed as a whole.<br />

Anyone who has seen a pan of thirty or forty seedl<strong>in</strong>gs, say of Lithops fulleri or fossulifera will know what I<br />

mean, some are much nicer than others <strong>in</strong> the mark<strong>in</strong>gs. The genus Titanopsis is one that I have been <strong>in</strong>terested<br />

<strong>in</strong> for many years and I note it is a very popular plant with members, so a few words about them may be useful.<br />

I often wish that my grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions were better, surrounded as I am with smoky chimneys and closed-<strong>in</strong><br />

conditions <strong>in</strong> the heart of London, I labour with a great disadvantage as this is a plant that very def<strong>in</strong>itely requires<br />

clean air and bright conditions.<br />

There are the follow<strong>in</strong>g species : T. calcarea, setifera, fulleri, schwantesii, primosii, luckhoffii, triebneri (hugoschlechteri<br />

syn. astridea) and one I had sent me years ago called renoforme that I have not s<strong>in</strong>ce heard of. They will<br />

stand colder conditions than most plants and certa<strong>in</strong>ly require an additional amount of lime <strong>in</strong> the compost. I have<br />

exam<strong>in</strong>ed many of these, <strong>in</strong> pre-war years, collected from their native habitats and imported here and have noted<br />

that the soil attached is very loamy and sandy and powders up f<strong>in</strong>e when compressed. Therefore, I consider that<br />

mortar rubble from an old wall very suitable to add to our base compost. The sand used by builders for this purpose<br />

is pit sand and that is not nearly so sharp as we normally use. Three parts John Innes and one part rubble, as above,<br />

should be suitable. Ample dra<strong>in</strong>age of lime stone chips should be provided and, when pott<strong>in</strong>g, sit the plant on<br />

a base of sharp sand. They are summer growers and water<strong>in</strong>g should be commenced about April and carried<br />

on with until after flower<strong>in</strong>g when they naturally go to rest. Dry all the w<strong>in</strong>ter please for these. The most<br />

popular one is calcarea, this is by far the easiest one to cultivate and makes a very pretty specimen, especially when<br />

you have the true variety and not one of the hybrids so frequently met with. The others are not so easy. They<br />

all grow well from seed and make nice plants <strong>in</strong> one year. I have had them <strong>in</strong> flower the first year and they nearly<br />

always bloom <strong>in</strong> the second year. It is the w<strong>in</strong>ter that beats you with these.<br />

T. hugo-schlechteri is one of the most difficult plants I have ever tried to grow and I have, up to now, never<br />

kept one longer than three years. Last year I tried a new method, I potted this <strong>in</strong> a very deep pot, seven <strong>in</strong>ches by<br />

three <strong>in</strong>ches, <strong>in</strong> the above-mentioned compost and grew plunged <strong>in</strong> a tray. I kept this <strong>in</strong> partial shade the whole<br />

of last summer and I now have this plant look<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>e and enter<strong>in</strong>g its fourth year. Perhaps, and I say this with<br />

reserve, it may grow under the shade of tall grass or shrubs <strong>in</strong> its native home. I do not know, but such is my<br />

experience with this. I should be glad to know how other people f<strong>in</strong>d this plant and expect to be found fault with.<br />

I still have plenty to learn about all my members of the succulent families and would welcome any criticism as to<br />

my methods of culture.<br />

Special care should be taken with all Titanopsis plants, <strong>in</strong> water<strong>in</strong>g never allow any to settle between the leaves,<br />

they rot off very quickly.<br />

Conophyttims should, about now, beg<strong>in</strong> to change colour and you will notice they take on a purple hue at the<br />

base, this is a sign they are go<strong>in</strong>g to rest and that the new growths are on the way and be<strong>in</strong>g nourished by the sap<br />

of the old ones. Gradually dry off and keep dry for the next few months. About mid-July onwards they will<br />

burst open the old leaves, then you can give a little water. Do not be <strong>in</strong> a hurry to start water<strong>in</strong>g the Lithops,

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 29<br />

about mid-May should be time enough, <strong>in</strong> any case watch the plants and when the old growths persist only <strong>in</strong> the<br />

form of dried sk<strong>in</strong>s, then start to give a little water.<br />

Re-pott<strong>in</strong>g could now be carried out, if necessary, and if you are deal<strong>in</strong>g with old plants, every two or three<br />

years should be enough. Seedl<strong>in</strong>gs should be given a shift on after the first year. If you have any Ophthalmophyllums,<br />

these should be kept dry till later <strong>in</strong> the year, July to August is generally the time these show signs of activity.<br />

Very few people seem to go <strong>in</strong> for these and the plants are not nearly so popular as Lithops, although they resemble<br />

them closely <strong>in</strong> appearance. There is a much larger colour range here and I consider they are worth while to try ;<br />

most of them have beautiful w<strong>in</strong>dowed tops. The same pott<strong>in</strong>g mixture as for Lithops will suit them quite well.<br />

Euphorbias will require a little attention now ; watch for signs of growth commenc<strong>in</strong>g, then give water.<br />

I always th<strong>in</strong>k it is as well to let nature tell you when they require moisture ; the leafy ones from the Canary<br />

Islands will certa<strong>in</strong>ly be the first to show signs of young growth. Once you start, regular water<strong>in</strong>gs should be<br />

given <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>e weather to encourage new shoots to form. Euphorbia splendens will, probably, have had attention<br />

before this as this is one of the first to respond to a little sunsh<strong>in</strong>e and what a nice, colourful plant this is—always<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g well among a collection of succulent plants.<br />

By the way, this now has a new name and should be called Euphorbia milii, this is accord<strong>in</strong>g to the botanical<br />

experts. Extra care should be taken with those rare plants like E. obesa, bvpleurifolia, eustacei, etc., never on any<br />

account water these till they are on the move. E. bupleurifolia should be given slight shade, this can be arranged<br />

by stand<strong>in</strong>g by the side of a large specimen. E. tuberosa is a most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g species when rest<strong>in</strong>g—noth<strong>in</strong>g at<br />

all can be seen above ground. When grow<strong>in</strong>g, however, it produces a small bunch of blue-green leaves that, to<br />

me, are most attractive. I am only able to make this grow <strong>in</strong> our w<strong>in</strong>ter. Why this should be I do not know as<br />

it comes from the Cape Prov<strong>in</strong>ce, the home of many of our summer growers. I th<strong>in</strong>k this will always be a rare plant.<br />

Fenestrarias should be given a little water now, especially if the leaves are <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed to shrivel and you want to<br />

take a few cutt<strong>in</strong>gs. Never cut these plants up only when they are plump and full of sap.<br />

Talk<strong>in</strong>g about cutt<strong>in</strong>gs, this also applies particularly with Stapelias, it is good practice to depend on the young<br />

growths, these are much better for flower<strong>in</strong>g than the old stems. Not only that, but you avoid the dreaded black<br />

spot that the older stems are subject to. They root quickly <strong>in</strong> Vermiculite and grow fast with a little bottom<br />

heat. A little general water<strong>in</strong>g could take place now most of the succulent plants are on the move, and should be<br />

encouraged. Cotyledon, Adromischus, Stomatium and lots of the Crassulas are becom<strong>in</strong>g active.<br />

Any re-pott<strong>in</strong>g necessary should now be carried out. By the way, do not be tempted to over pot, especially<br />

with Euphorbias, it is better to give them a size that will fit them comfortably. A small plant <strong>in</strong> a large pot will<br />

not do nearly so well as the one that is shifted on as the size demands.<br />

Watch out for signs of root bug and elim<strong>in</strong>ate by re-pott<strong>in</strong>g, this is the best way, soak the roots <strong>in</strong> a solution<br />

of nicot<strong>in</strong>e and meth., dry out by shak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a little sand. We are not troubled much with the ord<strong>in</strong>ary mealy bug,<br />

thank goodness. Greenfly will sometimes attack the young shoots and leaves of Euphorbia neriifolia and k<strong>in</strong>dred<br />

sorts, but is soon disposed of with a weak nicot<strong>in</strong>e solution or any of the approved <strong>in</strong>secticides.<br />

So sorry to keep on tell<strong>in</strong>g you this, BUT DO GIVE AIR ON ALL FAVOURABLE OCCASIONS.<br />

In accordance with the wish expressed at the Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g, the Council will endeavour to make<br />

arrangements with Mr. Harle for a further visit to his establishment dur<strong>in</strong>g May, of which members will be advised<br />

later, provided, of course, it is convenient to our very good friend, Mr. Harle.<br />

The Editor of " Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g " is desirous of obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g photographs of small greenhouse collections,<br />

to show what can be done <strong>in</strong> a small space ; also photographs of outstand<strong>in</strong>g cactus and succulent plants <strong>in</strong> flower.<br />

Arrangements would be made for photograph<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the London and Home Counties areas. Write direct to the<br />

Editor, "Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g," 2/10 Tavistock Street, London, W.C.2.

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30 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SUCCULENTS<br />

The Literature on Succulents<br />

By GORDON D. ROWLEY<br />

INSTALMENT SIX<br />

" Of mak<strong>in</strong>g many books there is no end ;<br />

And much study is a wear<strong>in</strong>ess of the flesh."<br />

—Ecclesiastes 12 : xii.<br />

In my first flush of schoolboy enthusiasm for succulents, the names of Higg<strong>in</strong>s and Jacobsen, Borg and Haselton<br />

filled the whole horizon. University days broadened the outlook, and with a list of 100 titles <strong>in</strong> 1945 I imag<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

little rema<strong>in</strong>ed to be read. It was Mr. R. K. Byrd who really opened my eyes to the vastness of succulent literature.<br />

With the equivalent of 40 feet of bookshelves packed to overflow<strong>in</strong>g, he still had not exhausted the possibilities.<br />

Today, with a select <strong>in</strong>dex of over 2,000 titles, I f<strong>in</strong>d references cont<strong>in</strong>ue to come <strong>in</strong> too fast to handle comfortably.<br />

Consider first the scope of the subject. About two to three percent, of the world's flower<strong>in</strong>g plants, members<br />

of two dozen families—are eligible for <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> succulent collections. They live <strong>in</strong> unexpected places ; their<br />

anatomy is extraord<strong>in</strong>ary, their metabolism unique. No conscientious ecologist, morphologist or physiologist<br />

can therefore afford to ignore them. Wild or naturalised, succulents occur throughout the world, except towards<br />

the poles, and accounts of them are hence ever likely to turn up <strong>in</strong> local floras, natural history society journals and<br />

garden<strong>in</strong>g weeklies. And to all this is added the spotlight of popular favour ; the cactus is the fashionable <strong>in</strong>door<br />

plant of the austere n<strong>in</strong>eteen-fifties, and nurserymen are not slow to keep the fashion alive. If you need further<br />

proof of the amount written on succulents, scan the back issues of " Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g " or the 200 odd volumes<br />

of the " Gardener's Chronicle," or run your eye through the collective <strong>in</strong>dices of the R.H.S. Journal or Curtis's<br />

"Botanical Magaz<strong>in</strong>e." I try to keep check of the various society periodicals deal<strong>in</strong>g with Cact^es, Kakteen, Cactussen,<br />

Kakt6er, Cactaceas and Cacti <strong>in</strong> a dozen other less familiar languages : goodness knows how many there are<br />

beyond the thirty known to me.<br />

Book Collect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

As soon as one graduates beyond the four-book-stage <strong>in</strong> succulents, one has to face the heart-aches of<br />

book-buy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> mercenary, dollar-starved England, where this type of specialist hobby provides a playground for<br />

the collector maniac who thrives on limited editions and curiosa. I have seen priceless books on succulents hoarded<br />

for years as collector's pieces, often with the pages uncut, or <strong>in</strong> languages the proud owner would never admit he<br />

cannot read. How often has one wished that rare books, like Crassulas, would multiply ad lib by cutt<strong>in</strong>gs !<br />

At this po<strong>in</strong>t one might reasonably ask : "Why bother with these old books ? Are not the modern ones<br />

far better ? " The answer is yes, <strong>in</strong> many ways—certa<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>in</strong> descriptive detail, presentation and general grasp of<br />

the subject. But the older books exhale a charm of their own, particularly when they have hand-coloured<br />

illustrations, the product of a long-forgotten age of cheap, skilled labour. Also they are valued for their first<br />

descriptions of new plants, which determ<strong>in</strong>e future ideas on the <strong>in</strong>terpretation of species.<br />

Types of Book<br />

A bibliography on succulents covers everyth<strong>in</strong>g from the smallest pamphlet to encyclopaedias ; from gardeners'<br />

pocket books to impressive monographs, " some ... to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be<br />

chewed and digested." There are highlights and shadows ; mysteries, curiosa and jokes. There are the purely<br />

"arty" books like "Les Fleurs Plantes Grasses" (Davids and De Montherlant), and the solidly academic : "Notes<br />

on Mesembrianthemum Part II " (L. Bolus) with descriptions of 782 new species <strong>in</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>. There is the strictly<br />

factual title, like " The Genus Sedum L," and the sickly sensational : " Great Scott—the Thrill of Cactus Grow<strong>in</strong>g."<br />

There is the <strong>in</strong>tentionally humorous " What K<strong>in</strong>d'a Cactus Izzat ? "a classic by Reg Mann<strong>in</strong>g, and the un<strong>in</strong>tentionally<br />

humorous, as Haage's first attempt to render his " Kakteen Zimmerkultur " <strong>in</strong> English. There is Loudon's<br />

amaz<strong>in</strong>g " Encyclopaedia of Plants," the ultimate <strong>in</strong> compressed <strong>in</strong>formation, and a book like Rouhier's " Le<br />

Peyotl," with 372 pages devoted to one plant, Lophophora williamsii. There is even one pornographic item! And<br />

1 wonder how many beg<strong>in</strong>ners have ordered Ethel Mann<strong>in</strong>'s popular novel " Cactus " <strong>in</strong> the impression that it<br />

would help them to name their Mammillarias ?<br />

First prize for lavishness must go, I th<strong>in</strong>k, to De Candolle's opulent folios of " Plantarum Succulentarum<br />

Historia " (1799-?!837), with up to 187 full page colour plates by Redoute, best known of all plant illustrators.

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 31<br />

It has a modern counterpart <strong>in</strong> the gigantic Flora of Argent<strong>in</strong>a now appear<strong>in</strong>g under the editorship of H. R. Descole<br />

(1943-7), with the succulents by Castellanos and LeLong. Rarest is a little pamphlet by H. A. Duval, " Plantae<br />

Succulentae <strong>in</strong> Horto Alenconio " (1809), of which only one copy is known to have survived. It was repr<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

<strong>in</strong> this Journal for June, 1939. The worst book ever written on succulents is—alas !—the work of an Englishman.<br />

I forbear to give his name, but he was a journalist who compounded his magnum opus by slavishly copy<strong>in</strong>g popular<br />

handbooks and catalogues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g all the mispr<strong>in</strong>ts and one entirely fictitious genus " Globosa," born from<br />

a typographical error <strong>in</strong> a tradesman's list. Needless to say, his book sold by the thousand.<br />

However, it was also an Englishman to whom we owe the first recognition of succulents as a natural ecological<br />

unit* <strong>in</strong> 1668, and to another the first book devoted exclusively to succulents. Richard Bradley's much-quoted<br />

and rarely-seen " History of Succulent Plants " appeared <strong>in</strong> parts between 1716 and 1727, but there may be even<br />

earlier candidates for this honour. Recently a puzzl<strong>in</strong>g reference came to my notice, and I quote it here <strong>in</strong> the<br />

hopes that some reader may be able to throw light upon it. In the catalogue of pr<strong>in</strong>ted books given at the end of<br />

" A History of Garden<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> England " by the Hon. A. Amherst (London, 1896) one reads on p. 352 the follow<strong>in</strong>g :<br />

" RICHARD BRADLEY. Pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs of his succulent plants, with written accounts of them. 1706.<br />

A treatise on Succulent Plants. London, 1710."<br />

Six months of correspondence have revealed noth<strong>in</strong>g regard<strong>in</strong>g their existence at the British Museum, Science<br />

Museum, Natural History Museum, L<strong>in</strong>nean Society, Kew or Cambridge. Where are these mysterious works<br />

that Lady Amherst saw 56 years ago ? Can any reader help solve the riddle ?<br />

For the Fireside—or the Fire ?<br />

It is a strangely sober<strong>in</strong>g experience to regard the plethora of writ<strong>in</strong>gs on succulents on the one hand, and our<br />

pitifully muddled and <strong>in</strong>complete knowledge of them on the other. How can one reconcile two such extremes ?<br />

It is easy enough : the amount of reliable research has been so slight and sporadic that authors have had to beg,<br />

borrow and steal to present a case at all. The old ideas recur aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong> : withered leaves float<strong>in</strong>g endlessly<br />

on a stream of complacency. It is not sufficient merely to urge people to experiment and prove for themselves :<br />

we must foster a critical approach to read<strong>in</strong>g—an alert, analytical state of m<strong>in</strong>d ever ready to wash the grit from<br />

the sp<strong>in</strong>ach. " Read<strong>in</strong>g," said Schopenhauer, " is th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g with someone else's head <strong>in</strong>stead of your own," and<br />

Pope was aware of the same pitfall when he wrote of " The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read, with loads of learned<br />

lumber <strong>in</strong> his head."<br />

I am not suggest<strong>in</strong>g that it is a bad th<strong>in</strong>g for authors to draw on other books for their <strong>in</strong>formation : it is<br />

essential for them to do so, provid<strong>in</strong>g they are fully alive to the dangers. One of the most press<strong>in</strong>g needs today<br />

is for popular symposia of the type of Berger's admirable German handbooks, digest<strong>in</strong>g and summaris<strong>in</strong>g technical<br />

papers and monographs for popular consumption : " canned sp<strong>in</strong>ach," grit-free and ready for the table.<br />

<strong>Illustrations</strong><br />

L<strong>in</strong>e draw<strong>in</strong>gs and photographs are a sovereign aid to recognition of succulents ; the difference between<br />

Pleiospilos bolusii and P. nelii, obvious from a simple sketch, takes many l<strong>in</strong>es of technical gobbledygook to describe.<br />

This century has seen the greatest advance so far <strong>in</strong> plant illustration : the addition of a third dimension. In the<br />

stereoscopic Kodachromes which accompany W. T. Marshall's book "Succulent Plants " we see the first step<br />

towards a new and vastly improved aid to plant identification. Its possibilities are enormous.<br />

The lack of cheap publications with coloured plates is a common grouse among cactophiles. Few people seem<br />

to appreciate the hazards and hardships fac<strong>in</strong>g an author who attempts anyth<strong>in</strong>g so ambitious. To the exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

offices of explorer, collector and botanist he must add writer, bus<strong>in</strong>ess man, publisher and salesman—not to mention<br />

ownership of a private fortune to f<strong>in</strong>ance the enterprise. Small wonder that good monographs of succulents are<br />

so rare. Yet now and then they appear—one so recently as last year. My admiration for G. W. Reynolds' " Aloes<br />

of South Africa," the direct successor to the White-Dyer-Sloane heyday of the I930's, m<strong>in</strong>gled with curiosity<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g its accomplishment. What did it cost to produce a volume with 77 colour photographs ? How much<br />

profit did the author ga<strong>in</strong> from sales at £3 15s. Od. a copy ? Mr. Reynolds' answer to my queries is so reveal<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that I quote two paragraphs from it. After giv<strong>in</strong>g the publication costs as £11,500, he goes on :<br />

" The general public has little idea as to what is put <strong>in</strong>to a book of the nature of the Aloes book. I personally<br />

* J. Wilk<strong>in</strong>s. I hope to repr<strong>in</strong>t his remarkable attempt to classify succulents <strong>in</strong> a later article,<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on Page 39)

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32 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br.-contd.<br />

By Dr. A. TISCHER<br />

Translated by Mrs. H. Kassai<br />

Sub-genus 2 : Derenbergia Schwant.<br />

Semi-shrub, short branched or stemless, cushion form<strong>in</strong>g species, bodies ± heart shaped, <strong>in</strong>verted ovate to<br />

cyl<strong>in</strong>drical, top with ± long, free leaf-ends or ± taper<strong>in</strong>g ovate without free leaf tips ; free leaf tips ± taper<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

keeled or rounded and not keeled : sk<strong>in</strong> smooth, rough or hairy, with or without transparent spots, frequently<br />

on both ends of fissure a ± large transparent dark green zone, keel and edges of fissure often red. Ground colour<br />

of bodies yellow green, green <strong>in</strong> all shades of white-green to dark green or brownish green to grey green. Flower<br />

white, rose, red, yellow to salmon or copper.<br />

Series I. Biloba N. E. Br.<br />

Bodies cyl<strong>in</strong>drical to heart shaped, with dist<strong>in</strong>ctly extended, po<strong>in</strong>ted or blunt leaf ends (lobes). Flower white,<br />

p<strong>in</strong>k, red or yellow to salmon or copper, diurnal. Types 24-27, 33-45.<br />

Type species : C. bihbum N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Little and Great Namaqualand, Bushmanland.<br />

Sub-series I.<br />

Bodies longer than 2 cm. ; lobes mostly more developed.<br />

C. albescens N. E. Br. (y/26/42), C. amplum L. Bol. (y/39), C. angustum N. E. Br. syn ; C. subtenue L. Bol.<br />

(y/40), C. apiatum N. E. Br. (y/38), C. apkulatum N. E. Br. (y/40), C. bihbum N. E. Br. (y/27/37), C conradi L. Bol.<br />

(y/41/43), C. divaricatum N. E. Br. (y/27/37), C. elishae N. E. Br. (y/37/38), C. exsertum N. E. Br. (y/27), C. frutescens<br />

Schwant. (co/37/41), C. grandiflorum L. Bol. (y/40/41), C. <strong>in</strong>curvum N. E. Br. (y/41/43), C. klipbokbergense L. Bol.<br />

(y/39/40), C. laxipetalum N. E. Br. (y/37/38), C. iavisianum L. Bol. (y/38/42), C. /ekkers<strong>in</strong>gense L. Bol. (y/40), C.<br />

leucanthum Lav. (w/37/41), C. leucanthum var. multipetalum L. Bol. (w/37/41), C. l<strong>in</strong>earilucidum L. Bol. (y/38/42),<br />

C. markoetterae Schwant. (y/41/43), C. meyeroe Schwant. (y/43/45), C. muscosipapillatum Lav. (y/39), C. noisabisense<br />

L. Bol. (y/27/37), C. nelianum Schwant. (y/37/38), C. notabile N. E. Br. (co/27/27), C. nutaboiense (L. Bol) Tisch.<br />

(syn. C. angustum L. Bol) (y/27), C. plenum N. E. Br. (y/37/41), C. po/e-evans/i N. E. Br. (y/37), C. rega/e Lav. (r/39/40),<br />

C. simplum N. E. Br. (y/26/27), C. sitzlerianum Schwant. (y/37/38), C. smithersii I. Bol. (y/26/37), C. soror/um N. E. Br.<br />

(y/37/38), C. spn'ngbokense N. E. Br. (y/37/38), C. subocutum L. Bol. (y/41/43), C. stn'ctum L. Bol. (y/26/37), C. strictum<br />

L. Bol. var. <strong>in</strong>aequale L. Bol. (y/26/37), C. teguliflorum Tisch. (co/37/38), (syn. C. salm<strong>in</strong>ocolor L. Bol)., C. tumidum<br />

N. E. Br. (y/37/41), C. Wokmynense L. Bol. (y/27/42).<br />

Sub-series 2.<br />

Bodies up to 2 cm., leaf ends (lobes) mostly less markedly developed than <strong>in</strong> case of species belong<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

Sub-series I.<br />

C. ahum L. Bol. (y/24/25), C. ahum L. Bol. var. plenum L. Bol. (y/24/25), C. ondousonum N. E. Br. (y/36/38),<br />

C. apertum Tisch. (y/26/34), C. andausanum N. E. Br. var. immocu/otum L. Bol. (y/37/38), C. approximatum Lav.<br />

(y/24/25), C. blandum L. Bol. (r/27), C. connotum L. Bol. (y/33/34), C. convexum L. Bol. (y/22/24), C. corculum Schwant.<br />

(y/24), C. cordatum Schick, et Tisch, (y/24/26), C. corm'ferum Schick, et Tisch (y/25/27), C. difforme L. Bol. (y/24/26),<br />

C. dennis/l N. E. Br. (y/38), C. diversum N. E. Br. (y/26), C. ern/onum Loechs et Tisch. (r/36/39), C. grac//e N. E. Br.<br />

(y/37/42), C. grac//isty/um (L. Bol.) N. E. Br. (r/26/27), C. koromoepense L. Bol. (r/25), C. /oetum L. Bol. (y/24/36),<br />

C. /ong/brocteatum L. Bol. (y/24), C. /u/sae Schwant. (y/24/25), C. marg<strong>in</strong>atum Lav. (r/35), C. mocrostigmo (L. Bol.)<br />

Schwant. (syn. C. cordatum L. Bol. var. mocrostigmo L. Bol.) (y/24/26), C. obtusum N. E. Br. (y/22), C. parvulum<br />

I. Bol. (y/25), C. recisum N. E. Br. (y/43), C. retusum N. E. Br. (y/26/27), C. semivestitum L. Bol. (r/44), C. s/mi'/e<br />

N. E. Br. (y/24/26), C. toy/orionum (Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br. (r/36/38), C. tectum N. E. Br. (y/38/40), C. tr/ebneri<br />

Schwant. (r/24/36), C. violaciflorum Schick, et Tisch. (syn. C. geometr/cum Lav.) (r/36/37).<br />

Series 2 : Ov/gero Tisch.<br />

Bodies compressed or ovate elongated, rounded on top, fissure not or hardly expressed, lobes not at all or<br />

hardly outl<strong>in</strong>ed. Flowers p<strong>in</strong>k, red or yellow, diurnal. Types 2-3, 7-9.<br />

Type species : C. ovigerum Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Great and Little Namaqualand, Bushmanland.<br />

C. ouctum N. E. Br. (y/2/34), C. latum L. Bol. (y/24/36), C. meyeri N. E. Br. (y/2/24), C. leipoldtii N. E. Br. (r/2/3),<br />

C. nanum Tisch. (y/3/7), C. ovigerum Schwant. (y/2/3), C. polyandrum Lav. (r/2/23), C. piriforme L. Bol. (y/7),<br />

C. puberu/um Lav. (y/2/3/24), C. romosum Lav. (y/2/24), C. tischeri Schick (r/24), C. ve/ut<strong>in</strong>um Schwant. (r/2/24).

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 33<br />

Series 3 : Saxetana Schwant.<br />

Body sp<strong>in</strong>dle shaped (fusiform), <strong>in</strong>verted ovate to heart shaped, lobes ± developed, flower small, white, cream,<br />

brick-salmon, or w<strong>in</strong>e, nocturnal. Types 33-34, 36-39.<br />

Type species : C. saxetanwn Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Little and Great Namaqualand.<br />

C. densipunctum (Tisch.) L. Bol. (w/39/40), C. e/ongatum Tisch. (co/33/34), C. exiguum N. E. Br. (y/33/34),<br />

C. graessneri Tisch. (w/34), C. halenbergense (Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br. (v/38), C. hians N. E. Br. (w/33/34),.<br />

C. hirtum Schwant. (?/33/34), C. loeschianum Tisch. (w/33/34), C. misellum N. E. Br. (c/33/34), C. miserum N. E. Br,<br />

(?/34/36), C. modestum N. E. Br. (w/34/36), C. namibense N. E. Br. (J/3/34), C. quaesitum N. E. Br. (w/34/36)<br />

C. quarziticum Tisch. (w/39/40), C. rubr/'can'natum Tisch. (co/34), C. saxetanum N. E. Br. (w/33/34), C. vescum<br />

N. E. Br. (w/?/34/37).<br />

Schwantes has classified his sub-genus Derenbergia <strong>in</strong>to the follow<strong>in</strong>g series : Cordiformia Bgr., Viridipunctata<br />

Schwant. Grazilistyla Schwant, Saxetana Schwant., Pellucida Schwant. and Hirta Schwant. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to N. E.<br />

Brown's suggestion the series Pellucida Schwant. has to be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> sub-genus Fenestrata N. E. Br. As the flowers<br />

of many species belong<strong>in</strong>g to the other groups are well known, the classification suggested by Schwantes cannot<br />

be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed to its full extent. The species Fenestrate! do not only differ from the species Derenbergia by the<br />

" w<strong>in</strong>dows " be<strong>in</strong>g present with nearly all its members, but partly by characteristics of the flowers (f.i. the presence<br />

of stamens) and peculiarity of sk<strong>in</strong> (f.i. pigmentation).<br />

There is one group which stands out among the other forms, its species hav<strong>in</strong>g small flowers which are nocturnal<br />

and have a very sweet smell. The type species of this group is, accord<strong>in</strong>g to Schwantes' suggestion C. saxetanum<br />

N. E. Br. However, there are a number of other species which have been classified by Schwantes display<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

same typical peculiarities of flowers. The series Hirta Schwant. could be <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the series Saxetana,<br />

as the species C. hians N. E. Br. and C. hirtum Schwant. display the same characteristics of shape and flower as<br />

C. saxetanum N. E. Br. The presence of hairy sk<strong>in</strong> does not constitute a basic difference, as we f<strong>in</strong>d, with<strong>in</strong> other<br />

groups, species both with smooth and hairy sk<strong>in</strong>. The species C. halenbergense (Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br. which<br />

has been <strong>in</strong>corporated by Schwantes <strong>in</strong>to the series Viridipunctata, should, because of its flowers, together with<br />

the still larger C. densipunctum (Tisch.) L. Bol. and C. quarziticum Tisch. belong to the series Saxetana. Species with<br />

more or less considerable differences <strong>in</strong> size of bodies occur <strong>in</strong> other groups as well, such as Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia Schwant.<br />

A systematic group<strong>in</strong>g of diurnal species of Derenbergia meets with considerable difficulties, as, up to now, no<br />

dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g characteristics could be traced with any certa<strong>in</strong>ty between the flowers of the various groups.<br />

Schwantes classifies these species <strong>in</strong>to the series Cordiformia Bgr., Viridipunctata Schwant. and Cracilistyla Schwant.<br />

The dots <strong>in</strong> themselves cannot be regarded as a typical characteristic feature for the members of a group, as we f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

very often, not only <strong>in</strong> the same species, but also <strong>in</strong> the same plant, bodies with and without dots. Schwantes traces<br />

further dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g features <strong>in</strong> the more or less strongly marked characteristics of the lobes. But even here<br />

we f<strong>in</strong>d all the transitory forms from a formation of two long leaf tips—which extend <strong>in</strong> some cases up to the centre<br />

of the body, such as C. meyerae Schwant.—to a total miss<strong>in</strong>g of " lobes," such as is the case <strong>in</strong> C. ovigerum Schwant.<br />

Even the size of bodies is not solely dist<strong>in</strong>ctive, as there exist, however, large types where the lobes are entirely<br />

miss<strong>in</strong>g and small types with long lobes, such as C. sem/'vestitum L. Bol. A reasonably satisfactory suggestion might<br />

consist <strong>in</strong> separat<strong>in</strong>g those types <strong>in</strong> which the lobes are rudimentary only or entirely miss<strong>in</strong>g, from the other bilobal<br />

types. There still rema<strong>in</strong>s, however, another group <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g many species. This solution does not appear to<br />

be satisfactory either. On the other hand, a sub-division of the bilobal forms accord<strong>in</strong>g to the length of lobes<br />

cannot be carried out, as all varieties, from rudimentary lobes to well developed ones, are known. The only<br />

exist<strong>in</strong>g characteristic is the size of the bodies, but even here the dist<strong>in</strong>ctions are overlapp<strong>in</strong>g. Often old plants<br />

have smaller bodies than younger plants, the size of bodies depend<strong>in</strong>g to some extent on water<strong>in</strong>g ; bodies often<br />

swell considerably due to <strong>in</strong>creased water<strong>in</strong>g. As <strong>in</strong> most cases, not always however, smaller species have shorter<br />

lobes than larger ones, Schwantes' suggestions are justified to a certa<strong>in</strong> extent. The shape of the flower does not<br />

allow a satisfactory classification either. The entire group has to be qualified, accord<strong>in</strong>g to N. E. Brown's<br />

suggestions, as B/'/oba N. E. Br. The qualify<strong>in</strong>g name of Cordiformia Bgr., used by Schwantes, is not admissible,<br />

as this designation applies to a section of the genus Mesembryanthemum L. I suggest the qualify<strong>in</strong>g name of Ovigera<br />

for the group lack<strong>in</strong>g lobes.<br />

C. turrigerum N. E. Br. <strong>in</strong>cluded by Schwantes <strong>in</strong> his series Viridipunctata, should be <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the<br />

series M<strong>in</strong>uscula Schwant. This appears also to be supported by the fact that this species occurs outside the proper<br />

geographical distribution of the Derenbergia. C. eenkokerense L, Bol. too, due to its shape and size, should be<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 44)

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34 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

UNCOMMON SUCCULENTS<br />

By G. G. GREEN<br />

Whilst search<strong>in</strong>g through the succulent house for suitable subjects for this article, I l<strong>in</strong>gered as usual, to admire<br />

the " Lovelies " of the collection. These <strong>in</strong>clude the beautiful Cotyledons, Echeverias, Kalanchoes and other<br />

fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>gly coloured species that are so attractive and which never fail to give one a thrill, no matter how dull<br />

the weather.<br />

One of the most beautiful and handsome plants of the " powder " group is Cotyledon orbiculata var. oophylla<br />

It is wonderfully compact and neat <strong>in</strong> growth with small, rounded, fat leaves flattened at the tips and covered with<br />

a thick coat<strong>in</strong>g of white meal. The edges are l<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> dark red which brightens at the tips to a lighter colour,<br />

giv<strong>in</strong>g a delightful contrast.<br />

These leaves are produced on very short branches <strong>in</strong> close, compact growth, emphasis<strong>in</strong>g the sturdy appearance<br />

of the plant. It is rather slow grow<strong>in</strong>g under ideal conditions, but the <strong>in</strong>itial leaves do not wither or discolour<br />

with age and rema<strong>in</strong> as fresh as the new ones for years, which is an unusual trait amongst Cotyledons.<br />

The growth should not be accelerated by any artificial means or under the impression that it is good cultivation<br />

when plants grow quickly <strong>in</strong>to unnatural sizes or proportions. The whole character of the species will be lost<br />

if this tardy growth is not allowed to cont<strong>in</strong>ue at its own pace. Under such treatment the development of the<br />

powder on the stems and leaves will not be sufficient for the needs of the plant <strong>in</strong> rapid growth, and it will soon<br />

suffer from this defect by either dropp<strong>in</strong>g its leaves or succumb<strong>in</strong>g to rot or dampness dur<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

I f<strong>in</strong>d that the best way to grow this, and others with a mealy appearance is on a shelf as near to the glass as<br />

possible, and away out of reach of the syr<strong>in</strong>ge which would soon ru<strong>in</strong> the beautiful whiteness of the foliage.<br />

Water<strong>in</strong>g should be carefully carried out as splash<strong>in</strong>g the stems will soon dirty them or wash off the powder,<br />

and may cause rot at the neck dur<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>ter months. A tray of sand <strong>in</strong> which these species can stand, and<br />

which can be watered so that the plants receive moisture from the base, has proved to be the best method.<br />

The nearness to the glass prevents leggy growth and the light encourages the appearance of the beautiful<br />

colour<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the stems and leaves. The vivid orange-scarlet bell shaped flowers, fairly large and pendant<br />

are produced <strong>in</strong> late summer, about the end of August with me, and the comb<strong>in</strong>ation of colour at this period is<br />

most pleas<strong>in</strong>g. The usual soil compost, not very rich, will suffice for this species.<br />

Grown under the same conditions is Pachyphytum oviferum, the "Sugared Almond "plant, with swollen,<br />

round leaves closely arranged <strong>in</strong> a rosette on the short stems. These and the leaves are covered with a white<br />

powder which is smoother and less dense than <strong>in</strong> the previous species, giv<strong>in</strong>g it a pearly appearance. It is amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

how much white powder is produced on these mealy plants and how beautiful is the sight of an unspoiled specimen<br />

of such highly " protected " succulents. Echever/a far/noso, with its many narrow taper<strong>in</strong>g leaves, will generate<br />

so much that it piles up at the bases of the leaves to shower upon the soil surface at the lightest touch.<br />

The more sunsh<strong>in</strong>e these species get, the more beautiful they look with their dress<strong>in</strong>g of white, and perfect<br />

specimens can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g the season if water<strong>in</strong>g is carried out by wett<strong>in</strong>g the sand <strong>in</strong> the tray only, say<br />

twice a week. With age, the plant stems may grow elongated clustered with the dried rema<strong>in</strong>s of the leaves, and<br />

though this adds to its appearance <strong>in</strong> my view, the behead<strong>in</strong>g of the plants fairly low down the stems will encourage<br />

groups of new rosettes to grow with<strong>in</strong> a few weeks. The severed tops may be re-rooted <strong>in</strong> sandy peat, after<br />

remov<strong>in</strong>g the old leaf sk<strong>in</strong>s, and potted up as specimens when needed. The pale yellow flowers do not contrast<br />

very vividly as <strong>in</strong> most other mealy species, especially when compared with P. oviferum with its scarlet flowers<br />

curv<strong>in</strong>g along the stems under the white, waxy bracts, but they are nevertheless very pleas<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The Cotyledons orbiculata and undulata, most immaculate of this f<strong>in</strong>e group, will throw up their f<strong>in</strong>e umbels of<br />

scarlet flowers very freely under the same treatment. The latter is, of course, a most desirable species with its<br />

cr<strong>in</strong>kled, wavy edges on the pure white leaves, and form bushy plants when grown on the shelf. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the warm<br />

summer months, the pots may be plunged <strong>in</strong> ashes <strong>in</strong> the cold frame, be<strong>in</strong>g protected from ra<strong>in</strong> by rais<strong>in</strong>g the lights<br />

on bricks so that ample ventilation is always present. Fresh air is important if the plants are not to be drawn out<br />

of all proportion to their natural growth. Many of the beautiful felted or hairy species should be grown <strong>in</strong> a similar<br />

manner <strong>in</strong> order to br<strong>in</strong>g out the delightful colour<strong>in</strong>g and to strengthen the growth which would become soft and<br />

coarse with too little sunsh<strong>in</strong>e. Plants such as the lovely Kalanchoe tomentosa and Echeverias leucotricha and<br />

pulv<strong>in</strong>ata, will develop the most attractive reddish brown mark<strong>in</strong>gs on the stems and leaf edges when placed <strong>in</strong><br />

full sun with ample fresh air and sufficient water for their needs.

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 35<br />

Crassula falcata Dr. E. Elkan Crassula falcata Dr. E. Elkan<br />

Euphorbia xylophylloides Br. ex Lem. J. A. Janse Conophytum elishae Dr. A. Tischer

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36 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Two specimens of Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus knippelianus Mrs. P. D. Bruce<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus pentalophus W. Beeson Frithia pulchra W. Beeson

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 37<br />

alenbergia bypertropbica Synaptophyllum juttae<br />

ce/etium anatomicum Phyllobolus resurgens<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes, "The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae.

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38 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT Apr/7, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Brownanthus schenkii Dactylopsis digitata<br />

Ruschia levynsiae Carruanthus can<strong>in</strong>us<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' " The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae.

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 39<br />

The " Panda plant," as K. tomentosa is sometimes called, can have few equals for sheer beauty of form and<br />

colour<strong>in</strong>g. The dark reddish brown stems and leaf t<strong>in</strong>ts contrast wonderfully with the silvery green of the foliage,<br />

bright and sh<strong>in</strong>y with the m<strong>in</strong>ute silver hairs that glisten <strong>in</strong> the light. Usually considered to be rather difficult<br />

to grow well, I believe the conditions described will be found to be ideal for the successful cultivation of short<br />

sturdy and bushy plants. It usually takes some time to develop <strong>in</strong>to a specimen, but large and soft, unga<strong>in</strong>ly plants<br />

can easily be grown through shade and over water<strong>in</strong>g, or <strong>in</strong> too rich a soil mixture. Such specimens would be<br />

quite useless however, and not at all as nature <strong>in</strong>tended. In their natural homes, Madagascar, S. Arabia and Africa,<br />

these plants never grow tall, but form dense bushes of short thick growth. K. Beharensis, with its brown felted,<br />

triangular leaves, does grow tall however, and rarely flowers when young, but stem cutt<strong>in</strong>gs are quick to root<br />

and bushy plants formed when new growth shoots from the stem at the base.<br />

Echeveria leucotricha and E. pulv<strong>in</strong>ata are similarly marked to K. tomentosa <strong>in</strong> that the stems are reddish brown<br />

and the leaves edged and tipped with the same colour, which brightens almost to a vivid scarlet <strong>in</strong> £. leucotricha.<br />

The sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g plush leaves and stems are also covered with the m<strong>in</strong>ute silvery hairs, and given a suitable supply of<br />

water from beneath, should be grown on the shelf. When flower stems are formed the large buds with touches<br />

of crimson peep<strong>in</strong>g through the green give a very strik<strong>in</strong>g appearance which further developes as the buds open<br />

to show the bright red petals. The whole bus<strong>in</strong>ess of flower<strong>in</strong>g, from the production of the stems to the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />

wither<strong>in</strong>g of the flowers takes up a period of several months dur<strong>in</strong>g Autumn, W<strong>in</strong>ter and Spr<strong>in</strong>g, giv<strong>in</strong>g one this<br />

delightful exhibition through days that are dull and dreary, and as a herald to Spr<strong>in</strong>g. The two species are very<br />

similar <strong>in</strong> growth and colour<strong>in</strong>g, E. pulv<strong>in</strong>ata hav<strong>in</strong>g broader and shorter leaves, and both will thrive <strong>in</strong> a coarse<br />

mixture of the usual compost.<br />

Crassula tecta is not one of the usual run of succulents though it is one of the prettiest of the Crassulaceae.<br />

The leaves are long and broad with the upper surface slightly hollow and rounded underneath, They are covered<br />

with m<strong>in</strong>ute, grey silky hairs grow<strong>in</strong>g thickly on the hard sk<strong>in</strong> of the leaves and stems. The heads of white flowers<br />

form on long stems, two or three at a time, and the effect is of quiet elegance and grace with a beauty no less than<br />

that of the more brilliant and showy species already described.<br />

Some years ago I wrote of the scent that exudes from the flowers of the small C. orbicularis, and another Crassula,<br />

rosularis, with the same power of fill<strong>in</strong>g a grenhouse with its perfume, not unlike that of Euphorbia viper<strong>in</strong>a which<br />

flowers at the same time. From the ease with which it grows, I should imag<strong>in</strong>e that it must be fairly common,<br />

though I have my doubts. Yet what satisfaction is thus obta<strong>in</strong>ed from a few plants, unsurpassed <strong>in</strong> beauty of form,<br />

colour of foliage and the added attraction of a gentle elusive perfume from a lowly Crassula !<br />

These are the rewards and recompense for good grow<strong>in</strong>g and patience, with the knowledge that the plants<br />

are as near what they should be as makes no difference. One of the major delights <strong>in</strong> the cultivation of succulents<br />

is <strong>in</strong> this control of the growth and development of <strong>in</strong>dividual plants, for it is only too easy to let them get completely<br />

out of hand and develop <strong>in</strong>to monstrosities bear<strong>in</strong>g little or no resemblance to nature. This has been repeatedly<br />

stressed <strong>in</strong> the previous articles for noth<strong>in</strong>g could be more discourag<strong>in</strong>g for the small greenhouse owner than to<br />

have all the space occupied by a mass of, seem<strong>in</strong>gly, tropical undergrowth, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the complete ejection of<br />

the lot <strong>in</strong> favour of dwarfer grow<strong>in</strong>g plants and perhaps, with not a half of the beauty.<br />

THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SUCCULENTS—cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 31<br />

have not only not received one penny from sales, but I have put well over £2,000 of my own hard-earned money<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the job to see it through. The only reward is the joy of do<strong>in</strong>g the job, as giv<strong>in</strong>g of our best transcends any<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ancial or material considerations. There are also many joys and compensations and bless<strong>in</strong>gs, among which<br />

one must <strong>in</strong>clude a number of very good friends made <strong>in</strong> the course of <strong>in</strong>vestigations. It is what you can put <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the world that counts most, and it really is more blessed to give than to receive. I have no compla<strong>in</strong>ts at be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

sadly out of pocket : I count as bless<strong>in</strong>gs the joys of be<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> the field, peace of m<strong>in</strong>d, health, strength and<br />

happ<strong>in</strong>ess—spiritual qualities which the contents of the Bank of England can never purchase. So one has not to<br />

look far to realise that we have far more to be grateful for than to grumble about."<br />

On read<strong>in</strong>g this letter one can feel grateful that there are still such men alive to enrich our bookshelves, and<br />

appreciate all the more the best of the books already available.<br />

(To be cont<strong>in</strong>ued).

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40 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE CRAZIEST THING THAT GROWS-contd.<br />

By NEIL M. CLARK<br />

(Repr<strong>in</strong>ted from the " Saturday Even<strong>in</strong>g Post " of April 7th, 1951, by special permission of The Curtis Publish<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Co., of Philadelphia, U.S.A.)<br />

One rabid collector, dizzy from the hope of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the variety known as old-man cactus grow<strong>in</strong>g wild, struck<br />

out across a sun-fazzled, roadless desert <strong>in</strong> a stripped-down car, with only his dog for company. The first th<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that happened was that his dog ran a bobcat up a saguaro tree forty feet high. Saguaro is the giant cactus of the<br />

Arizona desert. Its trunk is wax-slippery and covered with sp<strong>in</strong>es three <strong>in</strong>ches long and half an <strong>in</strong>ch apart. The<br />

collector took a picture of the bobcat perched up there, for he knew that without proof, nobody would believe that<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g without w<strong>in</strong>gs could get up there. Next, the collector tried to cross a deep arroyo. He got his car down,<br />

but couldn't get it up, and he had to travel on the bottom for twenty miles <strong>in</strong> dread of a flash flood. F<strong>in</strong>ally, after<br />

gett<strong>in</strong>g out of the arroyo, he ran low on gas, and for hours, under desert stars nursed the dw<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g supply over<br />

trailless space, pray<strong>in</strong>g that the last gal'on would get him somewhere. Stopp<strong>in</strong>g at midnight to sleep, he was<br />

wakened at dawn by a car whizz<strong>in</strong>g past. He was right beside the pavement and had paralleled it for hours <strong>in</strong> the<br />

dark. Cactus nuts don't call that crazy !<br />

Mr. Cactus <strong>in</strong> person is Howard E. Gates, of Corona, California, a collector of some pretty fancy cactus goods<br />

that a lot of fans would go to jail for, an explorer of new cactus fields, a discoverer of new varieties, one of the<br />

founders and former president of the California Cactus Growers Association, and twice president of the Cactus and<br />

Succulent Society of America. Gates' shirt-tail seldom stays <strong>in</strong>, and his hair is rarely cut or combed. Beh<strong>in</strong>d his<br />

spectacles, <strong>in</strong> his blue-gray eyes, there is always an " old gardener "tw<strong>in</strong>kle. He will go anywhere, alone if necessary<br />

—or would when a little younger than his present sixty-plus years—to f<strong>in</strong>d a new k<strong>in</strong>d of cactus or to see an old<br />

one under new conditions. The pen<strong>in</strong>sula of Lower California is the region he particularly haunts. That's a cactus<br />

collectors' paradise and as lonely as any place on earth. He knows it from north to south and east to west probably<br />

as well as any liv<strong>in</strong>g person. Once <strong>in</strong> the middle of a trip he wrote exult<strong>in</strong>gly to a fellow cactomaniac : " At last<br />

I've seen the creep<strong>in</strong>g devil on the shores of Magdalena Bay. I've gathered the Casa de rata ; been struck by the<br />

jump<strong>in</strong>g cholla of Comondu ; rode by tower<strong>in</strong>g cardons till I could see sp<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> my sleep. I've been axle-deep<br />

<strong>in</strong> mud ; cut off tree limbs to fill chuckholes ; drank water out of ruts ; broke a drive shaft; waited three days<br />

for somebody to come by, then walked fifty-seven miles <strong>in</strong> thirty-one hours on a gallon of water . . . The trip<br />

has been wonderful ! "<br />

Gates has discovered at least twenty new species of cactus. Every specimen of a certa<strong>in</strong> variety now widely<br />

distributed <strong>in</strong> collections <strong>in</strong> this country, is believed to have orig<strong>in</strong>ated from a dozen or so cutt<strong>in</strong>gs that he brought<br />

back from one plant—the only one he was able to reach after a long mounta<strong>in</strong> climb 1,100 miles south of the border.<br />

Natives down there have two names for Gates. Publicly they call him El rey de los chollas, " K<strong>in</strong>g of the chollas "—<br />

cholla is a particularly vicious k<strong>in</strong>d of cactus. Privately he is called El hombre loco, " The crazy guy."<br />

Gates is engaged <strong>in</strong> the cactus bus<strong>in</strong>ess, ma<strong>in</strong>ly so he can keep on collect<strong>in</strong>g and explor<strong>in</strong>g for cactus. The<br />

two pr<strong>in</strong>cipal centres of the cactus bus<strong>in</strong>ess are California and Texas. Gates says there are about 30 cactus firms<br />

<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> California. His own cactus gardens, as well as the precious private plants that neither love nor money<br />

can get away from him, are located at the foot of roll<strong>in</strong>g hills near Corona. A large part of the acreage is planted<br />

to cactus of many k<strong>in</strong>ds, set <strong>in</strong> rows like cabbages. These are the plants from which seeds and cutt<strong>in</strong>gs are taken.<br />

Those for sale are grown under glass, lath or other protection.<br />

Cactus grow<strong>in</strong>g is one of those fabulous enterprises that you can get rich at overnight—if your pencil is sharp !<br />

Neither seed-grown plants nor cutt<strong>in</strong>gs take up much room or need a lot of time to mature to market size. They<br />

are grown <strong>in</strong> flats, usually eighteen <strong>in</strong>ches square, that hold 225 or more plants. A flat may sell wholesale for eight<br />

dollars. It is ready <strong>in</strong> six to eighteen months from the time it is started. From this it is easy to count the unhatched<br />

chickens. An acre easily accommodates 10,000 flats at a time, perhaps 20,000 a year. At eight dollars per flat,<br />

the take is 160,000 dollars per acre. Isn't it ? If you want to hear how a horse laughs, show those figures to any<br />

cactus grower.<br />

Griefs of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess are what he'll load you down with. Damp<strong>in</strong>g-off, failures to germ<strong>in</strong>ate, stuff like that.<br />

Seeds, for <strong>in</strong>stance, are someth<strong>in</strong>g to have bad dreams about. There are no regular cactus-seed companies <strong>in</strong><br />

this country. Growers get most of their seeds by collect<strong>in</strong>g them as they mature on their own plants, a few at<br />

a time. Mexicans send <strong>in</strong> some, but irregularly and <strong>in</strong> small quantities, and they fetch their weight <strong>in</strong> gold—about<br />

1.25 a gram, which adds up to more than thirty-five dollars an ounce, with gold worth thirty-five dollars. I saw

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 41<br />

a little package of old-man-cactus seed, half a pound or so, that a Los Angeles grower had just happily received.<br />

He estimated that it conta<strong>in</strong>ed 185,000 seeds ; the bill was 166.50. Another grower was glad to offer 2,500 dollars<br />

<strong>in</strong> United States money for seven pounds of cactus seed <strong>in</strong> Mexico.<br />

Gates estimates that fifty to seventy-five of the hundreds of cactus varieties, are profitable <strong>in</strong> commercial<br />

production. Retail outlets are heterogeneous. Florists sell cactus. So do dime and department stores. Also<br />

novelty stores. A food company offered free cactus with box tops, and the Texas grower who filled the order<br />

sent out 90,000 plants <strong>in</strong> three weeks. Gates has an Ohio customer who buys about 1,000,000 plants a year ;<br />

his trucks go to places as far off as Milwaukee, Albany and Memphis, sell<strong>in</strong>g to retail stores as they go.<br />

A considerable part of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess is dish-garden trade. One strong appeal of cactus is that many k<strong>in</strong>ds,<br />

even from the driest deserts will do well <strong>in</strong> steam-heated apartments with little care. " Cactus," declares Doctor<br />

Berry, " will stand more neglect than any other plant. M<strong>in</strong>e are happy when I go away for two or three weeks ;<br />

they know they won't be fussed over." Life seems to refuse to leave some cactus plants. G. H. Tegelberg, an<br />

Inglewood grower and lately president of the California Cactus Growers Association, dug up a big old barrel cactus<br />

and laid it on a bench <strong>in</strong> his greenhouse. It received no care. He put it <strong>in</strong> the ground five years later, and it took<br />

root and grew. Probably the easiest way to ru<strong>in</strong> a cactus is to baby it.<br />

Any plant so determ<strong>in</strong>ed to live, it seems, ought to be very useful to man. The known practical uses of cactus,<br />

however, are not many. Cactus sp<strong>in</strong>es have been packaged and sold for phonograph needles ; they have been<br />

ground up as Jackpulver, or itch<strong>in</strong>g powder, a German atrocity that will make anybody the life of the party if he<br />

puts it down his friends' necks or <strong>in</strong> their bedsheets. A k<strong>in</strong>d of candy is made from barrel cactus, which is delicious—<br />

if you like it. Flour of sorts is made from ground saguaro seeds by Southwestern Indians, and jams, jellies and an<br />

<strong>in</strong>toxicat<strong>in</strong>g beverage know as tisw<strong>in</strong> are made from saguaro fruits. Recent experiments with an oil extracted<br />

from Opuntia fruits <strong>in</strong>dicate that a wonderful face cream may come along any day now, guaranteed to<br />

banish anybody's wr<strong>in</strong>kles.<br />

Possibly research may uncover unsuspected medical virtues <strong>in</strong> cactus. Some varieties are known to conta<strong>in</strong><br />

alkaloids that do funny th<strong>in</strong>gs to the vision, particularly peyote, the early Indians'substitute for TV. This is variously<br />

known as dry whisky, mescal button or sacred mushroom, and is supposed to be eaten at some native religious<br />

festivals. An Oklahoma Indian who left the reservation and drove 700 miles to collect some along the lower Rio<br />

Grande, told an <strong>in</strong>quirer why he wanted it. He said, " One bite, see th<strong>in</strong>gs pretty ; two bites, look <strong>in</strong>side the<br />

pearly gates ; three bites, love everybody ! "<br />

Cactus woods of some k<strong>in</strong>ds are hard and take a good polish, and can be worked <strong>in</strong>to <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g novelties.<br />

A farmer near Phoenix, upon retir<strong>in</strong>g, occupied his idleness by gather<strong>in</strong>g cholla and saguaro skeletons and mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

them <strong>in</strong>to ash trays, pipe racks and lamps. It earned him eat<strong>in</strong>g money and provided dust catchers all over the<br />

country.<br />

The most ambitious project for mak<strong>in</strong>g cactus an economic plant had to do with develop<strong>in</strong>g it as forage for<br />

livestock. Cattle will eat prickly pear or cholla if they have to, sp<strong>in</strong>es or no. Some ranchers like to have some as<br />

emergency feed. It will do well where other plants won't, and some thoughtful people really believed there were<br />

millions <strong>in</strong> it. Luther Burbank, the plant wizard, developed a sp<strong>in</strong>eless variety, and promoters went to town with<br />

it, sell<strong>in</strong>g many an acre of sandy desert at fancy prices to people who thought their fortunes were already as good<br />

as banked. The bubble burst when United States Department of Agriculture <strong>in</strong>vestigations showed that where<br />

cactus could be grown amply for forage, more nutritious plants could be grown equally well.<br />

Cactus has some value as human food. The apples of certa<strong>in</strong> Opuntias, called " tunas," are widely eaten <strong>in</strong><br />

Mexico. Italians learned to like them, too, when cactus was <strong>in</strong>troduced to their country. There are several tuna<br />

ranches <strong>in</strong> California. The fruit is wrapped and shipped east under refrigeration <strong>in</strong> boxes conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sixty apples<br />

apiece ; these are sold from pushcarts and fruit stands. Lat<strong>in</strong>-American restaurants along the Rio Grande serve<br />

fried cactus <strong>in</strong> the spr<strong>in</strong>g. Many Mexican stores sell canned cactus. The secret of most cactus recipes seems to<br />

be to put <strong>in</strong> so many other th<strong>in</strong>gs that you can't taste the cactus.<br />

Odd tales have grown up. Sorcerers of Peru thought cactus sp<strong>in</strong>es could kill people <strong>in</strong> witchcraft ; they<br />

stuck them <strong>in</strong> clay figures of people they wanted to put a curse on. A scientific magaz<strong>in</strong>e sponsored the story that<br />

the creep<strong>in</strong>g-devil cactus, which looks like a gigantic caterpillar on the prowl, always turns toward the sea ; it<br />

doesn't. One popular cactus is said to know the calendar—it is supposed to bloom on the same night all over<br />

the world. A certa<strong>in</strong> cholla called the jump<strong>in</strong>g cholla is thought to throw its sp<strong>in</strong>es ; it doesn't, but the sp<strong>in</strong>es<br />

are mighty loose and nervous. One odd belief is that road runners, those strange desert birds, build a cactus fence<br />

around snakes they want to kill ; they don't.<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 42)

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42 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT BACKGROUND<br />

By Dr. E. ELKAN<br />

I am speak<strong>in</strong>g of photography—not of education.<br />

There is, among my plants, a specimen of Crassula fakata, that has given me a lot of trouble. It was pretty<br />

obvious, early on <strong>in</strong> 1950, that the plant was go<strong>in</strong>g to flower, but contrary to all one usually observes <strong>in</strong> flower<br />

stalks, the buds did not want to grow towards the light as they usually do, they grew away from it and the flower<br />

stalk looked like the crook of a walk<strong>in</strong>g stick. This plant needs more light, thought I, and <strong>in</strong>stalled it on the rockery.<br />

There it was hot and sunny and this made absolutely no impression on the plant. The buds rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> their<br />

downwards po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g position almost to the moment when they opened <strong>in</strong> September. The red flowers opened<br />

<strong>in</strong> relays and only then, by an awkward turn, did the stalks straighten themselves out a little. This plant needs<br />

a larger pot, thought I, and conscientiously I re-potted it early <strong>in</strong> '51. Flower stalks have aga<strong>in</strong> appeared and at the<br />

time of writ<strong>in</strong>g (Sept. 2nd) they look exactly like last year's, all the buds po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g downwards. Once these flowers<br />

open they rema<strong>in</strong> alive for several weeks ; the flower stalk then dries up but, be<strong>in</strong>g an extension of the plant, it<br />

does not fall off. Hav<strong>in</strong>g decided to let the plant develop naturally, I left last year's stalk where it was and then<br />

tried to get everyth<strong>in</strong>g together on a photograph. A suitable background had to be found to give the necessary<br />

contrast. Should it be bright or dark ? To this day I am undecided and I leave the choice to the reader. Aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

a dark background the plant, which is silvery grey, stands out well but the old flower stalk disappears. Aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

a bright background (alum<strong>in</strong>ium-pa<strong>in</strong>ted balloon fabric) the old stalk stands out beautifully but the plant looks<br />

flat. Still, the ma<strong>in</strong> features can be seen on both pictures and only one question rema<strong>in</strong>s : how could such a big<br />

clumsy affair stand upright <strong>in</strong> natural surround<strong>in</strong>gs ? I still th<strong>in</strong>k there must be someth<strong>in</strong>g radically wrong with<br />

this plant and advice from any quarter would be highly appreciated.<br />

THE CRAZIEST THING THAT GROWS—cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 41<br />

Cactus can go for years without dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, but when it dr<strong>in</strong>ks, it really dr<strong>in</strong>ks. On the driest Arizona deserts,<br />

where the only visible water is <strong>in</strong> the mirages that aren't there, and where the giant saguaro cactus lives and likes<br />

it, there often are thousands of gallons of water above ground on every acre, hoarded <strong>in</strong> the trunks of the giants<br />

and other cacti. Some of them dr<strong>in</strong>k so much so fast <strong>in</strong> wet weather that they burst. The fable has grown that<br />

bisnaga, the barrel cactus, is a " founta<strong>in</strong> of the desert," which if tapped can save the lives of those dy<strong>in</strong>g of thirst.<br />

What's <strong>in</strong>side a bisnaga, however, can be reached only with the help of a machete or an axe, and it's a toss up whether<br />

it's better to dr<strong>in</strong>k it or die.<br />

In adapt<strong>in</strong>g itself to rugged conditions, cactus has taken on many forms. There are about 150 known groups<br />

or genera, and some 2,000 varieties, or species. There are some 350 varieties of Opuntias and about 235 varieties<br />

of Mammillarias. Some fully-grown cacti weigh ten tons ; others never get bigger than a baby's fist. Some have<br />

sp<strong>in</strong>es shaped like fishhooks, others like knitt<strong>in</strong>g needles, others like spear po<strong>in</strong>ts ten <strong>in</strong>ches long. Common names<br />

<strong>in</strong>dicate the fantastic shapes : Lobster-claw ; Cuban baby ; biscuit ; mother-<strong>in</strong>-law seat ; owl's eye ; goat's<br />

horn ; box<strong>in</strong>g glove ; beaver tail ; popcorn ; rattlesnake and many more. Some •varieties live to be 200 years<br />

old. Some endure temperatures up to <strong>14</strong>0 degrees and w<strong>in</strong>ter temperatures 20 degrees below freez<strong>in</strong>g. Some<br />

thrive at 11,000 feet, others below sea level. Some are desert plants. Others live <strong>in</strong> tropical jungles. Some<br />

variety of cactus grows naturally <strong>in</strong> every state of the United States except Ma<strong>in</strong>e, Vermont and New Hampshire.<br />

Seeds of some varieties are known to be viable for at least fifteen years and lie without sprout<strong>in</strong>g for that<br />

long, or longer. Some varieties spread when broken pieces cl<strong>in</strong>g to cloth<strong>in</strong>g or animal fur and are carried long<br />

distances, form<strong>in</strong>g new roots <strong>in</strong> the new location.<br />

In size, color and fragrance, hardly a flower on earth matches some cactus blooms. A s<strong>in</strong>gle blossom of a<br />

night-bloom<strong>in</strong>g Cereus can perfume an entire patio under the stars. Flowers sometimes measure fifteen <strong>in</strong>ches<br />

across. This also is a survival factor, for man himself, cactomaniac or not, cannot let such beauty die.<br />

The one th<strong>in</strong>g everyone knows about cactus, if he knows anyth<strong>in</strong>g, is not to sit on it. Ancient Aztecs punished<br />

common crim<strong>in</strong>als by ty<strong>in</strong>g them tight to cactus bushes. A Harvard professor's wife won an easy divorce when<br />

she testified that her husband threw a pot of cactus at her as she was bend<strong>in</strong>g over. A woman who coveted some<br />

darl<strong>in</strong>g little bunny-ears cactus plants that she saw while walk<strong>in</strong>g through a greenhouse hid a couple <strong>in</strong> her brassiere<br />

to save the bother of pay<strong>in</strong>g for them ; she learned promptly how many ways cactus sp<strong>in</strong>es have of go<strong>in</strong>g places.<br />

And a Texas cowboy, climb<strong>in</strong>g out of the prickly-pear bush his pony unloaded him <strong>in</strong>, said succ<strong>in</strong>ctly, "Feathers<br />

is softer."

---

April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 43<br />

ON EUPHORBIA XYLOPHYLLOIDES Br. ex Lem. AND<br />

EUPHORBIA ENTEROPHORA Dr. D. Cast<br />

By J. A. JANSE, Hillegom (Holland)<br />

Euphorbia xylophylloides Brongn. ex Lem., <strong>in</strong> lllustr. hort., VI, 72 (1857) ; id. <strong>in</strong> Decand. Prodr. Syst. R.<br />

Veg. XV-2, 176 (1862) ; id. <strong>in</strong> Berger, Sukk. Euph. 24 (1907) ; <strong>in</strong> Goebel, Pflanzenbiol. Schild., 59, fig. 27<br />

(1889) ; id. <strong>in</strong> Denis, Euphorb. lies Austr. Afr., 226 (1922) ; id. <strong>in</strong> Jacobsen, Succ. PI. c. fig. 76 sub 3 (1946).<br />

Euphorbia enterophora Drake del Castillo, Notes sur quelques plantes de la region Sud et Sud-ouest de<br />

Madagascar, <strong>in</strong> Bull. Mus., 307 (1899) ; id. <strong>in</strong> Denis, Euph. lies austr. Afr., 223 (1922) : id. <strong>in</strong> Cat. Plantes<br />

de Madagascar, Euphorbiaceae, 13 (1935).<br />

A visit to Paris <strong>in</strong> early 1948 enabled me to study the extensive material of the Paris Herbarium. Look<strong>in</strong>g<br />

through the Euphorbias of Madagascar I was especially struck by the morphological resemblance of Euph. enterophora<br />

Drake d. C. with the often cultivated Euphorbia xylophylloides Br. ex Lem.<br />

Euphorbia xylophylloides was first described by Charles Lemaire <strong>in</strong> 1857 after a cultivated specimen <strong>in</strong> the Jard<strong>in</strong><br />

des Plantes at Paris. Lemaire, at that time editor of the " L'lllustration horticole," visited Paris and quoted some<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g specimens cultivated <strong>in</strong> that famous collection. His, apparently prelim<strong>in</strong>ary, notes are unfortunately<br />

short and <strong>in</strong>complete and later authors have been confused by them.*<br />

His description runs as follows : (translated from the French)<br />

" — xylophylloides (Ad. Brongniart ?). At last, there exists long s<strong>in</strong>ce (184 ?) <strong>in</strong> the gardens another species<br />

of succulent Euphorbia, known by this name, which is very appropriate and hitherto omitted by systematic writers.<br />

It is also very curious by its upright and erect habit, its numerous branchlets which are oblong, very narrow, almost<br />

l<strong>in</strong>ear, somewhat fleshy, flat-compressed and with small distant notches at the marg<strong>in</strong>s, bear<strong>in</strong>g each a very small<br />

ovate leaf. It is said to be also from Madagascar ; it is unarmed, as the forego<strong>in</strong>g-) - and it belongs consequently<br />

neither to the one or the other of our sections. ..."<br />

A somewhat more detailed description was given by Boissier I.e. It runs as follows :<br />

"699 E. xylophylloides (Ad. Brongn. <strong>in</strong> hort. Paris, Ch. Lemaire, III. hort. 1857,72) a shrub, erect, stiffly branched,<br />

woody terete ma<strong>in</strong>stem, green long branches, alternate and distichously branched ; branches and branchlets<br />

flat-compressed, at the marg<strong>in</strong> with distant notches and obsolete-denticulate marg<strong>in</strong>s, small oblong, soon deciduous<br />

leaflets at the younger branchlets. Shrub with a trunk one <strong>in</strong>ch thick or somewhat thicker, with milky juice.<br />

Branches l-l|" long, complanate, 3-5 l<strong>in</strong>es broad, convex sides and acute marg<strong>in</strong>s. Branchlets stiff, curved <strong>in</strong>wards,<br />

narrower and more obtuse. Areoles 6-10 l<strong>in</strong>es apart, hardly prom<strong>in</strong>ent. Leaflets scale-like, hardly one l<strong>in</strong>e long.<br />

Involucres unknown."<br />

Boissier placed it <strong>in</strong> his list of " Imperfectly known species " and even doubted to refer it to Euphorbia, hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

not seen the <strong>in</strong>volucres. Denis (I.e.) says of it : " Perhaps after specimens exist<strong>in</strong>g at the Museum, Brongniart<br />

has described it <strong>in</strong> a very <strong>in</strong>complete way." In my op<strong>in</strong>ion there is no description by Brongniart at all, but the<br />

specimen cultivated <strong>in</strong> Paris was provisionally labelled (by Brongniart ?) "Euph. xylophylloides " to be described<br />

at a later date. Lemaire writes between brackets " Ad. Brong. ? " and from his article it is evident that he was<br />

describ<strong>in</strong>g liv<strong>in</strong>g specimens cultivated <strong>in</strong> the greenhouses of the Jard<strong>in</strong> des Plantes. Euphorbia xylophylloides is<br />

frequently mentioned by various writers on succulent plants, such as Berger (1907) and Jacobsen (1946).<br />

On the other hand, E. enterophora Dr. d. C. has never been a subject of authors on succulents, though its<br />

description is completely known as well as its distribution. It is a common plant <strong>in</strong> various parts of Madagascar,<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g mentioned from Fiherenana Valley (S.W. Region), Andrahomana (E. Region), gneiss rocks Mnt. Ambihoponana<br />

at 270 feet above sea level ; xerophytic meadows between lonoivo and Sahambana ; Mnt. Senorika (coll. Perrier<br />

de la Bathie, No. 11717 !) (C. Region); Amboanio (Decary !) W. Region. Denis gives of it the follow<strong>in</strong>g description<br />

: "A much branched tree with fleshy jo<strong>in</strong>ts, flattened, 8-10 cms. long and 1-2 cms. broad, oblong or<br />

obovate with m<strong>in</strong>ute leafscars <strong>in</strong> marg<strong>in</strong>al notches. Leaves ovate, a few mm. long and soon deciduous. Cyathia<br />

term<strong>in</strong>al, not numerous, somewhat reddish, almost sessile, unisexual, glabrous. Bracts (under the cyathium)<br />

short and scale-like, glands 4-5, elliptic, concave-elliptic or peltate, undulate at the marg<strong>in</strong>s. Ovary with angled<br />

back of the carpels. Styles as long as the ovary and bifid at the tips. Capsule ovoid, 7 mm. long, with broad<br />

* His crispata has been renamed E. Lemaireana by Boissier (1862) ; his rhipsaloides—Tirucalli L.<br />

T E. rhipsaloides Lem.

---

44 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT April, <strong>1952</strong><br />

grooves, obtusely angled along the back, somewhat fleshy outside on a thick and short pedicel. Seeds obtusely<br />

4-angled, 3x4 mm. with a fleshy caruncle, half-moon shaped. Vernacular name : Bet<strong>in</strong>ay.<br />

A glance at the two descriptions given above will conv<strong>in</strong>ce the reader that the two plants meant by them<br />

must be of a similar habit, yet we have to bear <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d that it is extremely difficult to sketch <strong>in</strong> a few<br />

words the dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g characters of two allied species. N. E. Brown once said (Flora Capensis, V-2, p. 224) :<br />

"... as there are many cases where it is perfectly obvious to the eye that two or more plants placed side by side<br />

are quite dist<strong>in</strong>ct, yet the characters available for a key are so few that it becomes exceed<strong>in</strong>gly difficult to express<br />

what the eye <strong>in</strong>stantly perceives <strong>in</strong> words that will enable one to discrim<strong>in</strong>ate the species when seen separately."<br />

This is true also <strong>in</strong> a reverse order ! But a glance at the actual specimens and a more detailed exam<strong>in</strong>ation afterwards<br />

haven't procured me any def<strong>in</strong>ite dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g character. Lemaire hasn't given any description of the <strong>in</strong>volucres,<br />

so we rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> doubt whether £. xylophylloides show any dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g characters <strong>in</strong> these parts. Specimens <strong>in</strong><br />

cultivation frequently flower and their cyathia are similar to those of £. enterophora, except for the reddish shade<br />

mentioned by Denis, the specimens <strong>in</strong> cultivation be<strong>in</strong>g entirely green. This, however, may depend on cultural<br />

conditions and may not represent a def<strong>in</strong>ite and constant character. As there doesn't exist a type-specimen of<br />

E. xylophylloides the question may be posed whether cultivated specimens under that name represent virtually<br />

£. enterophora, a suggestion that <strong>in</strong> my op<strong>in</strong>ion must be answered <strong>in</strong> the affirmative for all the specimens that I have<br />

had under my eyes and that perhaps may be the case for quite another number of specimens. In this respect I<br />

would mention a specimen collected by H. Perrier de la Bathie at Mt. Senorika <strong>in</strong> 1911 (No. 11717) which bears<br />

a.o. a herbarium-label " £. xylophylloides " but accord<strong>in</strong>g to Leandri (<strong>in</strong> litt.) undoubtedly belongs to £. enterophora<br />

Dr. d. C.<br />

Denis <strong>in</strong> his excellent treatise of the Madagascarene species of Euphorbia has much valued Gaucher's observation,<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to which the stomata of £. xylophylloides have a horizontal fissure whereas a vertical one is observed <strong>in</strong><br />

E. enterophora.<br />

From his key it appears that only one other species from Madagascar has a horizontal fissure, viz. E. leucodendron,<br />

a species widely differ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> habit. Two specimens cultivated as E. xylophylloides and dissected by me showed<br />

vertical fissures of the stomata. One specimen was sent to me by Mr. Herre of Stellenbosch, the other one is<br />

a cutt<strong>in</strong>g from a large plant, grown by Mr. Stern of San Remo (Italy).<br />

Gaucher made his observation more than 50 years ago, so it will be extremely difficult to trace the orig<strong>in</strong> of<br />

his specimen. But even if he actually saw an E. xylophylloides with such stomata, his observation can hardly serve<br />

as a general dist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g character until it may be observed <strong>in</strong> other specimens. So far, we believe,<br />

that E. xylophylloides and E. enterophora are the same species and the specific epithet xylophylloides Brong. ex Lem.<br />

will have priority, <strong>in</strong> the same time reduc<strong>in</strong>g enterophora Dr. d. C. to synonymy.<br />

The Exchange Secretary <strong>in</strong>forms us that he has received some more seed for free distribution. Members are<br />

urgently rem<strong>in</strong>ded that a stamped addressed envelope must be sent with applications. Applications with stamped<br />

addressed envelope should be sent to the Exchange Secretary, Mr. A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip,<br />

Middlesex.<br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N. E. Br.—Cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 33<br />

<strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to the series M<strong>in</strong>uscula Schwant. Not without some deliberation have I added C. leipoldtii N. E. Br.<br />

to the series Ovigera. This species, with its entirely spherical bodies, occurs <strong>in</strong>variably outside the geographical<br />

distribution of Derenfaerg/a (Cedar Mounta<strong>in</strong>s, near Clanwilliam). This species, be<strong>in</strong>g diurnal, however, cannot be<br />

classified as a member of the series Barbata Schwant. which belongs to the sub-genus Euconophytum Schwant. the latter<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g nocturnal plants. Due to its long hairs and the lack of other mark<strong>in</strong>gs, it does not seem to belong to the<br />

series M<strong>in</strong>uscula Schwant. either, which stretches even more southwards. So, until further <strong>in</strong>vestigation might<br />

justify a different classification, only the thesis rema<strong>in</strong>s that C. leipoldtii N. E. Br. is an advanced southern outpost<br />

of the series Ovigera Tisch. which seems closely related to the hairy species, such as C. velut<strong>in</strong>um Schwant. or C.<br />

tischeri Schick. The flower of C. vescum N. E. Br. not be<strong>in</strong>g known to us yet, I cannot classify this species def<strong>in</strong>itely,<br />

but, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the size and appearance of its bodies, may be closely related to the smaller forms of the series<br />

Saxetana Schwant.<br />

(To be cont<strong>in</strong>ued)

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 45<br />

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<br />

Held at the Royal Horticultural Society's New Hall on the 12th February, <strong>1952</strong>.<br />

Mr. A. J. Edwards <strong>in</strong> the chair.<br />

The M<strong>in</strong>utes of the last Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g were read and confirmed.<br />

The report of the Council and the accounts were adopted unanimously.<br />

The Hon. Editor reported that as he had received no adverse comments he assumed all was <strong>in</strong> order. Costs<br />

were still <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g. A good number of contributions had been received and were <strong>in</strong> hand for the <strong>1952</strong> Journals.<br />

He stated that he hoped to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a standard <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with the Society and useful to all members. After<br />

expressions by members that the Journal compared favourably with other publications a vote of thanks<br />

and appreciation was accorded Mr. Shurly.<br />

The Hon. Librarian outl<strong>in</strong>ed the type of books available to members and reported a cont<strong>in</strong>ued demand for<br />

books. Postage had caused <strong>in</strong>creased costs. He thanked members for their co-operation <strong>in</strong> the care of the books<br />

and the offers of and provision of pack<strong>in</strong>g material. The meet<strong>in</strong>g accorded the Librarian a vote of thanks.<br />

The Exchange Secretary enumerated his duties. He did not handle plants for exchange, but put members<br />

<strong>in</strong> touch with each other. He had distributed over 1,000 packets of seed dur<strong>in</strong>g the year, this took many hours<br />

<strong>in</strong> sort<strong>in</strong>g, clean<strong>in</strong>g, packet<strong>in</strong>g and distribut<strong>in</strong>g. He emphasised that he could not spare time to give cultural<br />

notes <strong>in</strong>dividually to members who write for seed. These matters were considered when prepar<strong>in</strong>g his cultural<br />

notes so that all members would have the benefit. When send<strong>in</strong>g for seed please enclose a stamped self-addressed<br />

envelope. He thanked those members who had forwarded seed for distribution. The meet<strong>in</strong>g thanked Mr.<br />

Boarder for his work dur<strong>in</strong>g the year and coupled Mr. Shurly with such thanks for the amount of seed he had<br />

obta<strong>in</strong>ed for distribution.<br />

The Branches cont<strong>in</strong>ued to show progress, arranged shows and competitions <strong>in</strong> their own areas. Berks and<br />

Bucks branch had arranged to hold a show <strong>in</strong> conjunction with the W<strong>in</strong>dsor Show on July I Ith and 12th, to be held<br />

<strong>in</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dsor Park, an event which should not be missed.<br />

The Earl of Mansfield was unanimously elected President.<br />

Mr. Kenneth Harle and Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke as Vice Presidents. (Dr. R. L. Geyer is Hon.<br />

Vice President).<br />

Mr. K. H. Walden—Hon. Secretary. Mr. W. Denton, Assistant Secretary.<br />

Mr. E. W. Young—Hon. Treasurer <strong>in</strong> place of Miss D. M. Poore who resigned. Messrs. W. Denton, E. Shurly<br />

and Miss Fergusson Kelly, the three retir<strong>in</strong>g members of the Council, were available for re-election and Mr. L. J.<br />

Reynolds was also nom<strong>in</strong>ated. On a ballot be<strong>in</strong>g taken Mr. Shurly, Mr. Denton and Mr. Reynolds were duly elected.<br />

The Chairman thanked Miss Fergusson Kelly for her work on the Council dur<strong>in</strong>g the past years.<br />

Hon. Auditors : Mr. S. Naylor and Mr. A. E. Cole (provided he agreed) as he was not present at the meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Mr. J. H. C. Cheale offered to accept appo<strong>in</strong>tment as Hon. Meet<strong>in</strong>gs Secretary, to assist the Editor with reports<br />

of the Society's meet<strong>in</strong>gs, to which the meet<strong>in</strong>g agreed.<br />

Mr. Shurly reported that Major Dorrien Smith, though not able to take an active part <strong>in</strong> the affairs of the Society,<br />

would always welcome visitors from the Society to Tresco, Scilly Isles, at any time they were nearby. They would<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d such a visit well worth while. Many plants other than Cacti and succulents grew there more successfully<br />

than <strong>in</strong> any other part of the country.<br />

The Council were requested to make arrangements for a visit to Mr. Kenneth Harle's Nursery early <strong>in</strong> the<br />

summer. Also to arrange for a 21st Anniversary D<strong>in</strong>ner to be held.<br />

The Hon. Treasurer made a request for a special effort by everyone to obta<strong>in</strong> a new member.<br />

The meet<strong>in</strong>g accorded Miss D. M. Poore a hearty vote of thanks for her work as Hon. Treasurer dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

past three years, a thankless task which had been literally thrust upon her, but which she had enthusiastically<br />

carried out.<br />

After the presentation of the Cups and Awards ga<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g the year the meet<strong>in</strong>g closed with a hearty vote<br />

of thanks to Mr. Edwards for the able manner <strong>in</strong> which he had conducted his duty as Chairman at the meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the year.

---

THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December, 1951<br />

INCOME EXPENDITURE<br />

1951 £ s. d. £ s. d. 1951 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d.<br />

Jan. 1st. Balance brought forward 138 12 3 journal. Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g 523 0 2<br />

Subscriptions, 1951 207 18 7 Postages 15 15 0<br />

ditto <strong>1952</strong> (<strong>in</strong> advance) ... 51 16 6 538 15 2<br />

259 15 I Sales 298 13 9<br />

Profit on visit to Mr. Harle ... 5 17 0 Advertisements 45 7 0<br />

Overseas Subscriptions ... !8 17 3<br />

Hire of photos 1 1 0<br />

363 19 0<br />

174 16 2<br />

Shows. Expenses 38 8 4<br />

Engrav<strong>in</strong>g ... ... ... 6 6<br />

Insurance of Cups ... ... 12 6<br />

39 17 4<br />

Entrance Fees ... ... 4 13 6<br />

35 3 10<br />

Library<br />

Purchase of Books 7 <strong>14</strong> 2<br />

Postages 5 0 0<br />

12 <strong>14</strong> 2<br />

General Expenses<br />

Hire of Hall II 12 6<br />

Stationery ... ... ... 7 <strong>14</strong> 2<br />

Postages 18 10 0<br />

Translation ... ... ... I 10 0<br />

Branch Expenses 2 0 0<br />

Bank Charges I 3 4<br />

R.H.S. Affiliation Fee ... 2 2 0<br />

44 12 8<br />

Donation ... ... ... ... ... 3 0<br />

44 9 8<br />

Balance 137 0 II<br />

£404 4 9 £404 4 9<br />

(Signed) S. BORDER ") Hon.<br />

(Signed) D. M. POORE, Hon. Treasurer. G. RIDDICK J Auditors.

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April, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 47<br />

REVIEWS<br />

Mr. Bertrand and Mr. Guillaum<strong>in</strong>'s very important book, "Cacti," first pr<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> French, has now been<br />

published <strong>in</strong> English. While giv<strong>in</strong>g some scientific <strong>in</strong>formation, it ma<strong>in</strong>ly deals with cultivation. There are 33<br />

illustrations, some very f<strong>in</strong>ely coloured. It can be recommended to all, the beg<strong>in</strong>ner especially, and can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

from any bookseller, or the publishers, Crosby Lockwood and Son Ltd., 39 Thurloe Street, London, S.W. 7, price 16/-.<br />

Two very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g books from South Africa are Miss Karsten's "The Old Company's Garden at the Cape<br />

and its Super<strong>in</strong>tendents," and Miss M. M. Kidd's " Wild Flowers of the Cape Pen<strong>in</strong>sula." The former, obta<strong>in</strong>able<br />

from Maskew Miller Ltd., Cape Town, price 21 /-, is an historical record, but the early days of the " Old Company "<br />

and its garden are of special <strong>in</strong>terest to us. It enthrall<strong>in</strong>gly tells of the establishment of the garden for the succour<br />

of ocean travell<strong>in</strong>g crews and its development to the present day. Succulents are <strong>in</strong>cluded. Miss Kidd's book<br />

can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from the Oxford University Press, price 63/-, conta<strong>in</strong>s nearly one hundred coloured plates,<br />

accompanied by explanatory notes, of plants <strong>in</strong>digenous to the Cape, many of them of particular <strong>in</strong>terest to us.<br />

Have you obta<strong>in</strong>ed your copy of Reynold's wonderful Aloe Book ? No more comprehensive book has ever<br />

been published, or <strong>in</strong> such a magnificent style, on any genus with which we are <strong>in</strong>terested. It is a monumental<br />

monograph on Aloes and can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from The Aloes of South Africa Book Fund, P.O. Box 2097, Johannesburg,<br />

South Africa, price £3 15s. Od.<br />

Further <strong>in</strong>stalments of Neale's Photographic Plates have appeared. This publication makes a bold bid to be<br />

one of the major works on our subject. The photographs are accurately named and are particularly f<strong>in</strong>e.

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

Established 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> JULY <strong>1952</strong> No. 3<br />

Contents<br />

Editorial 49<br />

Cactus Cultural Notes 50<br />

Cultivation of Succulents 52<br />

The Scientific Approach to Succulents 54<br />

The Systematics of Conophytum 56<br />

Unusual Succulents 58<br />

Aeonium Simsii 64<br />

Reports of Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 65<br />

Haworthia Attenuata and its Varieties 66<br />

An Outdoor Cactus Garden <strong>in</strong> Normandy 68<br />

A Week-end <strong>in</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dhoek 70<br />

Published Quarterly by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Great<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong> at 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Price 2/6 Post Free 2/8<br />

Strange the Pr<strong>in</strong>ter Ltd., Eastbourne and London, L863<br />

PAGE

---

President : Rt. Hon. The Earl of Mansfield<br />

Vice-Presidents :<br />

Dr. A. L. Geyer, High Commissioner <strong>in</strong> London for the<br />

Union of South Africa.<br />

Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke. K. W. Harie.<br />

COUNCIL:<br />

A. J. EDWARDS, A.M.Tech.l.(Gt. Bt.) W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

H. J. AYLOTT Chairman. S. J. PULLEN<br />

A BOARDER W. REYNOLDS<br />

P. V. COLLINGS C. H. ROWLAND<br />

E. SHURLY, F.C.S.S.<br />

Secretory : K. H. Walden, 152 Ardgowan Road, Catford, London, S.E.6.<br />

Treasurer : E. W. Young, 35 Castle Drive, ilford, Essex.<br />

Editor : E. Shurly, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Librarian : P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs, St. John, Northumberland Road, New Barnet, Herts.<br />

Exchanges : A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.<br />

Assistant Secretary : W. Denton, 262 Ivydale Road, London, S.E. 15.<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>g Place : New Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, V<strong>in</strong>cent Square, London, S.W.I. 6 p.m.<br />

<strong>1952</strong><br />

SOCIETY NEWS<br />

August 26th 6 p.m. Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke : Stemless Mesembryanthemums.<br />

September 23rd 6 p.m. Autumn Show and Discussion.<br />

October 21st 6 p.m. W. Denton : Euphorbias.<br />

Branches<br />

Berks & Bucks : Secretary : Mrs. M. Stillwell, 10 St. Andrews Crescent, W<strong>in</strong>dsor.<br />

West Kent : Secretary : Mrs. J. M. Hoather, 6 Cromwell Close, Bromley, Kent.<br />

North Kent : Secretary : S. F. Milton, 75 Portland Avenue, Gravesend.<br />

Back Numbers of the Journal<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are still available :—<br />

Volume 2 Part I<br />

,, 3 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

„ 4 Complete.<br />

5 Parts I, 2 and 3.<br />

6 Parts I and. 2.<br />

7 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

8 Parts 2, 3 and 4.<br />

9, 10, II, 12 and 13 complete.<br />

Prices : Volumes 10/6 each, post free.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>gle parts, 2/8 each, post free.<br />

From the Editor, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts

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THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

ESTABLISHED 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> JULY, <strong>1952</strong> No. 3<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

My wife and I had, recently, the opportunity of re-visit<strong>in</strong>g Holland <strong>in</strong> order to meet old Dutch friends who<br />

were <strong>in</strong> the services <strong>in</strong> this country dur<strong>in</strong>g the war. I also had some export bus<strong>in</strong>ess to attend to. We could not<br />

let the opportunity pass by of fulfill<strong>in</strong>g another ambition to meet our succulent friends <strong>in</strong> Holland and to aga<strong>in</strong><br />

make the acqua<strong>in</strong>tance of our very good friends, Mr. A. J. A. Uitewaal and Mr. J. A. Janse, also to make the first<br />

acqua<strong>in</strong>tance of Mr. Bu<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, the chairman of Succulenta, as well as many others.<br />

Nobody could have extended a heartier welcome to us than our fellow cactophiles <strong>in</strong> Holland, and we wish to<br />

record our grateful thanks to so many, among whom were Mr. Uitewaal and his very charm<strong>in</strong>g daughter, Mr. and<br />

Mrs. Bu<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, Mr. Janse and Mrs. Grullemans van Berghem.<br />

The Amsterdam Branch called a special meet<strong>in</strong>g to greet us, and you should have read the notice call<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g; we blushed as my halt<strong>in</strong>g, forty-year-old Dutch made out its mean<strong>in</strong>g ! It was a great compliment to<br />

us <strong>in</strong> this country and, if I may be immodest for once, to ourselves. Mr. Bu<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g gave a lecture on Lobivias and<br />

Rebutias. He must have known about Mr. Boarder's f<strong>in</strong>e lecture ! They had a completely full house at the meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

However, I felt completely embarrassed when Mr. Mol, the chairman, after extend<strong>in</strong>g to us a hearty welcome,<br />

called on me to reply <strong>in</strong> Hollands ! Struggl<strong>in</strong>g to get together my forgotten Dutch, I made a halt<strong>in</strong>g reply <strong>in</strong> their<br />

native language and extended to them the greet<strong>in</strong>gs of all of us <strong>in</strong> England. Their response showed their<br />

appreciation and friendship for us, and they charged us to convey their greet<strong>in</strong>gs to our Society and its members.<br />

And to close the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, Mrs. Grullemans van Berghem, on behalf of the Succulenta Society, <strong>in</strong>vested<br />

the wife and myself with their Society's badges, creat<strong>in</strong>g us honorary members !<br />

We had the opportunity of view<strong>in</strong>g Mr. Uitewaal's notable collection of Haworthias and many other plants.<br />

It certa<strong>in</strong>ly is a remarkable collection. We visited Mr. Janse's collection which <strong>in</strong>cludes many rare Euphorbias<br />

and envied him his f<strong>in</strong>e library of books on succulents. We spent some hours with Mr. Bu<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g who has some<br />

remarkably f<strong>in</strong>e specimens, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g quite a number of white plants and, jok<strong>in</strong>gly, he <strong>in</strong>formed my wife he kept them<br />

washed with Persil—they certa<strong>in</strong>ly were clean and white.<br />

We did not go to Holland to visit any of the growers but, be<strong>in</strong>g at The Hague, we found ourselves with<strong>in</strong><br />

twenty m<strong>in</strong>utes' walk from Mr. Jansen, one of the largest Dutch growers, so we were able to visit his f<strong>in</strong>e collection<br />

of plants.

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50 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CACTUS CULTURAL NOTES<br />

By A. BOARDER<br />

In the last two Journals I have been describ<strong>in</strong>g my methods of seed-rais<strong>in</strong>g. In this issue I shall deal with the<br />

prick<strong>in</strong>g out of the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. It is quite impossible to give any exact date or age when this should be done. So<br />

much will depend on the type of seedl<strong>in</strong>gs be<strong>in</strong>g dealt with and the rate of growth. I am writ<strong>in</strong>g these notes on<br />

May 6th, and have already had to prick out some of my seedl<strong>in</strong>gs, the seed of which was sown <strong>in</strong> February, this<br />

year. Such types as Cereus and Opuntia are as a rule fairly quick grow<strong>in</strong>g and will require a move before some types<br />

like the Mammillarias. Be guided by the size of the plants and whether they are crowded or not. Aga<strong>in</strong> the soil<br />

may look sour when it is advisable to prick out from this pan as soon as possible. Although seedl<strong>in</strong>gs may be left<br />

<strong>in</strong> the pan for six months or more, I am sure that, if they are transplanted carefully <strong>in</strong>to fresh mixture, they will<br />

grow at a faster rate once they get settled. 1 do not like to move anyth<strong>in</strong>g until I am able easily to handle the<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. If any pan is attacked by the damp<strong>in</strong>g off disease it is well to move any healthy seedl<strong>in</strong>gs at once.<br />

The seed should have been sown <strong>in</strong> the John Innes seed compost as recommended previously, and the soil<br />

for prick<strong>in</strong>g the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to should be the same mixture with the addition, to each bushel, of one-and-a-haif<br />

ounces of hoof and horn grist and three-quarters of an ounce of sulphate of potash. See that the mixture is well<br />

stirred up and that any large pieces are at the bottom of the receptacle before prick<strong>in</strong>g out. The soil should be<br />

damp, but not wet enough to soil the hands whilst be<strong>in</strong>g used. I now use concrete boxes exclusively and f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

that they are ideal for my purpose. They are <strong>14</strong>x7x3 <strong>in</strong>ches outside measurements. I make them <strong>in</strong> a mould<br />

and whilst the ends are about half-an-<strong>in</strong>ch thick the sides are only about a quarter-<strong>in</strong>ch thick at the top. The sides<br />

of the boxes taper slightly, be<strong>in</strong>g thicker at the base for extra strength. These boxes will never rot, warp, crack<br />

or harbour diseases. They are everlast<strong>in</strong>g and do not weight five pounds each. Although this may seem heavy,<br />

when compared with wooden ones, <strong>in</strong> practice I f<strong>in</strong>d that this is far outweighed by the many advantages and, after<br />

all, you do not need to be handl<strong>in</strong>g them often. As to dra<strong>in</strong>age, this can easily be made when the concrete has set<br />

for about twelve hours, when holes can be bored <strong>in</strong> the base. I use no dra<strong>in</strong>age holes at all, but I am not suggest<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that anyone <strong>in</strong>experienced should try to do this. I grow many plants successfully <strong>in</strong> these boxes but, of course,<br />

the water<strong>in</strong>g is the ma<strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t where some may go wrong. As long as this is not overdone it is quite safe, and<br />

after all I do know that what water I give does rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the box and not run straight out of the bottom.<br />

Firm the soil <strong>in</strong> the boxes and see that it is pushed well down <strong>in</strong>to the corners. If only a few seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g dealt with, it is possible to use half pots such as I use for seed sow<strong>in</strong>g. The seedl<strong>in</strong>gs can then be planted<br />

round the sides of the pot and perhaps one <strong>in</strong> the centre. When mov<strong>in</strong>g the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs it is necessary to take great<br />

care that no damage is caused to the root system. On most cacti seedl<strong>in</strong>gs the junction of the root with the plant<br />

is so th<strong>in</strong> and delicate that it can be broken very easily. If this happens it is probable that the plant will die. If<br />

a small portion of the soil can be lifted with the seedl<strong>in</strong>g it will be safer, but <strong>in</strong> some cases where the plants are<br />

very crowded this is quite impossible. I have just moved a number of seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from a four-<strong>in</strong>ch half pot which<br />

had been divided <strong>in</strong>to four compartments to allow for four different species of seeds to be sown. The plants were<br />

so packed together that the soil was completely hidden. In such cases it is better to gently raise the whole mass<br />

<strong>in</strong> the quarter pot at once, lay them down carefully and gently disentangle each one, work<strong>in</strong>g from the outside of<br />

the bunch. Make a hole <strong>in</strong> the prick<strong>in</strong>g out soil large enough to take the roots without trouble. It is unwise to<br />

bend the roots up especially if they are tap-rooted. Gently firm the soil around the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs and give each one<br />

about an <strong>in</strong>ch each way. After the box is f<strong>in</strong>ished, spray well with tepid water to settle the soil around the roots<br />

and place <strong>in</strong> slight shade. As I have mentioned before these small seedl<strong>in</strong>gs must not be exposed to the strong<br />

sunlight until the food-bag or cotyledon has been absorbed. The seedl<strong>in</strong>gs may be kept <strong>in</strong> a rather close atmosphere<br />

for a time, but do not water too much at first. About a week should elapse before they need water<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>, but<br />

this time will depend on the temperature of the house and the weather. After about a week give air as often as<br />

you can and the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs will soon grow. If the compost is used as recommended the soil should be safe from pests,<br />

but, if made up by the user, it must be sterilised by water<strong>in</strong>g with either Cheshunt Compound, Ch<strong>in</strong>osol<br />

or permanganate of potash.<br />

Once the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs show signs of fresh growth they must be watered as often as they dry out. With this<br />

treatment it is possible that by the autumn many of them will be large enough to pot up <strong>in</strong>to two-<strong>in</strong>ch pots. Any<br />

pot smaller than this is of little use. The two-<strong>in</strong>ch pots can be purchased <strong>in</strong> sizes of two-<strong>in</strong>ch, two-and-a-half and<br />

three <strong>in</strong>ches <strong>in</strong> depth. I prefer the latter for most Cacti, but the shallower ones are very good for small root<strong>in</strong>g<br />

types such as Rebutias. However, the deeper pots take up no more space <strong>in</strong> the greenhouse and do hold much<br />

more soil.

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 51<br />

When you have taken all the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from the seed pan do not throw the soil away, but, by treat<strong>in</strong>g it as if<br />

it had just been sown, it is possible that several more plants will appear <strong>in</strong> a few days. With those pans which are<br />

not yet forward enough to transp/ant you must give plenty of air at all times. The seedl<strong>in</strong>gs can soon damp off<br />

if too wet and once the weather is right for growth the pans can be well watered so that all the soil is damp and<br />

can then be left to dry right out before re-water<strong>in</strong>g. This is a safe method, but if the pans are always <strong>in</strong> a sopp<strong>in</strong>g<br />

wet condition there will soon be trouble.<br />

I am often asked if it retards plants to re-pot them when they are budded. I do not f<strong>in</strong>d that it makes any<br />

difference. All my plants have been re-potted aga<strong>in</strong> this season and some were <strong>in</strong> bud when done. Scores of<br />

others have s<strong>in</strong>ce flowered. One example I can quote is Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus berlandieri, re-potted <strong>in</strong> March and now has<br />

n<strong>in</strong>eteen well developed flower buds almost show<strong>in</strong>g the colour. As these flowers will all be four <strong>in</strong>ches across,<br />

purple with a white centre, it is easy to imag<strong>in</strong>e what a show the plant will make. The Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus are among<br />

the f<strong>in</strong>est types for spectacular blooms. I have a seedl<strong>in</strong>g of £. fendleri which flowered last year aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> bud, as<br />

is also E. scheeri, a p<strong>in</strong>k beauty. Another which has pleased me very much is a three-year-old seedl<strong>in</strong>g of £.<br />

pect<strong>in</strong>atus var longiseta. This has three flower buds well developed and should look f<strong>in</strong>e. This particular plant<br />

was one I picked out from the others <strong>in</strong> the batch as be<strong>in</strong>g the most forward, and this does prove my contention,<br />

so oft repeated, that you have to grow a plant well before you can expect it to flower well. Another <strong>in</strong>stance of<br />

this is the case of an Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis multiplex. I have just had a thrill at see<strong>in</strong>g buds on one of m<strong>in</strong>e. You may be<br />

<strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed to sneer at this and say why get excited at flower<strong>in</strong>g an Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis ? Quite true, but this one happens to be<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g special as it is only a two-year seedl<strong>in</strong>g. There are two buds well developed and two more possibles. The<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> question is 3^ <strong>in</strong>ches wide and 3 <strong>in</strong>ches high. It was re-potted <strong>in</strong> February last year hav<strong>in</strong>g been first<br />

potted <strong>in</strong> October the previous year. In August last year it was potted on and <strong>in</strong> March this year I used it for a<br />

demonstration of pott<strong>in</strong>g which I gave at a local society. That it is flower<strong>in</strong>g now proves what I have always said,<br />

" that you have to grow a plant to flower it " ; and the semi-starvation methods so long recommended for produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

flowers are not only old fashioned but ridiculous when one considers that Cacti are, after all, just another type<br />

of plant which requires nourishment like all the other grow<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

I wish you could see my plants now. Yesterday there were 124 different Mammillarias <strong>in</strong> bloom <strong>in</strong> my greenhouse<br />

without count<strong>in</strong>g the many one-year seedl<strong>in</strong>gs flower<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the boxes. I could write a whole article on the<br />

colour alone, as what with the beautiful shades of colour of the Mam., sp<strong>in</strong>es, their fruits and now the many flowers<br />

rang<strong>in</strong>g through most shades of carm<strong>in</strong>e, magenta, p<strong>in</strong>k, red, cream and yellow, the whole mass looks spectacular<br />

One plant which I have referred to before is M. bocasana, quite a common one but this one was enough yesterday to<br />

cause Mr. J. Brown of Southall, to remark, " Oh, no, it's not possible." The plant will have well over seven hundred<br />

flowers. It is now 8^ <strong>in</strong>ches wide and is 7|- <strong>in</strong>ches high. There are about 66 heads and each one has over 12 flowers<br />

or buds. The centre head has over 30 flowers and buds. This plant has been grown <strong>in</strong> the last four years from a<br />

seedl<strong>in</strong>g the size of a walnut. The Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus seedl<strong>in</strong>g mentioned with three buds is 3 <strong>in</strong>ches high and 3| <strong>in</strong>ches<br />

wide. I had another great Cacti grower yesterday to see the plants and he said that he had never <strong>in</strong> his life seen<br />

so much colour <strong>in</strong> a group of Mams. I was rather pleased at this as it was none other than Percy Coll<strong>in</strong>gs who has<br />

pulled my leg over my plants for many years and was the orig<strong>in</strong>ator of the suggestion that I blow my plants up<br />

with a bicycle pump.<br />

I have often given names of Mammillarias which I have had <strong>in</strong> flower the year after sow<strong>in</strong>g the seed. To this list I<br />

can now add M. zeilmanniana, over 12 flowers ; M. pennisp<strong>in</strong>osa, five flowers out at once ; M. rettigiana ; M.<br />

denudata ; M. lesaunieri and M. dumetorum. The follow<strong>in</strong>g are two-year seedl<strong>in</strong>g Mams., flower<strong>in</strong>g for the first<br />

time : At discolor, M. formosa, M. sonorensis, M. sonorensis var. hiltoni, M. lenta, M. coll<strong>in</strong>sii, M. bravoae,M. pseudakliss<strong>in</strong>giana,<br />

M. brauneana, M. caput-medusae, M. mart<strong>in</strong>ezii, M. perbella lanata, M. woodsii and M. zuccar<strong>in</strong>iana.<br />

The Rebutias are flower<strong>in</strong>g well ; R. violaciflora mak<strong>in</strong>g a brave show with many flowers and vie<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> shade<br />

with Aporocactus flagelliformis which has over twenty flowers out. This plant produced two fruits last season and<br />

I have pricked out several seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from this plant already. They look very sp<strong>in</strong>dly at present, but after all quite<br />

typical of the parent plant.<br />

From now on the plants must have plenty of fresh air. There is no need to shade adult plants as long as plenty<br />

of ventilation is given. If you have to leave the greenhouse for a long period it is advisable to leave the w<strong>in</strong>dows<br />

open, even day and night rather than to have the house overheat <strong>in</strong> a sudden spell of bright sunsh<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

All the plants should have been re-potted by now and should be mak<strong>in</strong>g new growth. Look for this growth<br />

at the top of the plant <strong>in</strong> the grow<strong>in</strong>g centre. Remember that if the plant is mak<strong>in</strong>g fairly rapid growth it must<br />

be supplied with more water than one with little signs of growth. Besides much moisture be<strong>in</strong>g lost by evaporation<br />

the plant itself requires quite a fair amount if grow<strong>in</strong>g well. (Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on Page 63)

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52 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CULTIVATION OF SUCCULENTS<br />

By W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

The f<strong>in</strong>e spell of weather at Easter time gave most of our plants a f<strong>in</strong>e start. The majority of them will now<br />

require regular water<strong>in</strong>g on all favourable occasions.<br />

I have one or two specimens of Cotyledons, reticulata and wallichii—that are kept dry <strong>in</strong> our summer, but<br />

I f<strong>in</strong>d these are not popular with many people. As I have said before, Conophytums should not be watered till the<br />

new growths are show<strong>in</strong>g and the old stems persist only <strong>in</strong> the form of dried sk<strong>in</strong>s. Generally with me, the end<br />

of the month is time enough. In any case, it depends on the weather to a large extent and, as these notes are<br />

written well <strong>in</strong> advance of the publication of the Journal, it is impossible for me to give exact times.<br />

Lithops will, by now, all be <strong>in</strong> full growth and any re-pott<strong>in</strong>g necessary should have been carried out when<br />

they become active, generally about mid-May. Anyone who has grown a quantity of Lithops from seed may have<br />

noticed that there is sometimes an odd one shows up with three leaves after the seedl<strong>in</strong>g stage. I have always<br />

discarded these as I considered it was not worth while to trouble about abnormal specimens. To my surprise,<br />

one I happened to have kept, divided this year to three complete growths, giv<strong>in</strong>g me a three-headed plant, so I f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

it is worth while to save these. This particular variety was Lithops herrei. I hope that some others will do the<br />

same <strong>in</strong> the future as I shall carefully save all these as time goes on. The ideal size for these plants is five or six<br />

heads, after this they become somewhat difficult to keep <strong>in</strong> good health, the centres seem to get smaller and<br />

eventually die out.<br />

Now is the time to give some plants a treat by transferr<strong>in</strong>g them to the garden for a little open air treatment.<br />

Lots of Euphorbias will benefit by this, <strong>in</strong> fact, all varieties will appreciate all the air you can give them. Plants<br />

<strong>in</strong> frames could have the lights off.<br />

That rem<strong>in</strong>ds me, I have had several enquiries lately about the difficulty of flower<strong>in</strong>g Epiphyllums. I wonder<br />

if these plants will return to favour. In my young days they were ever so popular, and I notice <strong>in</strong> one of my old<br />

catalogues from De Laet, of Contich, <strong>in</strong> Belgium, he listed <strong>in</strong> 1931 over a hundred florist varieties, all named and<br />

of all colours. We used to call them Phyllocacti then. These plants require different treatment from the majority<br />

of cacti and succulents. A much richer soil. The John Innes pott<strong>in</strong>g compost, without the addition of extra sand,<br />

should suit these and I would even add to this a little hop manure after the dra<strong>in</strong>age. To flower these successfully,<br />

it is necessary to thoroughly ripen the new growths and where better than <strong>in</strong> the open air. Plant them out <strong>in</strong><br />

the open garden <strong>in</strong> the pots, rims just level with the surround<strong>in</strong>g soil. Take care to put a piece of tile or a handful<br />

of ashes under the pots to prevent worms enter<strong>in</strong>g. No water<strong>in</strong>g is necessary beyond what nature provides <strong>in</strong><br />

the way of ra<strong>in</strong>. Good dra<strong>in</strong>age is necessary for these and all plants greatly benefit from a pott<strong>in</strong>g soil that will not<br />

become stagnant. You will notice, as the summer proceeds, that the green leaves have a tendency to turn red<br />

at the edges ; this is a good sign and is the promise to come of future flowers next spr<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

While numbers of our plants are <strong>in</strong> the open air, it is a f<strong>in</strong>e opportunity to give the greenhouse a pa<strong>in</strong>t up,<br />

<strong>in</strong>side and out, if you have not done so for a few years. I am afraid a good many of us are guilty of neglect <strong>in</strong> this<br />

respect. I have found out, to my regret, that I have lost a number of plants this year through a few drips from the<br />

sash bars <strong>in</strong>side the house. A good flat white lead pa<strong>in</strong>t is ideal for <strong>in</strong>side, any th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g necessary do with paraff<strong>in</strong><br />

as this will keep down many undesirable <strong>in</strong>sects. White is generally considered the right colour for greenhouses<br />

<strong>in</strong>side and out. I pa<strong>in</strong>t m<strong>in</strong>e green outside as I f<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>in</strong> my dirty surround<strong>in</strong>gs, this wears better than white and<br />

keeps respectable longer.<br />

Fenestrarias are now <strong>in</strong> full growth and require regular water<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> hot weather ; these are very popular<br />

plants and worthy of a little extra care. They are very deep root<strong>in</strong>g subjects and should be provided with deep<br />

pots and a very sandy soil. If you happen to have a small garden bed <strong>in</strong> the greenhouse, this is the ideal place to<br />

plant one straight <strong>in</strong>. Under these conditions they flower more freely than under pot culture. My own plant of<br />

rhopalophylla, the white one, I found to have rooted to a depth of seven <strong>in</strong>ches. As this produced five flowers<br />

and several buds that did not open, I can only conclude that this treatment suits them admirably. The only other<br />

one <strong>in</strong> this genus is aurantiaca, a yellow flowered variety.<br />

A very beautiful plant that should be <strong>in</strong> all collections is Frithia pulchra, this is another w<strong>in</strong>dow plant, a very free<br />

flower<strong>in</strong>g one, violet <strong>in</strong> colour. Similar treatment to Fenestrarias suits these. In talk<strong>in</strong>g to Mr. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs a little<br />

while back he told me he had lost his plant of this and concluded that some dead flowers left on the plant had<br />

become damp and caused rot to set <strong>in</strong>. I am <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed to th<strong>in</strong>k he is correct here and it is very necessary to remove<br />

any dead flowers or stems, us<strong>in</strong>g every care to cause no damage. There is no doubt that a cool root run that a

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 53<br />

plant gets when planted out, helps to <strong>in</strong>crease the flower<strong>in</strong>g possibilities. A flower pot stand<strong>in</strong>g on the stag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> full sun must get very hot, to the detriment of the very f<strong>in</strong>e roots near the edges.<br />

There is another little plant I am fond of—Neohenricia sibbettii. This is like a t<strong>in</strong>y Titanopsis and most attractive.<br />

Most members have seen this and I have been able to distribute a few pieces. Fortunately, it is a very easy subject<br />

to manage and spreads very quickly with reasonable treatment. It is a summer grower and produces its t<strong>in</strong>y<br />

cream coloured flowers late afternoons. It is very similar to the Stomatiums <strong>in</strong> shape of flowers and times of open<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Talk<strong>in</strong>g about Stomatiums, these are fairly easy to manage and there are a few outstand<strong>in</strong>g varieties, agn<strong>in</strong>um<br />

is the largest stem plant I have, but have never succeeded <strong>in</strong> flower<strong>in</strong>g it. conradi and loganii are among the smaller<br />

ones, bryantii and geoffreyi are nice, worth-while plants. They all flower freely and make nice specimens. The<br />

cultivation of these is simple, but do not be too generous with the water pot <strong>in</strong> summer, they will take it freely<br />

and make large lush plants, but lose the appearance one expects to see with desert plants <strong>in</strong> their native habitat.<br />

It is quite easy to root cutt<strong>in</strong>gs of these provided you cut near new growth, the old wood is very difficult to<br />

manage and if you root it at all, it will take a long time. In look<strong>in</strong>g over the house this afternoon, at the time of<br />

writ<strong>in</strong>g this article (May 7th), a nice sunny day, I note that Gibbaeum comptonii is push<strong>in</strong>g its p<strong>in</strong>k bud through<br />

with the new growth, hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>shown</strong> no sign of the old growth dy<strong>in</strong>g away ; evidently too much water has reached<br />

this plant <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter. G. album and dispar I hope will follow later. Argeta petrensis is also <strong>in</strong> flower at this date.<br />

These are plants, together with the Cheiridopsis, that will always have to be treated as <strong>in</strong>dividuals, each one requir<strong>in</strong>g<br />

different treatment from one another and will always rema<strong>in</strong> rather sticky subjects.<br />

The genus Haworthia is one that does not seem to be so popular with cactus fans as they used to be. I had<br />

a few before the war that I was mildly <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g that gem H. bolusii. This I found to be a difficult<br />

plant to manage, the outer leaves used to frequently die away and my plant was always a small one. In recent<br />

years I have added quite a number to my collection and have kept to the smaller varieties, room be<strong>in</strong>g somewhat<br />

restricted. The bolusii mentioned above is one I should very much like to add to my collection for further trial,<br />

but I f<strong>in</strong>d it hopeless to obta<strong>in</strong> at present. Most of the plants come from the Little Karroo and the south eastern<br />

districts of Cape Prov<strong>in</strong>ce and offer a range of conditions of culture that should suit everyone, some requir<strong>in</strong>g<br />

full sun, others slight shade. You will f<strong>in</strong>d, if you decide to grow a few, that they seem to grow on you and give<br />

you so much pleasure that you will want to keep add<strong>in</strong>g to your collection. Aga<strong>in</strong>, for those unfortunate people<br />

who have a greenhouse that is slightly shaded, you are able to grow these very successfully. What a subject for<br />

specialist material for the study of a life time—I should th<strong>in</strong>k almost an impossible task. I remember Mr. Farden's<br />

articles <strong>in</strong> our old Journals with reference to the variety attenuata, the number of the slight differences <strong>in</strong> this<br />

alone would make a long list and give you plenty of fun if you had the time and material to work on. I, myself,<br />

have five different k<strong>in</strong>ds of the variety planifolia and I am sure they are all lovely plants. Most of them offset freely<br />

and, <strong>in</strong> time, make large clumps. A few, like margaritifera, always rema<strong>in</strong> as s<strong>in</strong>gle plants and I am afraid some of<br />

the very best fall <strong>in</strong>to this category, viscosa and tessellata are two that require full sun. attenuata, cymbidiformis<br />

and planifolia and k<strong>in</strong>dred sorts manage with partial shade. Those transparent varieties that seem to have teeth<br />

on the edges, like bolusii and arachnoides, require shady conditions. A few gems among my own plants, k<strong>in</strong>dly<br />

given me by friends, are atrovirens, hilliana, venosa, cooperi, eilyae, joneseae, herrei, dielsiana, correcta, zanteriana.<br />

These are mostly of the small type. Two recently added are real beauties, hurl<strong>in</strong>gii and gracilidel<strong>in</strong>eata.<br />

I have not had a great deal of experience with the culture of these plants as I consider you require many years<br />

to thoroughly understand all their requirements. All the same, my plants seem to be healthy and grow<strong>in</strong>g well,<br />

so I offer you my method. They are all plunged <strong>in</strong> trays of sandy soil. The pots are kept mostly to three- and four<strong>in</strong>ch<br />

sizes. Some are <strong>in</strong> John Innes mixture without additions, others <strong>in</strong> good loam with about a third added of<br />

good sharp Bedford sand. Both these mixtures seem equally good and I f<strong>in</strong>d no difference <strong>in</strong> the rate of growth,<br />

or appearance of the plants. At the base of each one I have <strong>in</strong>troduced a layer of sand, as <strong>in</strong> my early days I had<br />

one or two rot off <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter and I concluded that they do not like any damp hang<strong>in</strong>g about the base. I also found<br />

out that you can very easily over water them <strong>in</strong> summer. They will take what you like to give them when <strong>in</strong> full<br />

growth and become nice fat plants, but <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter you will be <strong>in</strong> for a bad time and, if not careful, you will lose a<br />

few. I provide about one <strong>in</strong>ch of lime stone chipp<strong>in</strong>gs as dra<strong>in</strong>age. I f<strong>in</strong>d this is a very important po<strong>in</strong>t, with all<br />

specimens a waterlogged soil <strong>in</strong> the pots is fatal. Many of you may not agree with me, but I do not water overhead<br />

as I consider any excessive moisture left between the leaves will, <strong>in</strong> time, cause rot to set <strong>in</strong>. No doubt it is a<br />

good method, if you have the time to blow or soak off any excess, but it is so easy to miss one and the damage<br />

is done before you realise it.<br />

To conclude, grow them all hard, by that I mean all the air possible and good light, and do be careful with the<br />

water<strong>in</strong>g can <strong>in</strong> summer. In w<strong>in</strong>ter no water at all ; start to reduce about early September <strong>in</strong> gradual stages.<br />

I feel sure that these plants will give you all much pleasure and are not difficult if you give them reasonable care.

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54 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO SUCCULENTS<br />

By GORDON D. ROWLEY<br />

INSTALMENT SEVEN<br />

More about Books<br />

In the last essay we scanned superficially the literature on succulent plants, classify<strong>in</strong>g the different types of<br />

book as monographs, floras, popular handbooks, periodicals and scientific papers. To the critical eye any one<br />

of these can be analysed <strong>in</strong>to elements which are orig<strong>in</strong>al and elements which are derivative, and the latter class<br />

further assessed as <strong>in</strong>telligent summaris<strong>in</strong>g or bl<strong>in</strong>d plagiarism. We noted also the rival claims of the book collector<br />

and the student ; claims which are often diametrically opposed—an advantage where copies are <strong>in</strong> short supply.<br />

The connoisseur admires an uncut or deckle edge ; to the student it is anathema, a dust-trap and a h<strong>in</strong>drance to<br />

quick reference. Most publishers nowadays have the good sense to guillot<strong>in</strong>e edges properly before send<strong>in</strong>g out<br />

their books. Aga<strong>in</strong>, the bibliomaniac worships first editions, especially authors' presentation copies, and <strong>in</strong>sists<br />

that they be complete, even to the blank pages at the ends. The student prefers a cheap work<strong>in</strong>g copy, and values<br />

each edition on its own merits. This often means reference to several copies of the same book. Thus, <strong>in</strong> the<br />

famous Gardeners' Dictionary of Philip Miller the first edition (1731) is valued as the earliest record of thewriter's<br />

views on hybridisation and related subjects ; the seventh (1759) for show<strong>in</strong>g the advent <strong>in</strong> England of b<strong>in</strong>omial<br />

nomenclature ; the eighth (1768) for the uniform adoption of the L<strong>in</strong>naean system, and the last, the n<strong>in</strong>th (1804)<br />

for be<strong>in</strong>g the most complete and all-embrac<strong>in</strong>g. Of these, Edition 8 is the " authorised version," be<strong>in</strong>g the last<br />

that the author lived to prepare.<br />

In pay<strong>in</strong>g homage to the great masters of literature, let us not forget the often nameless hero to whom falls<br />

the dull but vital task of check<strong>in</strong>g the proofs and compil<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>dex. By the fullness and thoroughness of its<br />

<strong>in</strong>dex a reference work stands or falls. Who nowadays can afford the time to thumb right through a book <strong>in</strong> order<br />

to dig out a few facts buried <strong>in</strong> the text ? One of the most authoritative and praiseworthy books of its k<strong>in</strong>d,<br />

Hutch<strong>in</strong>son's "A Botanist <strong>in</strong> Southern Africa," rema<strong>in</strong>s a locked chest until someone gives us the key to its 686<br />

fact-filled pages.<br />

Excerpts and Bleed<strong>in</strong>g Hunks<br />

It will be apparent to most readers that books devoted exclusively to succulents are few and far between :<br />

a small nugget set <strong>in</strong> a very large rock matrix. Much less rare are those books <strong>in</strong> which succulents form just a part<br />

—a s<strong>in</strong>gle chapter, or a few pages scattered here and there. It is these small items that are our concern here,<br />

for they present many problems to addicts of so specialised a hobby.<br />

Because it is so difficult to prepare and publish a complete monograph, students who are neither geniuses nor<br />

millionaires prefer to publish piecemeal, send<strong>in</strong>g short papers to the various weekly, monthly and quarterly journals.<br />

So popular has this outlet become that there are now journals by the thousand, some cover<strong>in</strong>g wide fields of scientific<br />

activity, some very narrow. Even with the time and means to browse <strong>in</strong> the larger libraries one cannot keep abreast<br />

of them all, although reference to " Biological Abstracts " and " Bibliography of Agriculture " helps a great deal.<br />

Yet to one who takes his Mammillarias seriously it is important to locate and see, or if possible obta<strong>in</strong>, these shorter<br />

publications which often present the needles free from the encumber<strong>in</strong>g haystack. If a particularly attractive<br />

article is spotted <strong>in</strong> a periodical, it is worth while to write to the author request<strong>in</strong>g a copy. All reputable journals<br />

run off 25 to 50 copies for the author's own use, and these repr<strong>in</strong>ts can usually be had for the ask<strong>in</strong>g if one shows<br />

a serious enough <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the subject. Fail<strong>in</strong>g that, one can write to the publishers and offer to buy that part<br />

of the journal <strong>in</strong> which the article appeared. Sometimes, too, one can buy from the publishers loose pages <strong>in</strong><br />

batches of 16 cover<strong>in</strong>g the succulent sections <strong>in</strong> a complete book. In this way I obta<strong>in</strong>ed the whole of the <strong>in</strong>valuable<br />

succulent excerpts from the 7-volume " Flora Capensis " for less than one-sixth of the cost of the book complete.<br />

The most frequently consulted part of my library is the top row of file boxes filled with just these pithy extracts.<br />

A pot of glue, adhesive tape and manilla board covers are all that are needed to make each serviceable for quick<br />

reference. A word of warn<strong>in</strong>g, however—curb the passion to break up exist<strong>in</strong>g books unless you are absolutely<br />

certa<strong>in</strong> that the rest of the volume is valueless to yourself and anyone else. Like a good doctor, please consider<br />

the fate of your patient before you remove the appendix !<br />

Some people like to have collections of small items bound together. On the whole this is a bad practice, except<br />

<strong>in</strong> the case of a uniform run of the complete works of one author. Otherwise there is the perpetual urge to add<br />

to the sandwich, or take out someth<strong>in</strong>g that shouldn't be there.

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 55<br />

Scrap Albums<br />

I suppose to most people the mention of a " scrapbook " recalls memories of those ornate trifles <strong>in</strong> which<br />

Victorian ladies pasted fern leaves or family group pictures <strong>in</strong> sepia. The systematic scrapbook is an altogether<br />

different affair, and none the poorer <strong>in</strong> scientific merit for the lack of a more impressive name. It is built to a<br />

plan, aesthetic considerations be<strong>in</strong>g second <strong>in</strong> importance to the more last<strong>in</strong>g, if prosaic, needs of ready reference.<br />

The first step is the choice of a suitable alubm, preferably of the loose-leaf type, and because <strong>in</strong>itial mistakes cannot<br />

be rectified later, it pays to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> a really robust and spacious album at the start. Second, the system of mount<strong>in</strong>g<br />

must be decided. Two pr<strong>in</strong>cipal methods commend themselves. The first, and better, is to sort all items under<br />

group head<strong>in</strong>gs and mount them collectively on loose-leaf sheets. Descriptions and pictures of plants are mounted<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to genera, additional sheets be<strong>in</strong>g devoted to Cultivation, Pest Control, Hardy Succulents, W<strong>in</strong>dow<br />

Gardens, and so on. F<strong>in</strong>ally the sheets are serialised alphabetically, or <strong>in</strong> folders with name tags stuck along the<br />

marg<strong>in</strong>s. The system is self-<strong>in</strong>dex<strong>in</strong>g. To refer to Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis one turns direct to letter E, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g there, perhaps,<br />

cross-references also to "Cultivation : Cacti " and "Table Bowls." The second method is to stick items <strong>in</strong><br />

more or less as they come, and compile an <strong>in</strong>dex at the end of the volume. This has the advantage that a loose-leaf<br />

b<strong>in</strong>der is not needed ; <strong>in</strong>deed, for extreme economy one can paste over the text of an exist<strong>in</strong>g book as a last resort.<br />

There are no gaps or half-filled pages, and the scope is greater for artistic group<strong>in</strong>gs. But the key to the contents<br />

is everyth<strong>in</strong>g. It is so disconcert<strong>in</strong>g hav<strong>in</strong>g to rummage for that photograph of Messrs. Suckett and See's Prizew<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Exhibit at the Gritpool Horticultural Show, 1923, when it is sandwiched between "Pachypodii novi <strong>in</strong><br />

Horto Rowleyense " (Instalment 27) and a racy write-up on " How my Aunt Muriel Grew a Rat's Tail " (cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />

from p. 67, with illustrations <strong>in</strong> Caudachrome).<br />

Sources of Material<br />

How can one get sufficient material to make the scrapbook habit worthwhile ? There are the larger booksellers:<br />

one can always take " pot-luck " by rummag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the garden<strong>in</strong>g and biological shelves, and writ<strong>in</strong>g for catalogues.<br />

A book is all the more appreciated when one has spent an hour hunt<strong>in</strong>g for it, and how many doughnuts one has<br />

to bite before f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g one with jam <strong>in</strong> it ! A clearance of the attic may well reveal piles of old garden<strong>in</strong>g magaz<strong>in</strong>es.<br />

Seed lists and florists' catalogues often feature succulents, as do some of the popular illustrated weekly magaz<strong>in</strong>es.<br />

It is surpris<strong>in</strong>g how well the press clipp<strong>in</strong>gs come <strong>in</strong> once one gets the search really organised. Even the daily<br />

papers occasionally burst out with some arrest<strong>in</strong>g, if improbable, tale of " Cactus as a Source of Uranium," or<br />

" Parted Lovers united by Cactus," illustrated, for no obvious reason, by a youthful bath<strong>in</strong>g beauty clasp<strong>in</strong>g an<br />

<strong>in</strong>verted Aloe labelled " Cereus sennillis."<br />

A well-organised scrapbook becomes <strong>in</strong> the course of a few years a m<strong>in</strong>iature reference library : a useful<br />

standby for queries on any angle of this many-faceted subject. It provides an outlet for the creative urge, and an<br />

answer to all who compla<strong>in</strong> that books are too expensive—let them make their own ! More important, a scrapbook<br />

is a safe repository for all those small items turn<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> unexpected places, and lost forever if noth<strong>in</strong>g is done to<br />

draw attention to and preserve them. Their value may not be obvious now, but the asides of today are tomorrow's<br />

po<strong>in</strong>ters to prevail<strong>in</strong>g fashions and prejudices. But please be sure that the date and source of each excerpt is<br />

reta<strong>in</strong>ed, or you will make more riddles than you solve. The same applies to book excerpts, which should always<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude the title page and, if a journal, the volume and part numbers. Another po<strong>in</strong>t concerns the names under<br />

which plants are described. It is tempt<strong>in</strong>g to cut off the " Cereus sennillis " of the above hypothetical quotation<br />

and substitute "Aloe sp.", but wiser to reta<strong>in</strong> the orig<strong>in</strong>al name and lightly pencil the alteration <strong>in</strong> the marg<strong>in</strong>.<br />

A little study of the vagaries of nomenclature will soon show why !<br />

Where to f<strong>in</strong>d Books<br />

The Society and Branch Libraries are do<strong>in</strong>g an excellent job <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g the popular books on succulents available<br />

to members : all praise to the hard-work<strong>in</strong>g librarians who attempt to satisfy often overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g demands.<br />

For the more out-of-the-way books one must contact the larger public and private libraries, and it is here that the<br />

need is felt for some system of locat<strong>in</strong>g special items. Some central organisation like the I.O.S. might well take the<br />

lead, prepar<strong>in</strong>g a card <strong>in</strong>dex of book titles stat<strong>in</strong>g where they are to be found, and under what circumstances they<br />

can be consulted. In this way the l<strong>in</strong>k jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g serious enthusiasts throughout the country can be made stronger still.<br />

Mrs. Cutler, one of our oldest members, has been k<strong>in</strong>d enough to supply the miss<strong>in</strong>g copy, No. 2 of volume 7,<br />

of our own Journal which now completes the library set. Mr. Eatwell has also been good enough to donate copies<br />

of Mr. Roan's " Cactus and Succulent Plants," and Mrs. Higg<strong>in</strong>s' " The Cactus Growers' Guide " to the Library,

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56 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br.-contd.<br />

By Dr. A. TISCHER<br />

Translated by Mrs. G. Peters<br />

Sub-genus 3 : Euconophytum Schwant.<br />

Species of compact, or loosened bolster growth, body spherical, cyl<strong>in</strong>drical, sp<strong>in</strong>dle shaped, pear shape or else<br />

skittle to heart shaped. Outer sk<strong>in</strong> smooth, rough or hairy, unmarked, or else marked with spots or l<strong>in</strong>es, which<br />

are sometimes elevated. The flowers are white, cream, p<strong>in</strong>k, red to carm<strong>in</strong>e red, copper coloured, w<strong>in</strong>e red or<br />

yellow to orange. Some open <strong>in</strong> the day time and some at night. Type I to 24.<br />

Series I. Ficiformia Schwant.<br />

Body pear shaped, or, through lobe formations, heart shaped, blue green, sides often reddish, on top marked<br />

with large translucent dark green to reddish spots which partly merge <strong>in</strong>to one another. Flowers are large, p<strong>in</strong>k<br />

or white <strong>in</strong> colour, open<strong>in</strong>g at night. Types 20 to 24.<br />

Type species : C. ficiforme (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : District Ceres, Worcester, Robertson.<br />

C. ofti/e (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (rs 22/24), C. bicar<strong>in</strong>atum L. Bol (rs 23/24), C. ficiforme (Haw.) N. E. Br. (rs 20/24)<br />

(syn : C. placidum N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.? C. pallidum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.?) C. odoratum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (rs22/24)<br />

(syn. C. altile (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.?), C. pallidum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (rs 21/23), C. placidum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.<br />

(w-rs 21/23).<br />

Series 2. Carruicola Schwant.<br />

Body mostly <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shaped and flat on top, <strong>in</strong> some <strong>in</strong>stances nearly half globular or a little sp<strong>in</strong>dle<br />

shaped. Flower white, straw colour to cream, w<strong>in</strong>e red ; open<strong>in</strong>g at night. Types 2 to 6, 8 to 10, 13 to 16, 19<br />

and 20, 23 to 26, 33.<br />

Type species : C. truncatellum (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Van Rhynsdorp, Clanwilliam, Calv<strong>in</strong>ia, Piquetberg, Ceres, La<strong>in</strong>gsburg, Worcester (?),<br />

Montague, Robertson, Ladismith, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Albert, Willowmore, Uniondale, Beaufort<br />

West(?).<br />

Sub-series I. Truncatella Schwant.<br />

Body reversed skittle shape, flat on top, a little sunken or else half globular rounded, some species (marked<br />

bilob) green to grey green, sides often reddish t<strong>in</strong>ted, with large separate or row formation of spots, which are<br />

sometimes elevated. Flowers open at night and are white, straw to cream and pale w<strong>in</strong>e red coloured. Types<br />

2 and 3, 8 to 10, 13 and <strong>14</strong>, 16, 19, 24 to 26.<br />

Type species : C. truncatellum (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Van Rhynsdorp, Clanwilliam, Ceres, Calv<strong>in</strong>ia, Montague, La<strong>in</strong>gsburg, Ladismith,<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Albert, Oudtshoorn, Willowmore, Uniondale, Beaufort West (?).<br />

C. archeri Lav. (v 9/13), C. brevitubum Lav. (w-rs 9), C. calitzdorpense L. Bol. (w-rs 13), C. catervum N. E. Br.<br />

(w 13), C. ceresianum L. Bol (c 13), C. cibdelum N. E. Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. clarum N. E. Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. dispar N. E. Br.<br />

(c 16), C.fimbriatum (Sond.) N. E. Br. (w 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. framesii Lav. (c24/26), C. meleagris L. Bol. (c9/l4), C. lucipunctum<br />

N. E. Br. (c 16/24), C. morganii Lav. (w <strong>14</strong>/24), C. muirii N. E. Br. (w 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. multipunctatum Tisch. (w <strong>14</strong>/16),<br />

C. peersii Lav. (c 13), C. permaculatum Tisch. (w 2/3), C. pis<strong>in</strong>um N. E. Br. (w? 8/9), C. novellum N. E. Br. (c 13),<br />

C. purpusii (Schwant.) N. E. Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), (syn. C. renniei Lav.? C. spirale N. E. Br.?), C. renniei Lav. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C.<br />

spirale N. E. Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. subglobusum Tisch. (c <strong>14</strong>), C. translucens N. E. Br. (c 13), C. truncatellum (Haw.) N. E.<br />

Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), (syn : C. cibdelum N. E. Br.?), C. truncatum (Thunb.) N. E. Br. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. viridicatum (N. E. Br.)<br />

N. E. Br. (c 13), C. viridicatum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. var punctatum N. E. Br. (c 13), C. uvaeforme (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

(c 8/<strong>14</strong>) (syn : C. vcnrhynsdorpense Schwant., C. julii Schwant.), C. wagneriorum Schwant. (w 9), C. wiggettae N. E.<br />

Br. (c 13).<br />

Sub-series 2. Piluliformia Tisch.<br />

Body very small, <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shape to nearly spherical or elliptical, green to blue green, at the top with<br />

small dark green to browny green spots, or marked with short l<strong>in</strong>es. Flower very small, white, cream, copper<br />

coloured or red. Types 2 to 4, 9, 13 and <strong>14</strong>, 19, 33.<br />

Type species : C. piluliforme (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Malmesbury, Robertson, Montague, Ladismith, Swellendam.<br />

C. advenum N. E. Br. (co? 13), C. aggregatum N, E. Br. (co 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. brevipetalum Lav. (r 9/<strong>14</strong>), C, edwardli.

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 57<br />

Schwant. (w? 4/33), C. comptonii N. E. Br. (co 13/19), C. joubertii Lav. (c 9/<strong>14</strong>), C. leightoniae L. Bol. (rs 9/<strong>14</strong>), C.<br />

piluliforme (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (co 9/<strong>14</strong>), (syn : C. etayhrianum Schwant.), C. rubrum L. Bol (r 3/4).<br />

Sub-series 3. Picta Schwant.<br />

Small bodies <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shape, at the top with spots or l<strong>in</strong>e mark<strong>in</strong>gs, which <strong>in</strong> some cases are elevated,<br />

grey to bluey green, sides mostly reddish to <strong>in</strong>tensive carm<strong>in</strong>e red coloured, spots and l<strong>in</strong>es also most <strong>in</strong>tensive<br />

browny to carm<strong>in</strong>e red coloured. Flower is white to cream coloured, open<strong>in</strong>g at night. Types : 8 to 10, 13<br />

and <strong>14</strong>, 16, 33.<br />

Type species : C. leviculum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Van Rhynsdorp, Calv<strong>in</strong>ia, Clanwilliam, Ceres, Worcester, Robertson, Montague,<br />

La<strong>in</strong>gsburg, Ladismith.<br />

C. albifissum Tisch. (c 13), C. assimile N. E. Br. (c 9/<strong>14</strong>), C. batesii N. E. Br. (c 9/13), C. decoratum N. E. Br.<br />

(w-c 16), C. fossulatum Tisch. (c?20), C. labyrimheum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (c 13), C. lambertense Schick, et Tisch.<br />

(w-c 16), C. leviculum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (c 13), C. literatum N. E. Br. (w 13), C. m<strong>in</strong>imum (Haw.) N. E. Br. (c? 16/19)<br />

C. notatum N. E. Br. (w-c 10/16), C. obmetale N. E. Br. (w 13), C. occultum L. Bol. (c 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. pardivisum Tisch.<br />

(w <strong>14</strong>), C. pauxillum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (w-c 13), C. petraeum N. E. Br. (c 13), C. perpusillum (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

(w-c 13), C. pictum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (w-c 13), C. polulum N. E. Br. (w 13), C. praec<strong>in</strong>ctum N. E. Br. (w-c 13),<br />

C. pusillum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (w-c 9/13), C. radiatum Tisch. (w 3), C. scitulum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (w 10/13),<br />

C. signatum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (c-y 9/13), C. vagum N. E. Br. (w 9/<strong>14</strong>).<br />

Sub-series 4. Tuberculato Schwant.<br />

Small bodies <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shape, mostly larger and broader than the types of sub-tribe Picta, grey green<br />

to sea green <strong>in</strong> colour, sides mostly deep dark carm<strong>in</strong>e ; at the top with either separate or <strong>in</strong>term<strong>in</strong>gl<strong>in</strong>g, larger,<br />

mostly elevated spots ; flowers white to cream coloured or pale p<strong>in</strong>k, open<strong>in</strong>g at night (nocturnal). Types 9,<br />

10, 13 to 16, 19 and 20, 24.<br />

Type species : C. obconellum (Haw.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Calv<strong>in</strong>ia, Van Rhynsdorp, Ceres, Clanwilliam, Worcester, Piquetberg.<br />

C. decl<strong>in</strong>atum L. Bol. (w 20), C. divergens L. Bol. (w 20), C. germanum N. E. Br. (w 10/20), C. longifissum Tisch.<br />

(w 15), C. multicolor Tisch. (c 19/20), C. mundum N. E. Br. (w-c 16/20), C. obconellum (Haw.) Schwant. (w 10/16),<br />

(syn : C. nevillei (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.; C. klaverense N. E. Br.), C. obcordellum (Haw.) N. E. Br. (w 16/24), C.<br />

parvipetalum N. E. Br. (w 10/19), C. parviflorum N. E. Br. (w 20), C. picturatum N. E. Br. (r 10/13), C. praeparvum<br />

N. E. Br. (w 9/<strong>14</strong>), C. spectabile Lav. (rs-r 10), C. ursprungianum Tisch (w 9).<br />

Series 3. Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia Schwant.<br />

Body broad, <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shaped, top flat and slightly saddle shaped, sunken, or arched to nearly spherical,<br />

dark green, grey to blue green, at the top and partly also extend<strong>in</strong>g on the sides, with small or largish spot mark<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

<strong>in</strong> some types, the spots are altogether absent. Flowers mostly large, with long floral stems, red, p<strong>in</strong>k, white or<br />

yellow ; open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the day time. Types I to 3, 7 to 20.<br />

Type species : C. wettste<strong>in</strong>ii (Bgr.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Great and Little Namaqualand, Van Rhynsdorp, Bushmanland.<br />

C. braunsii Schwant. (r 10), C. circumpunctatum Schick, et Tisch. (r 10), C. doorense N. E. Br. (r 2/9), C. flavum<br />

N. E. Br. (y 10) (syn : C. conc<strong>in</strong>num Schwant.), C. fraternum N. E. Br. (r 17), (syn : C. fraternum N. E. Br. var.<br />

leptanthum L. Bol. (r 17 C. marlothii N. E. Br.), C. globosum N. E. Br. (r-rs 1/2), C. gratum N. E. Br. (r 7), C iucundum<br />

(N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (r 7/<strong>14</strong>), C <strong>in</strong>ornatum N. E. Br. (r* 8/9), C kubusanum N. E. Br. (r 9/16), C. longistylum N E<br />

Br. (r 10), C. longipetalum L. Bol. (y 10/11), C. luteum N. E. Br. (y 10), C. luteolum L. Bol. (y 8/13), C. m<strong>in</strong>utum (Haw.)<br />

N. E. Br. (r-rs 10/17), C. m<strong>in</strong>utum (Haw.) N. E. Br. var. laxum L. Bol. (r-rs 10/17), C. novicium N. E. Br. (y 10/13),<br />

C. obovatum Lav. (rs I /2), C. obovotum Lav. var obtusum L. Bol. (y I /2), C. ornatum Lav. (y 9/10), C. pearsonii N. E. Br.<br />

(r 10/12), C. pearsonii N. E. Br. var m<strong>in</strong>or N. E. Br. (r 10/12), C. percrassum Schick, et Tisch. (y 10/16), C. praecox<br />

N. E. Br. (w 18/20), C. rarum N. E. Br. (r 10), C. ricardianum Loesch et Tisch. (w 11/12), C. robustum Tisch. (r 9/10),<br />

C. rubristylosum Tisch. (y 13/<strong>14</strong>), C. ruschii Schwant. (r 11), C. schlechteri Schwant. (w 20), C. sellatum Tisch. (r 18),<br />

C. tetracarpum Lav. (y 7/8), C. t<strong>in</strong>ctum Lav. (y 10/11), C. tubatum Tisch. (r 19), C. wettste<strong>in</strong>ii (Bgr.) N. E. Br. (r 12),<br />

C. wettste<strong>in</strong>ii (Bgr.) N. E. Br. var oculatum L. Bol. (r-rs 10/11) (syn : C. ruschii Schwant ?).<br />

Series 4. M<strong>in</strong>uscula Schwant.<br />

Bodies small, <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shape or egg shape, cyl<strong>in</strong>drical to sp<strong>in</strong>dle shape, top sides flat, arched or sometimes<br />

rounded bilob, translucent light green to olive green, or dark green to browny green, sides partly browny, reddish<br />

or carm<strong>in</strong>e red, with spot or l<strong>in</strong>e mark<strong>in</strong>gs, which are ma<strong>in</strong>ly elevated. Flowers comparatively large, with long<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on Page 63)

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58 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

UNUSUAL SUCCULENTS<br />

By G. G. GREEN<br />

It is a curious fact that, amongst the Echeverias, the most brilliant flower colours are to be found on the hairy<br />

species, and apart from those mentioned some time ago, E. setosa, now <strong>in</strong> full bloom, is both hairy and colourful.<br />

The orange red flowers are borne <strong>in</strong> profusion dur<strong>in</strong>g May, as many as ten or more stems from a s<strong>in</strong>gle plant be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

quite common, and the flowers last for several weeks. A low grow<strong>in</strong>g and compact species it is ideally suitable for<br />

edg<strong>in</strong>g or pan culture and clusters of the hairy, green rosettes are a sight to see dur<strong>in</strong>g this period. Culture is<br />

extraord<strong>in</strong>arily easy as almost any k<strong>in</strong>d of soil will suit, so long as it is of a porous nature, and noth<strong>in</strong>g could give<br />

a brighter splash of colour <strong>in</strong> the w<strong>in</strong>dow where it will grow comfortably. There are other varieties of this species,<br />

also most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, especially the cristate form which, however, rarely flowers.<br />

In the last issue I did not mention the flowers of the Kalanchoe group, and the sight of the beautiful p<strong>in</strong>k<br />

blooms of K. eriophylla, at present <strong>in</strong> flower, brought this to m<strong>in</strong>d. This lovely species is less common even than<br />

K, tomentosa, and a little more difficult to cultivate, but it is a treasure when grown successfully. The white<br />

silvery leaves are narrow and longer than those of the "Panda" plant, with lighter brown mark<strong>in</strong>gs turn<strong>in</strong>g almost<br />

rust red at the tips. It has a tendency to sprawl if not grown <strong>in</strong> full light, or if too rapid growth through shad<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and over water<strong>in</strong>g has occurred, but strong bushy plants can be acquired dur<strong>in</strong>g the course of a season or two if<br />

the treatment described previously for the hairy species is carried out.<br />

Patience is the watchword for good cultivation, and it has its own reward <strong>in</strong> the later development of a healthy<br />

plant, very beautiful <strong>in</strong> appearance, with the large lilac-p<strong>in</strong>k flowers on their long hairy stems. A sandy compost,<br />

conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g leaf mould and f<strong>in</strong>e gravel, suits this species well and, if the water<strong>in</strong>g is carefully attended to, should<br />

encourage the strong growth necessary to the species.<br />

Before leav<strong>in</strong>g this remarkable genus, I would like to <strong>in</strong>clude a word or two about K. kewensis, a species that<br />

seems to get scarcer every year. There is no great demand for it, however, among succulent collectors, and growers<br />

have reluctantly been forced to keep down stocks on account of this and the much needed room. I believe that<br />

this lack of <strong>in</strong>terest is purely the result of failure to cultivate the species, plus the fact that it is a hard subject to<br />

grow with any success. Unlike any of its relations <strong>in</strong> appearance, K. kewensis has peculiar leaf forms which vary<br />

slightly on the same plant. They are produced from a smooth hairless stem, bronze <strong>in</strong> colour, <strong>in</strong> a somewhat<br />

irregular fashion. There may be a pair of long, narrow po<strong>in</strong>ted leaves, greenish brown <strong>in</strong> colour, and the next<br />

pair divided <strong>in</strong>to three or four long narrow po<strong>in</strong>ts, almost like f<strong>in</strong>gers stretch<strong>in</strong>g out from the stalks. These leaves<br />

are thick and tough, rounded along the edges and smooth, giv<strong>in</strong>g a most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g appearance to the plants.<br />

The flowers are rose p<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> colour, produced <strong>in</strong> large numbers from the centre of growth, last<strong>in</strong>g for a considerable<br />

time. It is a slow grow<strong>in</strong>g species, easily raised from seed, and needs a substantial soil compost conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g leaf<br />

mould and coarse sand. The grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t should be taken out when young to encourage side shoots and have<br />

uncramped conditions for the roots. Though slow grow<strong>in</strong>g the plants always have an attractive appearance, and<br />

need little attention <strong>in</strong> the way of cultivation other than regular water<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> the summer and very little <strong>in</strong> the w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

Good light will br<strong>in</strong>g out a coppery tone to the foliage, and care should be taken to see that the roots are not<br />

dried out dur<strong>in</strong>g the hot weeks of summer. It is a species well worth grow<strong>in</strong>g, apart from the satisfaction obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

when flowers are eventually produced on a healthy specimen.<br />

The flowers on Senecio medleywoodii have now produced the feathery seed pods, soon to float about <strong>in</strong> the breeze<br />

unless a careful watch is made on them, but other equally fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g species of the genus are just com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to bloom.<br />

S. vestita, with its flattened silvery leaves and very compact growth, has formed large buds on long silvery<br />

stems and the bright yellow petals will be fully opened with<strong>in</strong> the next day or so. This is the culm<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t of<br />

a year's patient growth with the plants nearly twice the size of last year. This species only grows slowly, but is elegantly<br />

formed and regally disda<strong>in</strong>ful of all efforts to <strong>in</strong>crease the rate of growth, preferr<strong>in</strong>g to keep its lovely appearance<br />

almost unchanged for long periods. The leaves very rarely shrivel or fall off, persist<strong>in</strong>g for several years without<br />

blemish. The creamy white wool at the grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts is an attractive feature of the growth and as long as this<br />

occurs the plants are healthy. There is a strong root system to this species which enjoys a more unrestricted<br />

freedom than most succulents. Consequently, a fairly large pot will be appreciated if the soil is good, coarse and<br />

nourish<strong>in</strong>g, and conta<strong>in</strong>s a liberal quantity of crushed brick and mortar, or limestone gravel. Plenty of water is<br />

needed <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g and summer, with only sufficient to keep the roots moist <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

S. scaposus is also about to flower though the stems and buds are not so large as those of the preced<strong>in</strong>g species.<br />

Of much shorter growth, this species is equally fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g and needs the same treatment for good results. The

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 59<br />

Haworthia attenuate typica Haworthia attenuata var. britteniana<br />

Haworthia attenuata var. clariperla Haworthia attenuata var. fasciata<br />

Four photographs by A. J. A. Uitewaal

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60 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Conophytum ricardianum Dr. A. Tischer Opuntia tomentosa H. Hall<br />

Succulents outdoors <strong>in</strong> Normandy Capt. J. Delacour

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 61<br />

Hereroa granulata Cephalophyllum ebracteatium<br />

Cheiridopsis marlothii Odontophorus sp.<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' " The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae

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62 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Vanheerdia roodiae Oscularia deltoides<br />

Lampranthus sp. Ebracteota montis moltkei<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' "The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 63<br />

longer, narrower leaves are silver and sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g with the same white wool at the grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts, and rema<strong>in</strong> almost<br />

as long on the plant as S. vestita. It does, however, resent too much water if the weather is not f<strong>in</strong>e and warm,<br />

and care should be taken to see that none gets among the leaves to cause rot which would soon demolish the plant.<br />

These are two plants that should be placed with the other beautiful hairy species.<br />

Another splash of brilliant colour has been provided by the purple blooms of those Mesembryanthemums,<br />

Trichodiadema bulbosum and Aptenia cordifolia variegata.<br />

The first is a small bush with erect stems crowded with the small hair-tipped leaves. Flowers are produced<br />

very freely <strong>in</strong>deed at the tips of the stems which grow from tuberous or swollen root stocks, and last for lengthy<br />

periods. The plants should be trimmed <strong>in</strong> March <strong>in</strong>to compact forms so that the appearance is not marred by overgrown<br />

stems bend<strong>in</strong>g under the weight of the leaves. They like plenty of water from April and throughout the<br />

summer, with very little <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter, enough be<strong>in</strong>g stored <strong>in</strong> the roots to last through the w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

The other species, Aptenia cordifolia is a pretty trail<strong>in</strong>g or prostrate plant with yellow and green variegated<br />

heartshaped leaves and bright purple rose flowers dur<strong>in</strong>g May and June. Culture is easy if water<strong>in</strong>g is not too<br />

heavy dur<strong>in</strong>g early spr<strong>in</strong>g, and plants ripen better when bedded out <strong>in</strong> the garden dur<strong>in</strong>g summer.<br />

Sedum Palmeri is also a pretty plant when <strong>in</strong> bloom <strong>in</strong> early spr<strong>in</strong>g. The feathery yellow flowers are much<br />

larger than <strong>in</strong> the usual Sedums and are borne <strong>in</strong> a full cluster on the upright stems. It is very unlike a Sedum <strong>in</strong><br />

growth and appearance, with the broad light green leaves, and needs more water than other species. It makes a<br />

good foil for the darker green of Monanthes muralis that qua<strong>in</strong>t little shrub with the " p<strong>in</strong> cushion " flowers <strong>in</strong><br />

bloom now.<br />

A Crassula that used to be found <strong>in</strong> almost every florist's shop at this time of year, because of its pretty p<strong>in</strong>k<br />

flowers, is C. sarcocaulis. This half hardy shrub was often bedded out <strong>in</strong> parks dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer months and a<br />

brave sight it was, too, but like many other good plants, seems to have almost disappeared nowadays. It is very<br />

easy to grow from cutt<strong>in</strong>gs and forms small shrubs with m<strong>in</strong>ute oval leaves and slender branches. The flowers<br />

are light p<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> close clusters on the ends of the branches, borne very profusely dur<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g and summer. In<br />

the cold greenhouse or on the w<strong>in</strong>dow sill, it will thrive <strong>in</strong> an ord<strong>in</strong>ary compost of loam, leaf mould and sand, and<br />

needs water regularly.<br />

CACTUS CULTURAL NOTES (Cont<strong>in</strong>ued from Page 51)<br />

I hope that members who had seeds from the distribution have been successful at rais<strong>in</strong>g them. The<br />

distribution has kept me very busy, too busy for the time of the year. I noticed a slight under-statement <strong>in</strong> the<br />

April Journal, when <strong>in</strong> the report of the Annual Meet<strong>in</strong>g it was stated that I had dealt with over a thousand packets<br />

<strong>in</strong> the year. This should have been for one distribution only. Each follow<strong>in</strong>g one has meant as much work.<br />

Added to this is the task of try<strong>in</strong>g to answer all the queries which are still be<strong>in</strong>g sent with the applications and<br />

it will not leave much to the imag<strong>in</strong>ation to realise how my time is occupied.<br />

This is still a good time to take cutt<strong>in</strong>gs. It is amaz<strong>in</strong>g the difference the sun can make where cutt<strong>in</strong>gs are<br />

concerned. I have had off-sets <strong>in</strong> Vermiculite for some time without roots form<strong>in</strong>g, but a few days' sunsh<strong>in</strong>e has<br />

caused the cutt<strong>in</strong>gs to produce roots <strong>in</strong> a day or two. You will often f<strong>in</strong>d that it is unwise to <strong>in</strong>sert the cutt<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

deep <strong>in</strong>to the root<strong>in</strong>g medium ; they generally do better if they just rest on the surface. Tall ones can be supported<br />

with a small stick. Whilst the plants are still flower<strong>in</strong>g it is advisable to poll<strong>in</strong>ate with a f<strong>in</strong>e brush, as many types<br />

will not produce fruits and seeds unless this is done. If you do not require the seeds for sow<strong>in</strong>g the fruits will give<br />

added colour to your collection. Some Mams, appear to be self sterile and will not form berries unless they are<br />

poll<strong>in</strong>ated from another plant of the same species.<br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br. (Cont<strong>in</strong>ued from Page 57)<br />

floral stem, white, red or yellow ; opens <strong>in</strong> the day time. Types 3 to 6, 8 to 10, 13 and <strong>14</strong>, 16, 19 and 20, 28 and 29.<br />

Type species : C. m<strong>in</strong>usculum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Little Namaqualand, Bushmanland, Kenhart, Van Rhynsdorp, Clanwilliam, Paarl,<br />

Malmesbury, Fiquetberg.<br />

C. auriflorum Tisch. (y 3/8), C. brownii Tisch. (rs 9), C. ectypum N. E. Br. (rs 13/16) (syn : C. limbatum N. E.<br />

Br.?), C eenkokerense L, Bol. (rs 28), C. edwardsiae Lav. (r 29), C. fuller! L. Bol. (r 10), C. herrei Schwant. (r 3/4),<br />

C. limbatum N. E. Br. (r 13) (syn : C. chloratum Tisch.), C. luckhoffii Lav. (r 28), C. m<strong>in</strong>usculum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br.<br />

(r 3/4), C. obscurum N. E. Br. (r 10/13), C. reticulatum L. Bol. (r 9/13), C. reticulatum L. Bol. var roseum L. Bol.<br />

(rs 9/13), C. roodioe N. E. Br. (w 28), C. primosii Lav. (w 28), C. tantillum N. E. Br. (r 19/20), C. tischleri Schwant.<br />

(y 13), C. turrigerum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (r 28), C. virens L. Bol. (r 10/13), C. wiesemannianum Schwant. (r? 10/13).

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64 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

AEONIUM SIMSII<br />

By WILLIAM T. STEARN<br />

The contemporary renown of Dr. John Sims (1749—1831) rested on his knowledge and skill as a medical man.<br />

He was physician to the London Charity for Deliver<strong>in</strong>g Poor Married Women <strong>in</strong> their Homes as well as to the Royal<br />

Ear Dispensary and enjoyed an evidently well earned reputation, which led to his be<strong>in</strong>g summoned, alas, too late, for<br />

the Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Charlotte's tragic conf<strong>in</strong>ement. He was also a keen botanist. When his friend, William Curtis, the<br />

founder of the Botanical Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, died <strong>in</strong> 1799, Sims took over the editorship and kept the magaz<strong>in</strong>e go<strong>in</strong>g until<br />

1826, be<strong>in</strong>g thus responsible for volumes <strong>14</strong> to 53 ; he then retired and William Jackson Hooker became editor.<br />

It is Sims's long association with the Botanical Magaz<strong>in</strong>e rather than his medical activities, at the time so much<br />

more important, that has kept his name alive.<br />

Among the many new plants, figured <strong>in</strong> the Botanical Magaz<strong>in</strong>e dur<strong>in</strong>g Sims's editorship, is a dwarf Canarian<br />

house leek, <strong>in</strong>troduced from the Canary Islands by Christian Smith <strong>in</strong> 1815, and described and illustrated by Sims<br />

<strong>in</strong> The Bot. Mag. t. 1978 (April, 1818) as Sempervivum ciliatum. This name had, however, already been used by<br />

Willdenow <strong>in</strong> 1809 for another species. Sweet, whose Hortus Suburbanus Lond<strong>in</strong>ensis was then <strong>in</strong> the pr<strong>in</strong>ter's<br />

hands, noted this double employ of the name Sempervivum ciliatum ; it was too late for him to enumerate Sims's<br />

plant <strong>in</strong> the ma<strong>in</strong> body of his work, so he <strong>in</strong>cluded it <strong>in</strong> the addenda, renam<strong>in</strong>g it Sempervivum simsii. Sweet's entry<br />

is as follows:—"Sempervivum. 19 Simsii, ciliated. Canaries, 1815, 9.4. G. Bot. Mag. 1978. ciliatum B.M. not of W. en."<br />

It gives a clear reference to Sims's description and figure <strong>in</strong> Bot. Mag. t. 1978, published under the <strong>in</strong>valid name of<br />

Sempervivum ciliatum and <strong>in</strong>dicates Willdenow's prior use of the same name for another plant. This reference to<br />

an earlier validly published description made it unnecessary for Sweet to describe the plant anew. Praeger <strong>in</strong> his<br />

Account of the Sempervivum Group 193 (1932), thus erred <strong>in</strong> dismiss<strong>in</strong>g the name S. simsii Sweet as a " name<br />

without description." In 1820 the same plant was named S. caespitosum C. Smith, but this name is ante-dated by<br />

S. simsii. Nowadays the species is placed <strong>in</strong> the genus Aeonium, among the species of which, to quote Praeger, it<br />

may be "at once known by its close tufted habit and dense rosettes of strap-shaped leaves edged with long cilia.<br />

It is one of the small group of species which bear conspicuous parallel glands on the back of the leaves."<br />

Its correct name is accord<strong>in</strong>gly :—<br />

Aeonium simsii (Sweet) Stearn <strong>in</strong> Gard. Chron. III. 130: 169 (1951).<br />

Syn. : Sempervivum ciliatum C. Smith ex Sims <strong>in</strong> Bot. Mag. 45 : t. 1978 (1818); non Willdenow (1809). S. simsii<br />

Sweet, Hortus Suburb. Lond. 230 (1818). S. caespitosum C. Smith ex Otto <strong>in</strong> Nees ab Esenbeck, Horae Physicae Berol:<br />

38 (1820) ; Loddiges, Bot. Cab. 16 ; t. 1515 (1829) ; Burchard, Beitr, Okol. Biol. Kanarenpflanzen (<strong>in</strong> Bibliotheca<br />

Bot. 98) <strong>14</strong>1, t. 38 (1929). S. ciliare Haworth, Revis. PI. Succ. 64 (1821). Aeonium caespitosum (C. Smith) Webb &<br />

Berthelot, Hist. Nat. lies Canaries, Phytog. I : 191 (1840) ; Praeger, Sempervivum 193, fig 84 (1932).<br />

The Autumn Show of the Society will be held <strong>in</strong> the R.H.S. New Hall on the 23rd and 24th September. It<br />

will comprise sixteen classes : three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactanae ; three Coryphanthonae (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Mammillarias) ; three<br />

Cereeanoe ; three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereeanae ; three cacti ; one specimen succulent (exclud<strong>in</strong>g cacti) ; three Faucarias<br />

and /or Stomatium ; three stemless Mesembryonthemums ; three Haworthias, Gasterias and /or Aloes ; three Euphorbias;<br />

three Crassulas ; three Echeverias and/or Cotyledons ; three succulents other than cacti ; succulents other than<br />

cacti, raised from seed by the exhibitor, sown on or after 1st January, 1950 (giv<strong>in</strong>g date of sow<strong>in</strong>g) space allotted<br />

3 ft. by I ft.; three Stapeliads ; group of cacti and/or succulents to cover table space 5 ft. by 3 ft. for the Amateur<br />

Garden<strong>in</strong>g Bronze Medal and Award of Merit. Entries should be sent to the Hon. Secretary, Mr. K. H. Walden,<br />

152 Ardgowan Road, Catford, London, S.E.6, not later than 13th September.<br />

On March 12th, a well attended meet<strong>in</strong>g, at which were a number of guests from other societies, heard the<br />

Howard E. Gates' lecture on Cactus Collect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Lower California, read by Mr. Shurly. Coloured Kodachrome<br />

slides were <strong>shown</strong> that also illustrated some of the local architecture and were of considerable general <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />

The lecture <strong>in</strong>cluded some historical details about the build<strong>in</strong>gs. Mr. Bishop, chairman of the London Cactus<br />

Club, made a short speech of thanks at the close of the meet<strong>in</strong>g.

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 65<br />

REPORTS OF MEETINGS<br />

May 13th, <strong>1952</strong>. A. Boarder : Rebut/as, Parodias, Lobivias.<br />

A number of Rebutias, Lobivias and Parodias were brought as a table show for the talk by Mr. Boarder, the ma<strong>in</strong><br />

po<strong>in</strong>ts of which follow.<br />

Rebutias and LobiYias are members of the Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereeanae, Parodias of the Ech<strong>in</strong>oeactanae. It is often difficult<br />

to identify cacti from their appearance unless flowers or seed pods are carried, although the shape of the plant is<br />

sometimes a guide, as with R. violaciflora, the head of which is flat. R. senilis bears wide flowers, while R. aylostera<br />

and fiebridgii, which belong to the Digitorebutia group, have hairy buds common to these f<strong>in</strong>ger shaped plants.<br />

Rebutias are easy to grow from seed and, if given plenty of sun, will flower and set seed freely, but because of packed<br />

close offshoots they may be difficult to gather. Flowers spr<strong>in</strong>g from low down on the sides of the plants.<br />

Lobivia haageana forms the connect<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>k between Rebutias and Lobivias. Offshoots of the latter do not rot<br />

readily and the shape of the parent is spoiled by remov<strong>in</strong>g them. Lobivias (the name is an anagram of Bolivia, their<br />

native habitat) are closely related to Rebutias, but L.famatimensis is rem<strong>in</strong>iscent of Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis, with cup shaped flowers.<br />

Flowers develop over a longer period and stay open longer than Rebutias, perhaps because of non-poll<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

Pseudolobivia kratochvilliana, which flowers at two years, carries its cream sweet scented blooms on long tubes<br />

and provides the l<strong>in</strong>k between Lobivias and Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis. The ridges of Lobivias are broken, not cont<strong>in</strong>uous as <strong>in</strong><br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis and the plants are stronger than Rebutias, though not so free flower<strong>in</strong>g, e.g., L. pentlandii is not easy to<br />

flower, but the colour of the flowers is f<strong>in</strong>er, the petals are larger and the period of bloom<strong>in</strong>g longer.<br />

Parodias, however, flower from the newer central growth for a long period, but are not easily grown. Sp<strong>in</strong>es<br />

are sometimes hooked as <strong>in</strong> P. catamasensis. They are particularly liable to failure from over water<strong>in</strong>g, which,<br />

perhaps, accounts for the popularity of the grafted plant with this genus. Seeds ripen the year after flower<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

General po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong>clude a fondness of sunlight, particularly for good flower<strong>in</strong>g—a plant <strong>in</strong> a room should be<br />

regularly turned to the light. They are very susceptible to rot from over water<strong>in</strong>g. A good soak<strong>in</strong>g when the<br />

plant is really dry is better than cont<strong>in</strong>ual smaller additions, as underneath the bulge of the plant may be quite moist<br />

even though the soil looks dry. At nightfall a light spray is beneficial, as this simulates the dews of nature. Over<br />

pott<strong>in</strong>g should be avoided. A good porous soil is recommended, say two parts loam, one of peat, one of sharp sand,<br />

with fertilisers such as superphosphate of lime, hoof and horn grist, etc., but if your soil gives good results—let<br />

well alone. Vermiculite will encourage root growth provided food is <strong>in</strong> the soil, but graft<strong>in</strong>g tends to produce an<br />

unnaturally vigorous growth.<br />

Germ<strong>in</strong>ation is facilitated, particularly with the dust-like seeds of Parodia, if small stones are scattered over the<br />

seeds, leav<strong>in</strong>g gaps for observ<strong>in</strong>g the degree of moisture. Spray<strong>in</strong>g should be done carefully, too, or the seed<br />

may be blown away. Germ<strong>in</strong>ate at 70—80°, with some air, <strong>in</strong> darkness ; giv<strong>in</strong>g light, <strong>in</strong> moderation, for six months,<br />

and more air as soon as any seeds grow on. Parodias usually take up to three weeks for germ<strong>in</strong>ation. Temperature<br />

should be slightly reduced when growth beg<strong>in</strong>s.<br />

Flowers fertilise cleistogamously sometimes, but usually hand poll<strong>in</strong>ation is needed and cross-poll<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong><br />

some cases. With Digitorebutias shoots and flowers sometimes alternate annually. Seed pods should not be<br />

removed from show plants.<br />

When sow<strong>in</strong>g seed it is a good plan to divide the pot with divisions and number each for identification purposes.<br />

Dampness collect<strong>in</strong>g on the glass should be wiped off daily. Water stores should be covered to prevent the formation<br />

of algae, as this tends to drag seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from the soil. If the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs get too much sun and turn red, they<br />

should be put <strong>in</strong> partial shade for about six months until they show signs of renewed growth. Once the sp<strong>in</strong>es<br />

have formed, they can be dried out, if necessary to curb moss or algae growths. For the latter of which, a weekly<br />

spray with dilute permanganate of potash (beetroot colour when all is dissolved) is useful.<br />

Mr. Boarder dealt with numerous questions put to him after the close of his lecture. The meet<strong>in</strong>g closed<br />

after Mrs. Pryke Howard had been unanimously supported by all present <strong>in</strong> pass<strong>in</strong>g a vote of thanks to Mr. Boarder.<br />

General praise was given by the lecturer and others on the f<strong>in</strong>e show of plants of the genera on which the lecture<br />

was given. The show was the f<strong>in</strong>est we have had for a very long time.<br />

A full house attended another Covent Garden Meet<strong>in</strong>g on April 8th, and many members brought specimens<br />

for exchange. After a prelim<strong>in</strong>ary survey of the plants, a brisk trade was carried on by barter for upwards of an<br />

hour, dur<strong>in</strong>g which time general exchanges of <strong>in</strong>formation were made on the cure for ills and the best k<strong>in</strong>d of<br />

treatment to be given to obta<strong>in</strong> healthy plants.

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66 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

HAWORTHIA ATTENUATA AND ITS VARIETIES<br />

By A. J. A. UITEWAAL<br />

H. attenuate Haw. is one of the many variable species, like many with<strong>in</strong> the genus, of which scarcely two plants<br />

from different localities seem to be exactly the same. Is it a matter for wonder ?<br />

This species was first described by Haworth <strong>in</strong> Trans. L<strong>in</strong>n. Soc. 1804, but had been <strong>in</strong> cultivation long before<br />

that time as Boerhaavehad already mentioned it <strong>in</strong> his 1717 catalogue of plants <strong>in</strong> the garden at Leiden, Holland. Today,<br />

this species, or at least one of its forms, is more frequently seen <strong>in</strong> collections than any other, but not always known<br />

by name though it may be fairly easy to recognise by the tubercles on the back of the leaves be<strong>in</strong>g larger than the<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ute ones on the face, moreover, always hav<strong>in</strong>g a raised row of tubercles <strong>in</strong> the middle of the leaves. The plant<br />

Haworth described had recurved, long taper<strong>in</strong>g, subulate leaves with chalky white tubercles on both sides, of which<br />

those on the back of the leaves be<strong>in</strong>g larger than those on the face ; the fruit be<strong>in</strong>g oblong-triangular.<br />

In Philos. Mag. 1828, Haworth described H. clariperla, which later, particularly by Baker, has been regarded<br />

as a variety of H. ottenuoto ; comparison of Haworth's orig<strong>in</strong>al descriptions of these two species, there is <strong>in</strong>deed<br />

scarcely any difference of importance, clariperla only hav<strong>in</strong>g very dist<strong>in</strong>ct tubercles. From an observation added<br />

to the diagnosis of the latter, it can, however, be taken that clariperla must have been a smaller plant with shorter,<br />

less taper<strong>in</strong>g leaves than attenuata, the tubercles be<strong>in</strong>g more beautiful and more dist<strong>in</strong>ctly arranged <strong>in</strong> cross bands.<br />

Baker, <strong>in</strong> Flora Capensis 1896, mentions a plant as H. argyrostigma Hort as exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> English gardens under this<br />

name. This plant was regarded by Berger to be a variety of H. attenuata, differ<strong>in</strong>g from it by the tubercles be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

somewhat smaller, less regularly arranged and rather scattered.<br />

Dr. K. v. Poellnitz, <strong>in</strong> Kakt. u. a. Sukk. 1937, added a third variety, viz., var. britteniana, a variety he had first<br />

described as a separate species. Fairly often (not always as stated by v. Poellnitz) will be found some<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ute tubercles between the larger ones on the back of the leaves of many forms of H. attenuata. Var. britteniana<br />

has rather a lot of these m<strong>in</strong>ute tubercles, which form little groups and also often short transverse rows.<br />

So far it would seem to be fairly simple to dist<strong>in</strong>guish the species and its three varieties and one would perhaps<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k it must be fairly easy to <strong>in</strong>dicate them <strong>in</strong> one's collection without difficulty. So it might seem, but there are,<br />

however, so many different and transitional forms, <strong>in</strong> leaf shape, <strong>in</strong> size and arrangement of tubercles, moreover,<br />

also <strong>in</strong> colour, that it is often scarcely possible to say, with absolute safety, which of all these forms was the one<br />

described by the author. It is often so with the genus Haworthia and this is understandable <strong>in</strong> a genus with so many<br />

polymorphic species, that one is only sure of possess<strong>in</strong>g exactly this or that species or variety described if one has<br />

a co-type or an offset of the plant <strong>in</strong> question, or if one is <strong>in</strong> the position to compare with good herbarium material,<br />

or liv<strong>in</strong>g type plants. Perhaps with the exception of var. britteniana type, material was sent by v. Poellnitz to the<br />

Bot. Gard. at Berl<strong>in</strong>-Dahlem ; no type material of the species and varieties mentioned up to now have been saved.<br />

Because I possess an offset of a plant of the var. britteniana (locality Oudtshoorn) sent to Europe by Miss Britten,<br />

I may suppose to possess a typical plant. This variety was already represented <strong>in</strong> my collection by other specimens,<br />

one of them under the number " Stellenbosch 108 " ; it seems to vary somewhat <strong>in</strong> the length of the leaves. It<br />

is fairly easy to recognise from the other forms by the comb<strong>in</strong>ation of the follow<strong>in</strong>g characteristics : a. its habit,<br />

the taper<strong>in</strong>g leaves ± <strong>in</strong>curved or upright, seldom recurv<strong>in</strong>g as far as has been noted ; b. the colour of the leaves,<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g of a dark, somewhat olivaceous green ; c. the fairly numerous m<strong>in</strong>ute tubercles between the larger ones on<br />

the back of the leaves, the larger ones be<strong>in</strong>g mostly scattered, sometimes arranged <strong>in</strong> ± clear, often curved transverse<br />

rows ; d. the larger tubercles, especially often somewhat depressed at their tips.<br />

Of H. attenuata and its var. clariperla there are good figures <strong>in</strong> the monograph of Salm Dyck. The transverse<br />

rows of the sometimes confluent<strong>in</strong>g tubercles as drawn <strong>in</strong> Salm's figure of the type are too much idealised ; generally<br />

the arrangement is more irregular. What, however, has always struck me most is the comparatively great difference<br />

between the plants figured ; such a remarkable plant as <strong>shown</strong> <strong>in</strong> Salm's figure of var. clariperla was represented<br />

<strong>in</strong> my collection, though about twice the size than as described. In 1950, <strong>in</strong> the Zurich collection, I found, however,<br />

the same plant, of which the measurement of the leaves completely agreed with Salm's description (<strong>shown</strong> on the<br />

photo) ; the plant was correctly named H. attenuata var. clariperla. Compared with the typical species, the<br />

recurved leaves of the var. clariperla are shorter (ca. S cm.), somewhat wider (ca. 2 cm.) and less long taper<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

the tubercles on the back of the leaves are larger <strong>in</strong> proportion, not so crowded, pure white, often arranged <strong>in</strong><br />

dist<strong>in</strong>ct transverse rows, ± confluent and so form<strong>in</strong>g shorter or longer cross bands ; the larger tubercles are<br />

somewhat depressed. The leaves, be<strong>in</strong>g of a rather dark green colour (like those of var. britteniana from which<br />

it differs, among others, by a quite different habit and arrangement of tubercles), the pure white tubercles are

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 67<br />

strik<strong>in</strong>gly beautiful, so its name has good reason. One question, however, rema<strong>in</strong>s : were the plants described<br />

by Haworth and by Salm exactly the same ?<br />

The number of described forms of H. attenuata <strong>in</strong>creased considerably when R. S. Farden, <strong>in</strong> this Journal (Vol. 8,<br />

nr. 2, 1939) described fourteen new varieties and forms, of which, however, ten are illegitimate as they are not<br />

accompanied by Lat<strong>in</strong> diagnosis ; the legitimate ones are : var. o'donoghueana, var. l<strong>in</strong>earis, var. dekoidea and var.<br />

m<strong>in</strong>issima. Farden himself stated that it was not easy to def<strong>in</strong>e these varieties because all varieties and forms<br />

were irregular <strong>in</strong> the disposition of the tubercles ; it, therefore, be<strong>in</strong>g necessary to avoid def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the leaves by<br />

extremes and only to select those which might be called the most general.<br />

Besides the fact that several plants described might have been garden forms, his sub-division, based especially<br />

on arrangement and size of the tubercles, very unstable characteristics, is a too artificial one and, therefore, not<br />

quite unjustly, criticised. If every morphological difference was given a taxonomical category, nearly every plant<br />

<strong>in</strong> the vegetable k<strong>in</strong>gdom would have a name. Mr. Reynolds, <strong>in</strong> the preface of his splendid work "The Aloes of<br />

South Africa " rightly wrote " that the beg<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>in</strong>st<strong>in</strong>ctively notes differences between plants, but, as his field<br />

experience <strong>in</strong>creases, he will learn to seek resemblances which br<strong>in</strong>g them together <strong>in</strong>to specified groups." We<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k, even without field experience, the serious student, <strong>in</strong> the course of time, comes to approximately the same<br />

conclusion ; the longer he studies the genus Haworthia, the more he will be <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed to group rather than sub-divide.<br />

We can, however, understand that one sometimes feels the need to describe an outstand<strong>in</strong>g form <strong>in</strong> such a polymorphic<br />

population. I possess a form of H. attenuata of which the tubercles on the marg<strong>in</strong>s of the leaves are often<br />

confluent, thus form<strong>in</strong>g a dist<strong>in</strong>ct, white, <strong>in</strong>terrupted marg<strong>in</strong> along the leaves ; I received this plant from a collector<br />

<strong>in</strong> America and it seems to be somewhat rare.<br />

We will not go here <strong>in</strong> detail of the several species Farden described. In 1947 I saw Farden's plants <strong>in</strong> Kew<br />

Gardens ; it is to be hoped that this material will be well kept and photographs made of them and published, at<br />

least of those varieties legitimately published and mentioned above. Farden did well to transfer H. fasciata var.<br />

caespitosa to the attenuata group by nam<strong>in</strong>g it H. attenuata var. caespitosa, to which group it surely belongs. This<br />

plant is one of the most beloved forms with<strong>in</strong> the group, commonly known and generally distributed by the <strong>in</strong>correct<br />

name of H. fasciata. A characteristic of the attenuata group, Farden properly mentioned, is the raised, lengthwise<br />

row of tubercles <strong>in</strong> the middle of the face of the leaves, although some related species also have the same characteristic.<br />

I will now try to give a sketch of H. attenuata, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g its forms. A stemless, or nearly stem less rosette, freely<br />

sprout<strong>in</strong>g. Leaves lanceolate-deltoid to deltoid, mostly gradually taper<strong>in</strong>g from base to tip, sometimes sub-ovate<br />

at base, somewhat <strong>in</strong>curved to recurved or spread<strong>in</strong>g, often falcated <strong>in</strong> the upper part, about 3.8 cm. long and<br />

8—20 m.m. wide (seldom larger) ; face flat convex to somewhat convex, with a more or less raised row of tubercles<br />

<strong>in</strong> the middle of the leaf, never smooth ; back convex to very convex, with a ± dist<strong>in</strong>ct keel, sometimes no keel is<br />

to be seen (especially <strong>in</strong> forms with confluent<strong>in</strong>g tubercles <strong>in</strong> crossbands). Tubercled on both sides of the leaves ;<br />

tubercles on face mostly m<strong>in</strong>ute (less than ca. J m.m.), sometimes medium sized (ca. X m.m.), mostly all of about<br />

the same size, scattered (except the lengthwise row <strong>in</strong> the middle), sometimes arranged <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dist<strong>in</strong>ct lengthwise<br />

rows, mostly apart, seldom some confluent<strong>in</strong>g, white, whitish, greenish, or sometimes concolorous, rarely somewhat<br />

differ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> colour ; tubercles on the back of the leaves always larger, sometimes scarcely, generally J—I m.m.<br />

diameter, sometimes somewhat larger, <strong>in</strong> some forms with fairly numerous m<strong>in</strong>ute tubercles between the larger ones,<br />

sometimes almost scattered, often arranged <strong>in</strong> ± regular transverse rows, often apart or some confluent<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

so form<strong>in</strong>g shorter or longer transverse bands, sometimes confluent<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> ± complete cross bands, seldom ±<br />

confluent<strong>in</strong>g on marg<strong>in</strong>s and so form<strong>in</strong>g a ) <strong>in</strong>terrupted marg<strong>in</strong>al l<strong>in</strong>e, white, whitish or greenish, rarely somewhat<br />

differ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> colour.<br />

As can be seen from the above, the arrangement of the tubercles can be quite different and is seldom quite<br />

the same on the various leaves of the same plant. Also <strong>in</strong> the colour of the tubercles there is much variation,<br />

often they have a pearl like hue, they may be pure chalky white, but seldom nearly concolorous. A plant with<br />

concolorous tubercles on the face and nearly concolorous tubercles on the back of the leaves is Stellenbosch 56<br />

(loc ?) ; further only the tubercles on the face may be ± concolorous, whilst those on the back of the leaves are<br />

pure white ; never, however, the reverse.<br />

To end this record we will compare H. attenuata with some other species of the section Margaritiferae. H.<br />

margaritifera has stouter leaves with generally larger tubercles, which on both sides (the face, however, is sometimes<br />

smooth) are of the same or nearly the same size ; the peduncle is stout, the flowers are rather whitish and their<br />

segments somewhat longer, the fruit oblong-triangular. Typical plants of H. radula have very m<strong>in</strong>ute tubercles<br />

of the same size on both sides of the leaves ; this species may also be fairly variable. Plants agree<strong>in</strong>g with Salm's<br />

(Cont<strong>in</strong>ued on Page 69)

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68 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

AN OUTDOOR CACTUS GARDEN IN NORMANDY<br />

By Capt. J. DELACOUR<br />

Normandy, and particularly Cleres, between Rouen and Dieppe, does not sound like an ideal location for desert<br />

plants. Perhaps the greatest horticultural success, however, that has been achieved there has been the establishment<br />

of a good many species of cacti and of other succulents cultivated out of doors dur<strong>in</strong>g the last sixteen years. Although<br />

my pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>terest is <strong>in</strong> birds and animals, of which large numbers are kept at Cleres, garden<strong>in</strong>g comes a very close<br />

second, and <strong>in</strong> the course of the years I have gathered together many species of trees, shrubs, ferns, herbaceous,<br />

alp<strong>in</strong>e and water plants ; there were also several houses for stove plants and orchids, which have been war casualties.<br />

The climate of Cleres could hardly have been less suitable for the purpose. It is situated <strong>in</strong> a narrow valley<br />

surrounded with wooded hills ; a chalk stream flows through the grounds, expand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a small lake. The soil<br />

is rich and deep, but heavy, limy and very cold ; vegetation is about two weeks late compared to nearby Rouen<br />

(15 miles) and to London. Summer heat is practically unknown, and night temperatures of 42° are frequent <strong>in</strong><br />

July and August. W<strong>in</strong>ters are fairly severe, rather colder than <strong>in</strong> the south of England ; exceptional frost of 5° F.<br />

i.e., 27 degrees F. below freez<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t occurred <strong>in</strong> 1940, 1941 and 1942, although it is unusual for the thermometer<br />

to drop below 12° F. Air humidity is always high.<br />

There are at Cleres narrow terraces runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> front of the old Manor House, which are much elevated above<br />

the surround<strong>in</strong>g grounds (20 to 25 feet) ; they have been established on the vaults and rubble of the old medieval<br />

castle. There are two levels ; the lower terrace is 15 feet wide between the stone balustrade and a tall, three-storey<br />

build<strong>in</strong>g ; it has a central paved path, with a bed three feet wide of rock plants and ferns on the outside, and a<br />

six-foot wide one along the build<strong>in</strong>g. At both ends of the terrace are two circular platforms, formed by ru<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

towers, with pools for water plants, tubs and vases. The upper terrace is only 10 feet wide ; the bed along the<br />

wall is narrow (2 feet) and about 60 feet long.<br />

The terraces face south and catch a good deal of sun, although the irregular build<strong>in</strong>gs of the Manor House, as<br />

well as the mass of the nearby chateau, project their shade on parts of them early <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g, and after five p.m.<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer. The high roofs of the XVe century Manor overhang the bed of the upper terrace to such a<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t that only stormy ra<strong>in</strong>s driven by strong southwesterly w<strong>in</strong>ds ever reach it.<br />

For many years I tried to grow <strong>in</strong> those beds various small shrubs and plants from dry countries, with <strong>in</strong>different<br />

success <strong>in</strong> most cases. The artificial soil rest<strong>in</strong>g on the vaults was not deep enough for many of them.<br />

Dur<strong>in</strong>g several visits to California and Arizona <strong>in</strong> the thirties, I became much <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> cacti and succulents,<br />

as I noticed many wild species grow<strong>in</strong>g at high altitudes <strong>in</strong> cold places. I decided to experiment with them on the<br />

terrace at Cleres, and I brought over a few. At the same time, I obta<strong>in</strong>ed from various sources <strong>in</strong> Europe other<br />

species known to be hardy. About ten different Opuntia, as many Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus and Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus, and two Agave<br />

were first tried <strong>in</strong> 1934. They did well, be<strong>in</strong>g watered liberally from May to October, but not at all the rest of the<br />

year ; snow and driv<strong>in</strong>g ra<strong>in</strong>, however, reached them at times dur<strong>in</strong>g the cold season and caused some to rot.<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g year, some protection was devised for half the bed ; moveable panels made of two boards separated<br />

by two-<strong>in</strong>ch space filled with sawdust, 20 <strong>in</strong>ches high, were set up five <strong>in</strong>ches <strong>in</strong> front of the row of large sandstones<br />

which form the border of the raised bed ; glass frames lean<strong>in</strong>g on the wall at a height of three feet provide a shelter<br />

from water and hard frost ; they can be lifted ; they are kept open dur<strong>in</strong>g the day when it is not freez<strong>in</strong>g, but<br />

they exclude water entirely ; <strong>in</strong> very cold weather the glass is protected by layers of burlap or straw matt<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The important po<strong>in</strong>t is to keep the plants absolutely dry from October till May. Boards and frames are removed<br />

and taken away dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer, and no trace of them can then be seen.<br />

This protection proved very useful. When at the end of April the boards and frames had been removed, all<br />

the plants were alive, if somewhat shrivelled ; with<strong>in</strong> a week or two they looked perfect. It was so encourag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that I procured immediately many semi-hardy or even so-called tender species, and the whole bed was planted out.<br />

Kew and Paris authorities consulted showed no confidence <strong>in</strong> my undertak<strong>in</strong>g, but dur<strong>in</strong>g the summer all the plants<br />

grew luxuriantly and a number flowered well. Before the autumn, more frames were made for the whole length<br />

of the bed, and it was arranged to allow a height of five feet <strong>in</strong>side for taller plants.<br />

It was a complete success ; a few delicate species did not stand the w<strong>in</strong>ter, but the great majority survived,<br />

and the summer show was excellent <strong>in</strong> 1938. As usual, the only trouble later on was the lack of room as specimens<br />

grew up ; we transferred the larger Opuntia and a few others to the broader, if a little less sheltered bed of the<br />

lower terrace, which is protected <strong>in</strong> a similar way dur<strong>in</strong>g the w<strong>in</strong>ter. The plants grow much better and flower<br />

more freely under such conditions than they do <strong>in</strong> pots that are taken <strong>in</strong>doors at the cold season. I should add<br />

here that some of the very hardy species were left unsheltered <strong>in</strong> small beds.

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July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 69<br />

In all beds we placed rich loam, one to two feet deep, and mixed with coarse sand. Later on, it was found<br />

that muddy sand from the bottom of the stream suited the cacti to perfection. The water runs freely through the<br />

light soil. When I left Geres <strong>in</strong> May, 1940, the plants were <strong>in</strong> excellent shape, some of the taller Opuntia, Cereus,<br />

Aloe and Crassula reach<strong>in</strong>g a height of five to six feet ; most species had flowered abundantly <strong>in</strong> 1939.<br />

I returned from America <strong>in</strong> the summer of 1946 ; there was little left of the collection ; the head gardener<br />

reported that the cacti and succulents had been wonderful until 1943 when a particularly troublesome body of<br />

occupy<strong>in</strong>g troops had burned the boards and frames <strong>in</strong> the heart of the w<strong>in</strong>ter. By the next spr<strong>in</strong>g only a few species<br />

had survived, which I saw <strong>in</strong> 1946 : three different forms of Opuntia hyb. (tortisp<strong>in</strong>al), procured from Correvon <strong>in</strong><br />

1920, one of which has p<strong>in</strong>k flowers ; Opuntia ech<strong>in</strong>ocarpa ; Opuntia whipplei ; Agave parryi, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a large<br />

specimen which is now ready to flower and was planted twenty years ago, one Agave victoriae-reg<strong>in</strong>ae and several<br />

Agave mexicana of a small, hardy form.<br />

In the spr<strong>in</strong>g of 1947, most of the upper bed had been re-planted with cacti brought from America, or obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

on the Riviera. The collection has been improved every year s<strong>in</strong>ce, and the terraces are look<strong>in</strong>g today much as<br />

they did twelve years ago.<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g species are prosper<strong>in</strong>g now under the conditions I have described ; it is <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to record<br />

that practically all of them had stood without damage the very severe w<strong>in</strong>ters of 1940—41, 1941—42, and 1946—47<br />

with no other shelter than boards and frames. There is little doubt that many more species could be grown<br />

successfully <strong>in</strong> the same way.<br />

Cacti<br />

Opuntia : leptocaulis, kle<strong>in</strong>iae, vivipara, acanthocarpa, ech<strong>in</strong>ocarpa, bigelowi, cholla, imbricata, tunicata, fulgida,<br />

alcahes, prolifera, vestita, salmiona, cyl<strong>in</strong>drica, miqueli, corrugata, grahami, aurantiaca, pentlandi, schickendantzii,<br />

basilaris, microdasys, (and m. alba), rufida, tortisp<strong>in</strong>a, sulphurea, raf<strong>in</strong>esquei, soehrensis, setisp<strong>in</strong>a, santa-rita, phaeacantha,<br />

bergeriana, vulgaris, scheeri, dilleni, tomentosa, ficus-<strong>in</strong>dica, leucotricha, robusta, fragilis, polyacantha, rodantha, rutila,<br />

strobiliformis ; Nopalea cocchenillifera : Cereus : peruvianas, aethiops (coerulens), s<strong>in</strong>ilis, pr<strong>in</strong>glei, dumortieri, eruca,<br />

thelegonus, bridges!, macrogonus, spachianus, lamprochlorus, candicans, schickendantzii, tortuosus, mart<strong>in</strong>ii, jusbertii,<br />

areolatus, celsianus, strausi, flagelliformis, sp<strong>in</strong>ulosus, rostratus ; Chamaecereus silvestrii ; Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus = mojavensis,<br />

paucisp<strong>in</strong>us, blanckii, pentalophus, c<strong>in</strong>erescens, fitchii, engelmanni, stram<strong>in</strong>eus, ehrenbergi, melanocentris ; Rebutia :<br />

m<strong>in</strong>uscula, pseudom<strong>in</strong>uscula, fiebrigii, dim<strong>in</strong>uta ; Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis : pentlandi, multiplex, eyriesii, turb<strong>in</strong>ata, calochlora,<br />

rhodotricha, valida, aurea, violacea ; Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus : acanthodes, johnsoni, echidne, <strong>in</strong>gens, grusoni, ottonis, bicolor,<br />

mammulosus, len<strong>in</strong>ghansii, longihammatus, pampeanus ; Gymnocalycium : damsii, schickendantzii ; Astrophytum :<br />

myriostigma ; ornatum ; Ancistrocactus scheeri ; Escobaria tuberculosa ; Mammillaria : bocasana, ech<strong>in</strong>aria, bicolor,<br />

compressa, erythrosperma, kunzeana, rhodantha, setisp<strong>in</strong>a, longisp<strong>in</strong>a, polimensis ; Epiphyllum hybrids.<br />

Other Succulents<br />

Agave : parryi, mexicana form >., macroacantha, franzosceni, filifera, victoria-reg<strong>in</strong>ae, ferd<strong>in</strong>andi-regis ; Aloe ;<br />

Haworthia ; Casteria ; Crassula ; Rochea ; Cotyledon ; Echeveria ; Sedum, etc. (various species).<br />

I should like to call attention to the truly magnificent collection of Cacti and Succulents that M. Julien Marnier-<br />

Lapostolle has gathered together at Villa des Cedres, St. Jean Cap-Ferrat, between Nice and Monaco, which I had<br />

the pleasure of visit<strong>in</strong>g last spr<strong>in</strong>g. It is the most complete and best cultivated one that I have ever seen, even <strong>in</strong><br />

California. M. Marnier also possesses large series of sub-tropical trees, v<strong>in</strong>es and shrubs, as well as of orchids,<br />

bromeliads and store plants. Every summer Victorias flower <strong>in</strong> his ponds <strong>in</strong> the open, and he has transformed a<br />

small wood <strong>in</strong>to a tropical jungle such as cannot be seen elsewhere <strong>in</strong> Europe.<br />

HAWORTHIA ATTENUATA AND ITS VARIETIES (Cont<strong>in</strong>ued from Page 67)<br />

figure are rather dist<strong>in</strong>ct, differ, however, from plants as published under the same name by Berger (after an<br />

unpublished plate of Salm Dyck) and which we th<strong>in</strong>k to be nearer to H. rugosa. This species and H. subulata have<br />

much larger rosettes and much longer (10—12 cm.) and stouter leaves. Salm Dyck saw them <strong>in</strong> Vienna and first<br />

described them (youth forms) as varieties of H, radula. These plants were grown from seeds. H. subattenuata,<br />

described by Salm (also from a plant found <strong>in</strong> Vienna), we would scarcely hesitate to consider a form of H. ottenuato ;<br />

on the face of the leaves the tubercles are restricted to a raised row of greenish tubercles, downwards <strong>in</strong> the middle<br />

of the leaves, tubercles on the back of the leaves are rather large, somewhat arranged <strong>in</strong> transverse rows.

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70 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT July, <strong>1952</strong><br />

A WEEK-END IN WINDHOEK<br />

By H. HALL<br />

W<strong>in</strong>dhoek, the capital of S. West Africa, is pleasantly situated amongst attractive look<strong>in</strong>g hills and is about<br />

6,000 feet above sea level. As most readers know, plant collect<strong>in</strong>g is my hobby, and this expla<strong>in</strong>s why I was so far<br />

from the Cape. For nearly four years I had waited for an opportunity to visit S.W.A., famous for its succulent<br />

flora as well as the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, and at last my wish was fulfilled by be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vited to jo<strong>in</strong> the<br />

" Bernard Carp Expedition " to the Kaokoveld, a region <strong>in</strong> the far north of S.W. Africa, and very little known<br />

After more than six weeks of adventure away from civilisation, we returned to W<strong>in</strong>dhoek early <strong>in</strong> July this year,<br />

where the trucks had to be serviced after their gruell<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>in</strong> the h<strong>in</strong>terland as well as to prepare them for their<br />

long run to Cape Town, nearly 1,000 miles further south, mostly over execrable roads.<br />

Naturally I had <strong>in</strong>tended to visit the well-known " S.W.A. Succulent Nurseries " from the moment I knew<br />

we should pass through W<strong>in</strong>dhoek and, though unforeseen circumstances prevented me from visit<strong>in</strong>g Mr. Triebner<br />

on the outward journey northward, I made quite sure to do so on my return. The enforced delay <strong>in</strong> the garage<br />

permitted me to look up several other acqua<strong>in</strong>tances, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a certa<strong>in</strong> Mr. Hockey who had generously supplied<br />

me with some valuable maps of the country we had to pass through. Mr. Triebner's place is situated <strong>in</strong> a suburb<br />

known as Kle<strong>in</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dhoek, and is at a higher altitude than W<strong>in</strong>dhoek itself and where, he said, " occasional frosts<br />

wipe out some of my best plants." It was early one Sunday morn<strong>in</strong>g, July ISth, the warm w<strong>in</strong>ter sun blaz<strong>in</strong>g down<br />

from a cloudless sky. I might add, at this po<strong>in</strong>t, that the w<strong>in</strong>ters are quite dry <strong>in</strong> this part of the country and<br />

clear skies are the order of the day. As a matter of fact, the whole time I was <strong>in</strong> S.W.A. we never saw a cloud <strong>in</strong><br />

the sky. Mr. Triebner appeared, after a call from his good wife, tall, grizzled of countenance, and spent about three<br />

hours show<strong>in</strong>g me some of his treasures. His garden is part of a rocky slope, full of choice succulents, of great<br />

diversity—naturally, however, largely S. W. African and <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g many of the rarest species known. There<br />

were species of Hoodia, Trichocaulon, Adenium, Pachypodium, Lithops and Euphorbias, practically all grow<strong>in</strong>g outdoors.<br />

There was a f<strong>in</strong>e collection of Aloe species, many <strong>in</strong> flower, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the species known as Aloe ausana, grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

alongside its relation Aloe variegata. See<strong>in</strong>g the two together, the former with much longer leaves, it was difficult<br />

to agree that they are forms of the same th<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

His collection conta<strong>in</strong>s many plants which have no name and look so very different from any known species.<br />

Reluctantly I turned away to cont<strong>in</strong>ue the rest of my programme.<br />

In one school garden <strong>in</strong> the town I was pleased to see Kalanchoe marmorata <strong>in</strong> full flower (Mr. Grant will remember<br />

that I once wrote that I had only seen it <strong>in</strong> flower on the Riviera), its long white-tubed flowers be<strong>in</strong>g quite<br />

unique. In many other gardens I noted beds and borders of bryophyllum tubiflorum with their orange scarlet heads<br />

massed together, evidently well-suited to this dry w<strong>in</strong>ter weather. My perambulations through the sunlit streets<br />

and suburbs revealed many small gardens with f<strong>in</strong>e plants of Opuntia subulata and 0, cyl<strong>in</strong>drica, vigorous bushes<br />

about three feet high, tree Euphorbias and tree-like Cereus peruvianus, Agave and Furcraea, Yuccas and local Aloes.<br />

The hills surround<strong>in</strong>g W<strong>in</strong>dhoek are dotted with countless thousands of Aloe rubrolutea, shar<strong>in</strong>g the dry yellow<br />

grass (w<strong>in</strong>ter stage) with thorn bush. This Aloe is normally unbranched, reaches an approximate height of eight<br />

feet. On our way north they were all <strong>in</strong> flower, on our return ripen<strong>in</strong>g their seeds. One morn<strong>in</strong>g I took a native<br />

boy along to try to f<strong>in</strong>d a few young specimens for Kirstenbosch but, among the said thousands, youngsters are very<br />

hard to f<strong>in</strong>d. As with many other plant forms, though seed is scattered annually by the million, very few ever<br />

survive. Those we found were <strong>in</strong>variably well hidden <strong>in</strong> a thorny bush or a tuft of grass. Here and there an<br />

occasional specimen of Aloe hereroensis was seen, a beautiful species with glaucous leaves dotted with curious<br />

H-shaped spots. In this, the dry season, the leaves were strongly <strong>in</strong>curved, thus protect<strong>in</strong>g the grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t<br />

from sun and w<strong>in</strong>d. The leaves of the young Aloe rubrolutea were vertical and even compressed <strong>in</strong>wards near the<br />

tips for the same reason and thus made handl<strong>in</strong>g and pack<strong>in</strong>g considerably easier than when extended and brittle<br />

<strong>in</strong> the grow<strong>in</strong>g season, or as they mostly rema<strong>in</strong>, <strong>in</strong> cultivation <strong>in</strong> gardens. Very plentiful around the town was<br />

Kle<strong>in</strong>ia longiflora, form<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>-stemmed bushes three to five feet high. Pass<strong>in</strong>g through a man-made cutt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

through a small hill on our way back with the Aloes, I spotted a plant of Stapelia sch<strong>in</strong>zii which was cl<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g to a<br />

meagre bit of soil some twelve feet above the road. It was now <strong>in</strong> full sun and highly coloured but, <strong>in</strong> all probability<br />

grew <strong>in</strong> shade until the pick and shovel g3ngs arrived ! I left it there for two reasons ; firstly because ! had already<br />

collected this species elsewhere, and secondly, because it would have been difficult to climb the smooth face of the<br />

cutt<strong>in</strong>g with pass<strong>in</strong>g traffic below.<br />

The town appears to be expand<strong>in</strong>g as rapidly as any other <strong>in</strong> the world and, of course, the thorn-bush and Aloe-

---

July, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 71<br />

covered slopes are be<strong>in</strong>g encroached upon more and more ; it was therefore with mixed feel<strong>in</strong>gs that I observed the<br />

Aloes, Kle<strong>in</strong>ias, etc., gett<strong>in</strong>g chopped out to make way for the fences, the foundations, and so forth. On our return<br />

with the Aloes I noticed huge specimens of various Opuntia species, resembl<strong>in</strong>g 0. ficus-<strong>in</strong>dica, dillenii and tomentosa<br />

on some waste ground. They were obviously escapes from gardens or had been thrown away <strong>in</strong> the past. One plant<br />

of 0. tomentosa was so laden with small dull-red fruits that I stopped to take a photograph of it and enclose it for the<br />

sake of the record. It was an old favourite of m<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Manchester (where it flourished, but never flowered) and<br />

here it was twelve feet high, rather limp with drought and yellowish green <strong>in</strong> colour, a few feet from the road. So<br />

off with my rucksack to get at my camera, my " boy " glad of the chance to get rid of his sack load of young Aloes !<br />

It chanced that a deep dra<strong>in</strong> was be<strong>in</strong>g dug along the opposite side of the road and a group of about forty native<br />

navvies all downed tools to witness such an unusual diversion, some crazy person tak<strong>in</strong>g a picture of what they<br />

probably regarded as ord<strong>in</strong>ary bush.<br />

In the Government Gardens there are some very f<strong>in</strong>e succulents <strong>in</strong> cultivation, species of giant Cissus juttae,<br />

ba<strong>in</strong>esii, kramerianus. Euphorbia virosa, shrubby Mesems., etc. There were several very f<strong>in</strong>e specimens of the rare<br />

Pelargonium sp<strong>in</strong>osum, about four feet tall, rem<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g me that I once found one specimen <strong>in</strong> Namaqualand <strong>in</strong> 1950,<br />

<strong>in</strong> very arid surround<strong>in</strong>gs. The genus Pelargonium conta<strong>in</strong>s some very lovely species from the dry regions of southern<br />

Africa and few are <strong>in</strong> cultivation.<br />

Then, the trucks be<strong>in</strong>g declared fit for the road we hurried south and home.<br />

REVIEW. We have just received a copy of Mr. Uitewaal's new book " Cactussen en Vetplanten." It is a<br />

116-paged book, written <strong>in</strong> Dutch, especially for beg<strong>in</strong>ners. It has over a hundred illustrations and very fully<br />

deals with all those subjects that <strong>in</strong>terest the beg<strong>in</strong>ner. A member who can read Dutch will f<strong>in</strong>d the book extremely<br />

helpful.

---

SERPENT IAni:ic<br />

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Pr<strong>in</strong>ted with any names, 3/- Dozen : 22/- 100. Labelpr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Mach<strong>in</strong>es aga<strong>in</strong> available. Send for lists and FREE<br />

SAMPLE (any name).<br />

Serpent Label Company<br />

ROCKBEARE HILL - EXETER<br />

A. E. GREEN<br />

Normandale Nurseries<br />

Sheffield, 6<br />

Phone 44703<br />

Gold Medal Cacti<br />

and Succulents<br />

Large Specimen Plants<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Cristates, Monstrose and<br />

Grafted Species, for the Collector or<br />

for Exhibition<br />

Lithops and Stemless Mesembs.<br />

Plants and Seeds<br />

Largest Growers <strong>in</strong> the Country<br />

We <strong>in</strong>vite you to visit our Nurseries<br />

and <strong>in</strong>spect our stock<br />

(appo<strong>in</strong>tments appreciated)<br />

Send stamped addressed envelope for<br />

Lists<br />

WORFIELD GARDENS<br />

BRIDGNORTH<br />

SHROPSHIRE<br />

Tel : Worfield 259<br />

THE CACTUS HOUSE<br />

OF THE WEST MIDLANDS<br />

Our aim is to study the collections of<br />

our clients and to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> for them<br />

a constant supply of new and<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g plants<br />

Please write for our latest summer<br />

lists. Visit our Nurseries opposite<br />

Worfield Church. Turn off the<br />

Wolverhampton-Bridgnorth road at<br />

the Wheel Inn<br />

C. GILBERT<br />

F.R.H.S.<br />

Cacti, and Succulent<br />

Specialist<br />

16 SEABROOK GDNS.,<br />

ROMFORD, ESSEX<br />

PHONE : ROMFORD 3583<br />

Please write for List<br />

of choice and rare varieties<br />

We <strong>in</strong>vite you to visit our<br />

Nurseries, by appo<strong>in</strong>tment<br />

(Please phone or write)

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

Established 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> OCTOBER, <strong>1952</strong> No. 4<br />

Contents<br />

Editorial 73<br />

Cactus Cultural Notes 74<br />

Cultivation of Succulents 76<br />

A Succulent Melange 78<br />

The Systematics of Conophytum 80<br />

Colour <strong>in</strong> Autumn 82<br />

Cheiridopsis Purpurascens 88<br />

A Journey to France 89<br />

Book Reviews 90<br />

Summer Show 92<br />

Autumn Show 93<br />

Reports of Meet<strong>in</strong>gs 94<br />

PAGE<br />

Published Quarterly by the Cactus and Succulent Society of Great<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong> at 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Price 2/6 Post Free 2/8<br />

Strange the Pr<strong>in</strong>ter Ltd., Eattbourne and London. L1246

---

President: Rt. Hon. The Earl of Mansfield<br />

Vice-Presidents :<br />

Dr. A. L. Geyer, High Commissioner In London for the<br />

Union of South Africa.<br />

Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke. K. W. Harle.<br />

COUNCIL :<br />

A. J. EDWARDS, A.M.Tech.l.(Gt. Bt.) W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

H. J. AYLOTT Chairman. S. J. PULLEN<br />

A BOARDER W. REYNOLDS<br />

P. V. COLLINGS C. H. ROWLAND<br />

E. SHURLY, F.C.S.S.<br />

Secretary : K. H. Walden, 152 Ardgowan Road, Catford, London, S.E.6.<br />

Treasurer : E. W. Young, 35 Castle Drive, llford, Essex.<br />

Editor : E. Shurly, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.<br />

Librarian : P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs, St. John, Northumberland Road, New Barnet, Herts.<br />

Exchanges : A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.<br />

Assistant Secretary : W. Denton, 262 Ivydale Road, London, S.E.I5.<br />

Meet<strong>in</strong>g Place : New Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, V<strong>in</strong>cent Square, London, S.W.I. 6 p.m.<br />

<strong>1952</strong><br />

SOCIETY NEWS<br />

November 18th 6 p.m. Epidiascope: Photographs of cacti and succulents.<br />

December 2nd 6 p.m. S. Pullen and K. H. Walden : Propagation by cutt<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

1953<br />

January No meet<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Branches<br />

Berks & Bucks : Secretory : Mrs. M. Stillwell, 10 St. Andrews Crescent, W<strong>in</strong>dsor.<br />

West Kent : Secretary : Mrs. J. M. Hoather, 6 Cromwell Close, Bromley, Kent.<br />

North Kent : Secretary : S. F. Milton, 75 Portland Avenue, Gravesend.<br />

Back Numbers of the Journal<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are still available :—<br />

Volume 2 Part I<br />

,, 3 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

,, 4 Complete.<br />

5 Parts I, 2 and 3.<br />

I„ 6 Parts I and 2.<br />

7 Parts 3 and 4.<br />

8 Parts 2, 3 and 4.<br />

„ 9, 10, II, 12 and 13 complete.<br />

Prices : Volumes 10/6 each, post free.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>gle parts, 2/8 each, post free.<br />

From the Editor, 7 Deacons Hill Road, Elstree, Herts.

---

THE<br />

CACTUS<br />

AND SUCCULENT<br />

JOURNAL<br />

OF GREAT BRITAIN<br />

ESTABLISHED 1931<br />

Vol. <strong>14</strong> OCTOBER, <strong>1952</strong> No. 4<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

With the present Journal another year ends. A year that has been very eventful <strong>in</strong> the history of our society<br />

and of our plants.<br />

With this number is concluded the letterpress of the Professor Schwantes' <strong>in</strong>set. I9S3 will provide the rema<strong>in</strong>der<br />

necessary to complete the book. It is now due to Professor Schwantes to express our grateful thanks for the very<br />

generous gift of his manuscript, for which he asks noth<strong>in</strong>g and, <strong>in</strong> fact, gathered more trouble than was first expected<br />

as the orig<strong>in</strong>al manuscript was much smaller, but, at the editor's personal request, he added numerous genera<br />

which, while they are uncommon <strong>in</strong> this country, were needed to complete the review of the whole of the Family.<br />

Another outstand<strong>in</strong>g event has been the completion, with this issue, of Dr. Tischer's articles on Conophyta.<br />

These articles conta<strong>in</strong> much <strong>in</strong>formation of value to the ord<strong>in</strong>ary collector and have been of even greater value<br />

to more scientific circles. Dr. Tischer has, like Professor Schwantes, been generous <strong>in</strong> present<strong>in</strong>g the articles to<br />

the society and we wish to express our grateful thanks and appreciation to him.<br />

Now for a personal note. This issue completes six and a half years of my editorship of the Journal. Members<br />

are not vocal <strong>in</strong> their appreciation or criticism, but,on occasion, it has been made clear to me that the only compla<strong>in</strong>t<br />

is that the Journal does not appear often enough, nor is it big enough ! With that I can rest content, but tribute<br />

must be paid to others who have given their services free and with enthusiasm. I refer, firstly, to Mr. Boarder<br />

who has so generously supported the Journal by his quarterly articles from the first number after the war, July<br />

1946. Only one issue later, Mr. G. G. Green commenced to contribute his well known articles. <strong>1952</strong> saw Mr. Boarder<br />

conf<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g his articles to cacti and Mr. Denton commenc<strong>in</strong>g his articles on succulents. What a galaxy of talent has<br />

appeared <strong>in</strong> the pages of the Journal dur<strong>in</strong>g these six and a half years ! It is dangerous for me to mention names<br />

as I am sure to overlook somebody un<strong>in</strong>tentionally, but I cannot fail to mention such stalwarts as Howard Gates,<br />

Gordon Rowley, H. Hall, Mr. Uitewaal and how many others ? And then there are the translators, Mr. Engler,<br />

Mrs.Kassai and Mrs. Peters. I can only say 'thank you' to each of you—you have helped to make my task easier and<br />

have provided more than your share towards present<strong>in</strong>g what I do consider to be a notable contribution to the<br />

knowledge of our plants.

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74 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CACTUS CULTURAL NOTES<br />

By A. BOARDER<br />

Another grow<strong>in</strong>g season is pass<strong>in</strong>g away and it is now possible to take stock of our failures and successes. The<br />

year has been a very good one on the whole for the grow<strong>in</strong>g of our cacti. In my own greenhouse the amount of<br />

flowers has surpassed anyth<strong>in</strong>g I have had previously. The production of seed pods also appears to have been excellent<br />

judg<strong>in</strong>g by the range of colours to be seen. This seed formation does not seem to run along any recognised l<strong>in</strong>es<br />

as some plants always form seeds after flower<strong>in</strong>g whereas others never appear to do so. I have an Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis aureo<br />

from which I was anxious to get some seeds. It had about eight flowers at different times and although I<br />

tried pol<strong>in</strong>ation I have been quite unsuccessful at gett<strong>in</strong>g any seed pods to form. This has also happened with my<br />

plant of Acanthocalycium violacea. My various Lobivias have flowered better than ever this year but up to the present<br />

do not seem to have produced a s<strong>in</strong>gle seed. The Rebutias seeded fairly well, but these are not always easy to gather.<br />

I f<strong>in</strong>d that the best way is to hold a spoon under the seed pod with the plant tipped to one side so that the seeds<br />

can be pushed <strong>in</strong>to the spoon. I th<strong>in</strong>k that the Mammillarias have produced many thousands of seeds and some of<br />

the pods are very large and showy. A plant of a type of M. bocasana had a much larger flower than the normal<br />

type and the fruits were almost 2 <strong>in</strong>ches long. This I am referr<strong>in</strong>g to as M. bocasana splendens, it is <strong>in</strong>deed a splendid<br />

plant. Most of the seeds of the Mams, can be gathered quite easily but that is not the case with M. longiflora. This<br />

plant has large flowers with a long tube about l| to 2 <strong>in</strong>ches long and, after fertilisation, which must be from another<br />

plant, the seed pods form. These are greenish <strong>in</strong> colour with a slightly red tip. The dried flower persists on the<br />

end of the fruit, and when the pod is ripe, by pull<strong>in</strong>g at the dead flower,some of the pod comes away with a few<br />

seeds. The rest of the seeds, generally the majority, are left beh<strong>in</strong>d and it is then that the difficulty appears. The<br />

plant has rather large well developed tubercles and the flowers form between them. As the plant grows dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the season, the earlier tubercles become more compressed and the seed pods are almost hidden. To get the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

seeds out from the crevice one has almost to dig them out with a po<strong>in</strong>ted stick. How these seeds ever come<br />

to be sown under natural conditions is a mystery to me, as the grow<strong>in</strong>g plant seems to trap them <strong>in</strong> completely.<br />

Fortunately, few of the Mams, are as awkward as this one and they can generally be depended on to send out their<br />

seed pods sufficiently far enough to be gathered with ease.<br />

In the July issue of the Journal I mentioned the Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus berlanderi which had many buds. This plant has<br />

produced II seed pods filled with seeds, some hundreds <strong>in</strong> each pod. My other Ech/'nocereus also gave me many<br />

seeds. The Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis seedl<strong>in</strong>g which flowered <strong>in</strong> 2 years from seed also had 2 seed pods and this plant was not<br />

the only 2 year Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis seedl<strong>in</strong>g to flower as another species had two flowers. This one, however, did not produce<br />

seed pods. Whilst on the subject of seeds it may be well to relate the experience I have had with plants of Astrophytum<br />

myriostigma. I have three flower<strong>in</strong>g plants and I cross fertilised them when <strong>in</strong> bloom. The seed pods formed so<br />

quickly and the seeds so easily ripened that I have now several seedl<strong>in</strong>gs ready for prick<strong>in</strong>g out, <strong>in</strong> the middle of<br />

August, which are the result of this year's flowers. Not all Cacti seeds ripen as quickly, but I f<strong>in</strong>d that when they<br />

do it is advisable to sow the seeds at once as a good germ<strong>in</strong>ation usually occurs from this fresh seed. It has been<br />

rather a fight with the ants to save most of the seeds. I had a f<strong>in</strong>e pod of a Gymnocalycium absolutely denuded of<br />

seeds by the ants before I realised that the pod was ripe. With most of the Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis and Ech/'nocereus the pods<br />

burst when they are ripe, but have no fear that the seeds will at once fall out as they are enclosed <strong>in</strong> a whitish<br />

sticky substance and until this has been well dried <strong>in</strong> the sun there is not much fear of the seeds fall<strong>in</strong>g out.<br />

I hope that your seedl<strong>in</strong>gs have made good progress this year. I have had record growth and have already some<br />

potted up <strong>in</strong>to 2 <strong>in</strong>ch pots. These <strong>in</strong>clude not only the fairly quick grow<strong>in</strong>g Cereus but also Mams., etc. Some Mams.<br />

are from a half to an <strong>in</strong>ch <strong>in</strong> diameter and this only six months after sow<strong>in</strong>g the seeds. I have proved<br />

fairly conclusively that, if seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are pricked out after four months or so, they grow at a much faster rate. A<br />

Titanopsis setifera was <strong>in</strong> flower with<strong>in</strong> six months of the seed be<strong>in</strong>g sown, but then many of the other succulents<br />

can be grown as easily as cabbages.<br />

It has been <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to note through the year the different op<strong>in</strong>ions of visitors to my greenhouse as to why<br />

my plants grow and flower well. All k<strong>in</strong>ds of reasons are put forward as if all this has come about by accident.<br />

In fact, this is not so at all. It is ma<strong>in</strong>ly through experience ga<strong>in</strong>ed over a period of 47 years of Cacti grow<strong>in</strong>g. When<br />

my present greenhouse was built I <strong>in</strong>tended it to be ma<strong>in</strong>ly a Mammillaria house, as these are my favourite plants.<br />

It was therefore designed with the idea of giv<strong>in</strong>g these plants what I considered to be the best conditions possible<br />

<strong>in</strong> this country. The reasons put forward by visitors have been :—low roof, giv<strong>in</strong>g plants that nearness to the glass<br />

which they seem to prefer ; the fact that I keep the plants on gravel over solid soil <strong>in</strong>stead of stand<strong>in</strong>g them on<br />

wooden shelves, and the fact that I can get plenty of air <strong>in</strong> the house. Well, all these po<strong>in</strong>ts have a bear<strong>in</strong>g on the

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 75<br />

growth of the plants and this system was arrived at deliberately. Some people make a study of the nomenclature<br />

of Cacti, I have made a study of grow<strong>in</strong>g them. Who gets the most satisfaction I will leave you to guess. My house<br />

was planned on the sunken or forc<strong>in</strong>g house type. Some call it a cucumber type, as it has no glass sides at all. There<br />

is a brick base from which the roof rises direct at an angle of 45 degrees. There is a path down the centre of concrete<br />

and this is surrounded by a brick wall about two foot six high. Between the outer and <strong>in</strong>ner walls there is packed<br />

earth topped by about an <strong>in</strong>ch of gravel. The top of the gravel is about six <strong>in</strong>ches from the top of the outer wall<br />

which allows me to stand a fairly large plant close to the glass. The house is 20 feet long and 9 feet wide. It runs<br />

from north to south and the door is on the south end. At this end are two w<strong>in</strong>dows, one each side of the door<br />

which open outwards so that one can be opened aga<strong>in</strong>st the w<strong>in</strong>d if necessary, or both <strong>in</strong> hot weather. At the<br />

north end is a large w<strong>in</strong>dow, 3 feet by 2, which opens out from the bottom whilst <strong>in</strong> the roof are four w<strong>in</strong>dows,<br />

two each side, staggered so that they are not opposite to one another, these are 3 feet by 2. It can be seen from<br />

this that I can give the plants plenty of fresh air and, <strong>in</strong> fact, if the weather is very hot the door can be left open<br />

as well. This house gives me a good start, but that is not all of the story. The fact that all my plants are re-potted<br />

each year at least once and that I use what I consider to be a splendid pott<strong>in</strong>g mixture, add another important phase<br />

to the story. Then what I consider to be the most important po<strong>in</strong>t of all is the study of the water can. No matter<br />

how good everyth<strong>in</strong>g else may be, success will not come until you are able to know exactly when and when not<br />

to water a plant. I am sorry I cannot tell you when this is, you can only f<strong>in</strong>d this out by experience. Without<br />

sufficient water the plants will not grow but over-do it and they die. When you have mastered the art of water<strong>in</strong>g<br />

you are well on the road to success.<br />

The most simple rule to follow is to water a plant when the soil is quite dry and do not water aga<strong>in</strong> until it<br />

has dried out aga<strong>in</strong>. Some soils pack down tightly fairly quickly. There is no need to worry if this happens, just<br />

hoe the surface with a flat po<strong>in</strong>ted stick, not too deeply and the plant will benefit. Some people get very worried<br />

if they see a little moss form on the top of the soil <strong>in</strong> a pot. 1 have not found that this harms a plant. I have had<br />

a moss form around seedl<strong>in</strong>gs without them com<strong>in</strong>g to any harm. Should a pot become covered by moss on the<br />

soil a good dry out should be given when the moss can be scraped away.<br />

As it will be Autumn when these notes appear <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>t I must advise all to gradually withhold the water from<br />

the adult plants. I do not mean that you should cease water<strong>in</strong>g altogether but reduce it as much as possible, always<br />

tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to consideration the weather and the type of house <strong>in</strong> which the plants are kept. The growers without<br />

a greenhouse who keep their plants <strong>in</strong> a liv<strong>in</strong>g room are often wrong <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g too arid conditions throughout<br />

the w<strong>in</strong>ter months. It must be remembered that it is generally much warmer and drier <strong>in</strong> such a room than it is<br />

<strong>in</strong> the average greenhouse. Few if any Cacti need to be kept so dry all the time that there is never the suspicion<br />

of moisture <strong>in</strong> the soil for months on end. As a rule the colder and damper the conditions then the less use must<br />

be made of the water can. Even <strong>in</strong> my greenhouse I rarely go for long at a time without giv<strong>in</strong>g a little water to<br />

some of the plants. If any plant, such as an Opuntia, shows signs of wither<strong>in</strong>g it should have a slight water<strong>in</strong>g. As<br />

for the current year's seedl<strong>in</strong>gs I consider that it is well to be able to keep these, if not grow<strong>in</strong>g, then well alive<br />

and plump. If they are allowed to dry out to such an extent that the t<strong>in</strong>y fibrous roots are killed it will retard<br />

the growth of the plant <strong>in</strong> the spr<strong>in</strong>g. Now as to temperatures <strong>in</strong> the w<strong>in</strong>ter. I never m<strong>in</strong>d if the temperature<br />

of my greenhouse goes down nearly to freez<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t. It often goes below this, but not to my pleasure. I am<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itely aga<strong>in</strong>st keep<strong>in</strong>g the plants <strong>in</strong> a stove atmosphere all the w<strong>in</strong>ter. I th<strong>in</strong>k that the colder they are kept<br />

with<strong>in</strong> reason the better they are likely to flower <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g year. If there is a warmer part of the greenhouse<br />

this is the place for the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs as they can then be kept well alive if not actually grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

List of seeds available, October, I9S2.<br />

Mr. Boarder reports that he has the follow<strong>in</strong>g seed for distribution.<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis aurea, £. campylacantha, E. violacea. Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactus grusonii, Trichocereus thelagonus, spachianus, gladiatus,<br />

Astrophytum ornatum, Cephalocereus chrysacanthus, Monvillea rhodoleucantha, Cotyledon pappilaris, Notocactus<br />

pampeanus, Agave victoria reg<strong>in</strong>ae, A. spec, Grand Canyon, A. spec. Arizona, A. kerchovei, Abe striatula, A. supralaevis,<br />

A. mycrostigma, Lobivia backebergii, Beschorneria yuccoides, Furcrea roezlii, Aptenia cordifolia, Stapelia variegata, S.<br />

rufo v. attenuata, S. mixed., Dyckia altissima, D. rarifiora, D. montividiensis, D. remontia, D. sulphurea, Cerues peruvianus,<br />

Tuya spathacea, P. alpestris, Ferocactus wislizensis, Faucaria lup<strong>in</strong>a, F. duncani, Pleiospilos optatus, P. bolusii, Agave<br />

rigida, Carnegia gigantea, Harrisia bonplandi, Anacampseros rufescens, Mixed Cactus seed. Bergeranthus multiceps.<br />

Some are <strong>in</strong> limited quantities and will be sent out strictly as applied for, first come first served. It is possible<br />

to send ten sorts <strong>in</strong> an ord<strong>in</strong>ary envelope and this number will be the maximum amount supplied. If no k<strong>in</strong>ds are<br />

named, Mr. Boarder will send out at his own discretion. Mr. Boarder cannot enter <strong>in</strong>to correspondence <strong>in</strong> regard<br />

to cultivation, etc. Members desir<strong>in</strong>g some of these seeds should send stamped addressed envelope to Mr. A. Boarder,<br />

Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.

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76 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CULTIVATION OF SUCCULENTS<br />

By W. DENTON, B.E.M.<br />

At this season of the year most of our plants are rest<strong>in</strong>g or about to go to rest. This does not mean that all<br />

water<strong>in</strong>g should suddenly cease. You must take notice of the condition of the plants and carry out the operation<br />

gradually. For <strong>in</strong>stance, Euphorbia bupleurifolia, with the green leaves grow<strong>in</strong>g from the top. This will tell you<br />

when to ease the water. You will notice one of the leaves turn<strong>in</strong>g yellow and another will fall off, then is the time<br />

to slack off with the water pot. Make it a gradual process and allow the plants to go to rest naturally. Lots of<br />

succulents should be treated this way and it is a safe rule with all leafy Euphorbias. A good many plants will still<br />

be grow<strong>in</strong>g well <strong>in</strong>to October, so please do not check too suddenly.<br />

A few of the th<strong>in</strong> stemmed varieties of Euphorbia, like milii, will require just a little water occasionally <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

to prevent undue shrivell<strong>in</strong>g. Some Cotyledons should also have this treatment, but do pick a f<strong>in</strong>e day so that any<br />

excessive moisture will be cleared off by nightfall,.<br />

I f<strong>in</strong>d this year that numbers of our members have placed many plants out of doors for the summer and they<br />

are all full of praise with the way the plants have responded. I feel sure that this method will pay good dividends<br />

<strong>in</strong> the appearance and health of the plants. I noticed at the June Show a very f<strong>in</strong>e specimen plant of Crassula sarcocaulis<br />

that was very th<strong>in</strong> on the flower<strong>in</strong>g branches and the flowers were very pale <strong>in</strong> colour. A few months outdoors<br />

<strong>in</strong> the open air I feel sure would turn this plant <strong>in</strong>to a real gem.<br />

A plant I noticed <strong>in</strong> a member's garden was Kalanchoe aleurodes ; under glass this is a greenish leaved plant<br />

covered with white meal, but the ra<strong>in</strong> had washed this off. The sun f<strong>in</strong>ished the job by turn<strong>in</strong>g the leaves a beautiful<br />

red and, to me, it was most attractive and I am sure the plant was very healthy <strong>in</strong> spite of the fact that the ra<strong>in</strong><br />

had disposed of nature's cover<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

I have been very disappo<strong>in</strong>ted with my Lithops ; this year very few flowers have rewarded me for my care and I<br />

am rather at a loss to expla<strong>in</strong> the reason. One would have thought that the f<strong>in</strong>e sunny period early <strong>in</strong> the year<br />

would have been a big help, but, <strong>in</strong> my case, it was not so. Generally speak<strong>in</strong>g, I th<strong>in</strong>k about the middle of May,<br />

when the plants become active, should be the correct time to re-pot two or three year old plants. I did not <strong>in</strong>tend<br />

to re-pot many this year and left the job. The end of June I noticed that nearly all the plants were <strong>in</strong>fested with<br />

root bug, so I had to re-pot them all. This time I have <strong>in</strong>troduced a few crystals of paradichlorobenz<strong>in</strong>e among<br />

the dra<strong>in</strong>age to act as a deterrent and hope for a decided improvement. I am <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ed to th<strong>in</strong>k this late pott<strong>in</strong>g<br />

has had a bad effect on my flower<strong>in</strong>g possibilities. I f<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>in</strong> talk<strong>in</strong>g to friends, that they too have not had the flowers<br />

usually produced by these plants. So perhaps it is someth<strong>in</strong>g we do not understand that is the cause. Nature<br />

sometimes works that way.<br />

However, I have been rewarded with a satisfactory year with the Conophytums ; these little chaps always do<br />

well and I consider them the most easy of any to cultivate. Small pots only are necessary, they are very shallow<br />

root<strong>in</strong>g so that depth is not required. There are several hundreds of sorts <strong>in</strong> all shades of colour and they make<br />

a f<strong>in</strong>e subject for specialisation for anyone who cares to study them. It is unfortunate that they hybridise so freely,<br />

numbers of plants are <strong>in</strong> the possession of people that certa<strong>in</strong>ly are not true to name. As I have said before, these<br />

are now grow<strong>in</strong>g and should have ceased flower<strong>in</strong>g. Just a little water now and then throughout the w<strong>in</strong>ter on<br />

favourable occasions. This should go on till about next March when they go to rest and rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> their sk<strong>in</strong>s till<br />

the grow<strong>in</strong>g season returns. The plants themselves will tell you as the new green growth will show up through<br />

the old stems when they are ready aga<strong>in</strong> for a little water. When Conophytums are <strong>in</strong> full growth you should carefully<br />

remove the completely dead sk<strong>in</strong>s with a pair of blunt tweezers to avoid any water or moisture lodg<strong>in</strong>g at the base<br />

of the new growths as this is liable to cause decay. No force should be used on this job ; if they do not come away<br />

easily leave them alone for a time. This will also give you the chance to check up on your labels and renew any<br />

that are not clear and dist<strong>in</strong>ct.<br />

Plants on the exhibition table could be provided with tee shaped labels so that visitors are able to read the<br />

names easily. For ord<strong>in</strong>ary use <strong>in</strong> the greenhouse, the upright type I consider most useful. Use a thick brand of<br />

celluloid as this will not warp easily and pr<strong>in</strong>t the names on with plastic <strong>in</strong>k which will give you a very long life.<br />

The material is available from sundriesmen <strong>in</strong> large pieces and can be cut up to suit your requirements. If you wish<br />

them to last for a good many years, a th<strong>in</strong> coat of clear varnish will be a ref<strong>in</strong>ement that will pay you <strong>in</strong> the long run.

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 77<br />

I noticed one group of plants <strong>in</strong> our June Show where the pots had been washed over with a little red ochre.<br />

What a difference this made to the appearance of the collection, it could do no harm as this is not like pa<strong>in</strong>t that<br />

would stop the porosity of the pots. These little ref<strong>in</strong>ements make a difference and <strong>in</strong> a class that is very close<br />

ga<strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>ts with the judges and add considerably to the appearance from the visitors' po<strong>in</strong>t of view.<br />

There are various schools of thought with reference to the top dress<strong>in</strong>g for stemless Mesembryanthemums ;<br />

some say that the <strong>in</strong>troduction of Cornish sand prevents one from <strong>in</strong>spect<strong>in</strong>g the top soil with reference to the<br />

water<strong>in</strong>g, but I still feel it is well worth it especially when exhibit<strong>in</strong>g, it does add to the appearance and the plants<br />

grow naturally among stones. After all, it can be removed when the plants return to the greenhouse. It has<br />

one advantage with me, it does help to keep the plants clean, avoid<strong>in</strong>g any unnecessary splash<strong>in</strong>g when water<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

After all, colour is what matters, especially with Lithops. Green sappy plants make no appeal to me and are<br />

most difficult to br<strong>in</strong>g through our w<strong>in</strong>ters. Grow hard is my motto, full sun and all the air possible and if the<br />

plants are on the small side what matters if colour and mark<strong>in</strong>gs are clear and dist<strong>in</strong>ct.<br />

The last year or so I have been <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> the genus Adromischus of which I have a few nice plants, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

cristatus, hemisphaericus, mariannae, davifolius, maculatus, rhombifolius and a few varieties without names. You<br />

see very few of these about, but they are well worth while with their nicely marked leaves and fairly easy culture,<br />

root<strong>in</strong>g as they do with ease from the leaves. The plants were not do<strong>in</strong>g so well as I should have liked last year,<br />

so I decided I would try a slight alteration <strong>in</strong> soil, etc. Some of them are now grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> six <strong>in</strong>ch pans <strong>in</strong> a mixture<br />

of loam and sand only and I f<strong>in</strong>d they are very much better <strong>in</strong> appearance and are healthy and grow<strong>in</strong>g well, so<br />

perhaps my John Innes mixture is not so suitable for these plants. Those <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> succulent plants would<br />

do well to pay a little more attention to these most <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g plants.<br />

I am writ<strong>in</strong>g these notes at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of September and I note that my Ophthalmophyllums are just start<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to grow, hav<strong>in</strong>g a fair number of this year's and last year's seedl<strong>in</strong>gs I have been tempted to start a little water<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> late July to see if they would respond a little earlier <strong>in</strong> the year. My efforts met with no reward, however, they<br />

still rema<strong>in</strong> dormant, prov<strong>in</strong>g that nature will have its way and they will only grow with me at any rate <strong>in</strong> late<br />

Autumn. I still hope for a few flowers, however, and whatever happens I value these plants, all gems of the succulent<br />

world.<br />

I do consider how fortunate we are to have the benefit of the f<strong>in</strong>e articles now appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Journal by<br />

Dr. Schwantes, they are most helpful and <strong>in</strong>structive and how very pleas<strong>in</strong>g when this world authority describes<br />

a plant that is rare and difficult and you know you have been lucky enough to have this plant <strong>in</strong> your collection<br />

for many years and that it is one that flowers regularly.<br />

At this date, September 3rd, Herreanthus meyeri is about to flower, it has five nice buds and is a very worth<br />

while plant. I had this before the war and it never failed to flower.<br />

Another <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g plant, three years from seed, is D<strong>in</strong>teranthus puberulus with three flowers.<br />

Everybody should grow P/eiospi/os hilmari, a real beauty and the smallest of the genus, never fails to flower<br />

and comes easy from seed.<br />

Others <strong>in</strong> flower with me now are Lithops kunjasensis, salicola, fulleri, lesliei, karasmontana and several other<br />

P/eiospi/os varieties.<br />

By the way, see that the heat<strong>in</strong>g arrangements are <strong>in</strong> good order, you may want them any day now.<br />

Our Chairman, Mr. A. J. Edwards, has been k<strong>in</strong>d enough to donate a very handsome polished shield, called<br />

the Junior Challenge Shield, to be competed for by the junior members up to eighteen yeais of age. Details will<br />

be sent with schedules for 1953 shows.<br />

At a Horticultural Show at llford dur<strong>in</strong>g the August Bank Holiday, one of our members, Mr. E. W. Sansom,<br />

ga<strong>in</strong>ed the Kew Cup for Cacti and other succulents, also three first prizes <strong>in</strong> other competitions.

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78 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

A SUCCULENT MELANGE<br />

From the Fuaux Herbarium, Australia.<br />

It seems to me that attention should be drawn to the unfortunate mistake that has arisen <strong>in</strong> relation to Cereus<br />

Bencckei. Ehrenbg, which Backeberg has <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong>to his new classification as Hertrichocereus Beneckei (Ehrenbg.)<br />

Backg. He says " This genus is dist<strong>in</strong>guished by its nearly creep<strong>in</strong>g habit, its diurnal flowers (see Schlange, 1933 :<br />

435) "<br />

Schlange does say that the flower is diurnal, but goes on to say " Flower opens from early morn<strong>in</strong>g hours<br />

until 12—I o'clock <strong>in</strong> early December for one day only ", without def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g what she means by "early morn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

hours." She has very evidently jumped to the conclusion that the flower opened that morn<strong>in</strong>g, whereas <strong>in</strong> reality<br />

the flower opened the even<strong>in</strong>g before and rema<strong>in</strong>ed open until late the follow<strong>in</strong>g day, a phenomenon frequently<br />

observed <strong>in</strong> the cereoid species.<br />

I have an almost mature plant <strong>in</strong> cultivation here, the ma<strong>in</strong> stems ca. 1.5 m. high, and this year bear<strong>in</strong>g about<br />

80 buds, some of which didn't mature because of a rather early snap of w<strong>in</strong>ter weather that dropped the temperature<br />

down <strong>in</strong>to the thirties. It is quite regularly nocturnal flower<strong>in</strong>g, the outer perianth segments loosen<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the afternoon and the flowers open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the last rays of the sett<strong>in</strong>g sun, usually not more than three open<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

each stem on the one even<strong>in</strong>g, though this would be a variable factor. The accompany<strong>in</strong>g photo was taken <strong>in</strong> the<br />

last of the even<strong>in</strong>g light with the help of one flood-lamp, and shows one flower already fully reflexed and one half<br />

opened. You will note that the buds appear to lean outwards but actually that appearance is caused ma<strong>in</strong>ly by<br />

the stems of the plant grow<strong>in</strong>g away from the light, a quite remarkable character of this particular plant.<br />

Schlange is not the only author to be deceived by the flowers of the Ghost Cereus : Bravo also says (<strong>in</strong> the<br />

Anales) that the flowers are diurnal. Evidently they both wandered abroad <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g, full of botanical<br />

enthusiasm, <strong>in</strong>stead of stay<strong>in</strong>g around long enough to really see when the plant flowered. Two authorities considered<br />

the species nocturnal-flower<strong>in</strong>g : its author, Ehrenberg, and Britton and Rose, who were possibly advised by<br />

Professor Reiche, when he sent them liv<strong>in</strong>g material <strong>in</strong> 1921. So much for its "diurnal" flowers, and its <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong><br />

the subnatio Heliopachycerei, <strong>in</strong> which it loomed as an uncomfortable <strong>in</strong>gredient <strong>in</strong> any case, if one has any regard for<br />

the mean<strong>in</strong>g of " pachy." It will have to be put down somewhere else. I don't want you to <strong>in</strong>terpret this as an<br />

attack on Backeberg—there are quite enough people teach<strong>in</strong>g their grandmother how to suck eggs at present,<br />

without me jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the chorus—but this is a po<strong>in</strong>t that should be noted.<br />

Well, to go from Mexico to Arizona, one of our <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g little side-l<strong>in</strong>es here is the resuscitation and repair<br />

of some of the battered old hulks of Ferocactus Wislizenii that rema<strong>in</strong> from the old days of imports, when these<br />

plants were sold fresh from their native deserts, full of colour and sp<strong>in</strong>es. For the last ten to twenty years they<br />

have just sat and defied the elements to kill them, and as old collections are put on the market, they return to<br />

circulation hoary with the grit of neglect, practically dead, certa<strong>in</strong>ly without growth these many years, and, not<br />

<strong>in</strong>frequently, <strong>in</strong>fected with rootnematode. The problem is to grow them <strong>in</strong>stead of keep<strong>in</strong>g them as curios and the<br />

method, which at first appears unconventional, is to reduce them to a cutt<strong>in</strong>g. After remov<strong>in</strong>g whatever root-stubs<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> we go to work with a carpenters brace and one <strong>in</strong>ch bit, bor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the cortex for two or three <strong>in</strong>ches until<br />

the end of the woody tissue is reached. The hole is then enlarged until all of the corky tissue is cleared away,<br />

generally result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a space big enough to put a fist <strong>in</strong>to ! The plant is then put <strong>in</strong>to the hottest position available<br />

with a generous shovelful of raw sheep-manure under it. It may take a year, sometimes considerably less, for the<br />

new roots to appear. At first they are threadlike but they soon thicken up, and so the plant starts on the long road<br />

back. It still has to be watched to see that slaters don't get <strong>in</strong>to the considerable space that still rema<strong>in</strong>s at the<br />

base of the new roots, but this, too, gradually fills out until the root system looks as though it has never been the<br />

subject of an operation.<br />

Quite a number of plants have been treated <strong>in</strong> this manner, amongst them a E. horizonthalonius, that now has<br />

an enormous root system, f<strong>in</strong>e sp<strong>in</strong>es and flowers freely, and three plants of Escobaria dasyacanthus that, hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

been carefully nursed for several seasons, now reward us with a smother of blooms and provide the seed we so sadly<br />

need. Except, that is, when the pair of glasshouse mice (who like to gather as much w<strong>in</strong>ter food as they can) rob me<br />

of the f<strong>in</strong>e red berries.<br />

These little fellows will attack anyth<strong>in</strong>g that's edible <strong>in</strong> the seed l<strong>in</strong>e. At first I was greatly mystified by t<strong>in</strong>y

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 79<br />

heaps of Frailea seeds under a bush of A. clavarioides, until careful watch<strong>in</strong>g solved the problem. A t<strong>in</strong>y twitch<strong>in</strong>g<br />

noise—suspicion on four legs—a flash of grey light, and no more.<br />

You wanted to know more about the Hoogeocere/', and suggested that they might not be gett<strong>in</strong>g enough air,<br />

and possibly needed shad<strong>in</strong>g. Well now, I doubt if they would need shad<strong>in</strong>g, s<strong>in</strong>ce they grew to perfection <strong>in</strong> the<br />

dry and hot climate of northern Victoria where temperatures are <strong>in</strong> excess of I I0°F throughout most of the summer,<br />

and so far as air is concerned, the ma<strong>in</strong> glasshouse is open on two sides which, together with glass louvres on the<br />

other sides, ensures an ample flow of air at all times.<br />

My experience here has been that they are quite unsuited to our W<strong>in</strong>ter, tolerat<strong>in</strong>g neither the frosts, the<br />

relatively heavy ra<strong>in</strong>fall, nor the overcast of cloud that is almost cont<strong>in</strong>uous throughout the six months of <strong>in</strong>clement<br />

weather that we call w<strong>in</strong>ter and spr<strong>in</strong>g. They do very well under glass, neither lik<strong>in</strong>g nor need<strong>in</strong>g repott<strong>in</strong>g oftener<br />

than every two or three years, slow grow<strong>in</strong>g, but highly coloured <strong>in</strong> their white, yellow, brown and purplish-red<br />

sp<strong>in</strong>ation, and, s<strong>in</strong>ce they are now quite substantial bushes, I plan to move them, this com<strong>in</strong>g season, <strong>in</strong>to what will<br />

be semi-open garden, be<strong>in</strong>g only roofed over for protection from ra<strong>in</strong> and frosts. This will necessitate the erection<br />

of another 360 sq. ft. of glass to the 250 sq. ft. that I have already made this year, so you can see why my hand is<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uously <strong>in</strong> my pocket I I plan to alternate bushes of Haageocereus with half-grown plants of Oreocereus (now<br />

about 3-4 feet high—<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g what is probably the f<strong>in</strong>est range of 0. Celsianus <strong>in</strong> Victoria) <strong>in</strong> a forty foot bed, with<br />

a border of seedl<strong>in</strong>g Ferocacti of vary<strong>in</strong>g species. This will necessitate mov<strong>in</strong>g the present plant<strong>in</strong>g of Agaves and<br />

Yuccas to another location. Unlike the cacti, they regard our climate with approval and need no attention whatever<br />

from year to year, so, of course, our growers almost entirely neglect to <strong>in</strong>clude them <strong>in</strong> their plant<strong>in</strong>gs, which is a<br />

pity, for what could be more attractive than the dull reddish-purple of Y. Desmetiana or the yellows of the variegated<br />

form of Y. filamentosa, to mention but two of the plants.<br />

Over the last week it has ra<strong>in</strong>ed cont<strong>in</strong>uously—2J <strong>in</strong>ches—so I am aga<strong>in</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g forward to los<strong>in</strong>g a yard or so<br />

of Machaerocereus eruca. The year before last a plant of about n<strong>in</strong>e feet <strong>in</strong> all rotted off, and last year a yard or two<br />

also succumbed to the persistent ra<strong>in</strong>, so perhaps next year I will have to start aga<strong>in</strong>. Aren't cactophiles persistent?<br />

We have received details of the Rebutia Study Group that has been commenced by the I.O.S. They issue<br />

a guide to the study of Rebutios and the papers are extensive and comprehensive. These papers are <strong>in</strong>tended only<br />

for serious students of the genera covered generally by Rebutias. If members feel they can help the Study Group<br />

will they write direct to the secretary of the I.O.S., J. D. Donald, 3 Braeside Avenue, Brighton 6.<br />

On August 26th, <strong>1952</strong> was held the Cacti and Succulent Competition for the Sherman Hoyt Trophy at the<br />

Old Hall, R. H. S. Mrs Pryke Howard was successful <strong>in</strong> ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the award with a very colourful, well grown collection<br />

of plants, predom<strong>in</strong>antly of Echeveria and Stapelia types, but there were some nice plants, particularly an eight<br />

<strong>in</strong>ch high Oreocereus celsianus, Rhipsalis cereuscula saglionis and Kle<strong>in</strong>ia pendula <strong>in</strong> flower. The plants were not rare,<br />

but the art of display was well illustrated. There were four other competitors, Mrs Stillwell, Mr. P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

Mr. S. G. Fiedler and Mrs Shurly. Among the plants were some notable specimens and, of course, Mr. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

well known plants which need no further description ; others were Fenestraria aurantiaca, Opuntia strobiliformis,<br />

Leuchtenbergia pr<strong>in</strong>cipis, Henricia sibbettii, Testud<strong>in</strong>aria elephantipes, Mammillaria plumosa, Cissus juttae, Oophytum<br />

oviforme. Euphorbia multiceps, Ariocarpus kotschubeyanus cristata, Zonal Pelargonium eerulaceum, Opuntia clavarioides,<br />

a couple of Machaerocereus eruca and an eight <strong>in</strong>ch high Euphorbia obesa.<br />

The dates of the meet<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> 1953 are as follows :—February 3rd, Annual General Meet<strong>in</strong>g ; March 17th ;<br />

April <strong>14</strong>th ; May 12th ; June 23rd, Show ; July 28th ; August 25th ; September 22nd, Show ; October 20th ;<br />

November 17th ; December 1st. No meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> January. The desire has been expressed for hav<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

commence at 7.30 p.m. This matter will be discussed at the next General Meet<strong>in</strong>g for the op<strong>in</strong>ion of the members.<br />

There will be a d<strong>in</strong>ner to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the found<strong>in</strong>g of our Society on Thursday, November<br />

27th. Details are not yet settled, but will be sent by post to members <strong>in</strong> good time. Please book this date,

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80 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

THE SYSTEMATICS OF CONOPHYTUM N.E. Br.-contd.<br />

Series 5. Cataphracta Schwant.<br />

By Dr. A. TISCHER.<br />

Translated by Mrs. G. Peters.<br />

Body <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shape to spherical with very firm, pale bluey green to whitish-chalky green outer sk<strong>in</strong>,<br />

unmarked or with some pronounced spots. Flowers yellow, nocturnal, fragrant scented. Types 1-3, 8-11,13.<br />

Type species : C. calculus (Bgr.) N.E.Br.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Great and Little Namaqualand, Kenhart, Bushmanland, Van Rhynsdorp.<br />

C. breve N. E. Br. (y/13), C. calculus (Bgr.) N. E. Br. (y/l), C. calculus (Bgr.) N. E. Br. var. protrusum L. Bol.<br />

(y/0< C. globuliforme Schick et Tisch. (y/2-3), C. forresteri L. Bol. (y/13), (syn ; C. victoris Lav.), C. johannis-w<strong>in</strong>kleri<br />

(Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br. (y/10), C. m<strong>in</strong>utif/orum (Schwant.) N. E. Br. (y/10-l I), C. pageae N. E. Br. (y/13), C.<br />

pumilum N. E. Br. (y/10-13), C. pygmaeum Schick et Tisch. (y/l-2), C. schickianum Tisch. (y/13), C. subti//s N. E. Br.<br />

(y ?/9-IO), C. subrisum (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. (y/13), (syn ; C. poel/nitzianum Schwant ; C. villettii L. Bol.), C. udabibense<br />

Loesch et Tisch. (y/10), C. tabulare Loesch et Tisch. (y/l I), C. vanzylii Lav. (y/l I).<br />

Series 6. Earbata Schwant.<br />

Bodies without mark<strong>in</strong>gs, spherical to <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shaped, outer sk<strong>in</strong> hairy, yellowy to browny green.<br />

Flower yellow to ochre coloured, or reddish. Nocturnal. Types 1-2, II.<br />

Type species : C. stephanii Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Districts Little Namaqualand, Van Rhynsdorp.<br />

C. bolusiae Schwant. (y ?/l I), C. fi'bu/aeforme (Haw.) N. E. Br. (y ?/l I) (syn ; C. bolusiae Schwant. ?), C. depressum<br />

Lav. (y-co/l), C. publicalyx Lav. (r/2-3), C. stephanii Schwant. (y-co/l) (syn ; C. helmuthii Lav.).<br />

Series 7. Costata Schwant.<br />

Bodies <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shaped, dark olive green, with series of ribbed l<strong>in</strong>es around the slit and radiat<strong>in</strong>g from the<br />

cleft. Flower small, yellow, nocturnal. Type 16.<br />

Type species : C. angelicae (Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br.<br />

Occurrence : Great Namaqualand.<br />

Only known species up to the present : C. angelicae (Dtr. et Schwant.) N. E. Br. (y-co/16).<br />

The systematics suggested by Schwantes with<strong>in</strong> the Sub-tribe Euconophytum Schwant. I recognise as justified<br />

from my own observations. I have, however, taken a number of species from the Tribe Carruicola Schwant. and collated<br />

them <strong>in</strong> a special Sub-tribe Piluliformia Tisch., because of their mostly t<strong>in</strong>y, hardly noticeable marked bodies<br />

and because of their t<strong>in</strong>y, mostly copper coloured flowers as <strong>in</strong> the Sub-tribe P/cto. The species of this Sub-tribe are<br />

only found <strong>in</strong> the areas where Picta are found, viz., <strong>in</strong> the Districts of Malmesbury, Robertson, Montague, Ladismith<br />

and Swellendam. The Tribe Verrucosa Schwant. has no stand<strong>in</strong>g. C. fulleri L. Bol. belongs to the Tribe M<strong>in</strong>uscula<br />

Schwant. because of their geographical distribution. It is day bloom<strong>in</strong>g, while C. praeporvum N. E. Br. belongs to the<br />

Sub-tribe Tubercu/ata Schwant. and to the Tribe Carruicola, which also have some species with somewhat elevated<br />

l<strong>in</strong>es or spots. This type blooms at night.<br />

Some species <strong>in</strong> the systematics of Schwantes will have to be re-arranged. C. longifissum Tisch. belongs to the<br />

Sub-tribe Tuberculata Schwant., also C. decl<strong>in</strong>atum L. Bol. and C. spectabile Lav., C. obscurum N. E. Br., which were<br />

mentioned by Schwantes as <strong>in</strong> the Tribe Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia Schwant. and near related species like C. virens L. Bol. and C.<br />

tisch/er; Schwant. and, consequently, must be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the Tribe M<strong>in</strong>uscula Schwant. C. permaculatum Tisch.,<br />

that was also <strong>in</strong>cluded by Schwantes <strong>in</strong> the Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia, belongs to the Sub-tribe Truncatella Schwant. C. longipetalum<br />

L. Bol. is a day bloomer and with near species like C. percrassum Schick et Tisch., C. ornatum Lav. and C.<br />

t<strong>in</strong>ctum Lav. must be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the Tribe Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia Schwant. Schwantes considered these species as belong<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to the Tribe Cataphracta Schwant. C. fraternum N. E. Br. var leptanthum L. Bol. evidently belongs to the Tribe<br />

Wettste<strong>in</strong>ia Schwant. and is probably identical with C. marlothii N. E. Br. It is a day bloomer, as is obvious from the<br />

long floral stem. The habitat <strong>in</strong> the orig<strong>in</strong>al description is evidently erroneous as, up to now, no day bloomer of the

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 81<br />

Conophyta has been found <strong>in</strong> this district. C. comptonii is a night bloomer and is nearest related to the dwarf Conophyta<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Sub-tribe Piluliformia Tisch., which mostly also show slightly elevated l<strong>in</strong>es and spots and mostly have<br />

copper coloured flowers.<br />

Sub-genus 4. Berrisfordia (L. Bol.) Tisch.<br />

Body <strong>in</strong>verted skittle shaped, grey green, at the top flat to slightly rounded, with short, po<strong>in</strong>ted, blunt, thorny<br />

humps, slit sharply cut <strong>in</strong>. Blooms late <strong>in</strong> the day, large, rose coloured. Type 38.<br />

Type species : C. khamiesbergense (L. Bol) Schwant.<br />

Occurrence : Little Namaqualand.<br />

Up to now the only known species : C. khamiesbergense (L. Bol.) Schwant.<br />

From the conception of Schwantes, the po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> question is that this species is claimed to be a genu<strong>in</strong>e Conophytum.<br />

After the description of the flower by L. Bolus one has to suppose that this conception is correct. The<br />

habit of this species varies considerably from all other Conophytum known up to now. Characteristic are the po<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

hump like elevations. The peculiarity of the habits justifies C. khamiesbergense to be recognised as a representative<br />

of a special Sub-tribe, for which the previous nam<strong>in</strong>g by L. Bolus under the designation Berrisfordia had to be chosen.<br />

Through concentrated study it was possible for me to systematically arrange, for the first time, all the aforementioned<br />

species of Conophytum. The study of many flowers has enabled me to settle many doubtful questions.<br />

I am thoroughly aware, that, even now, much uneas<strong>in</strong>ess exists as regards the systematic position of many species.<br />

Nevertheless, the proposed arrangement permitted an <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to the species relationships of by far the greatest<br />

proportion of the described species. This is one of the hypothesis for the further study of the specific stand<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

many of the described species. The extraord<strong>in</strong>ary variability of many species leads, undoubtedly, to some species<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g described under various names. A few <strong>in</strong>stances of this k<strong>in</strong>d have been expla<strong>in</strong>ed earlier <strong>in</strong> these articles.<br />

It will be necessary to complete many more studies <strong>in</strong> order to clear up questions of this k<strong>in</strong>d. Especially will it be<br />

necessary to have as much plant material as possible, together with reliable <strong>in</strong>formation as to their native habits.<br />

The geographic methods <strong>in</strong>troduced by Schwantes, therefore, substantially contribute to an understand<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />

latitudes of variations of Conophytum species.<br />

Mr. Boarder feels that the second and third paragraphs of the report of his lecture reported on page 65 of<br />

the July Journal have not been accurately given. He wishes that they should be replaced by the follow<strong>in</strong>g :—<br />

Rebutias and Lobivias are genera of the sub-tribe Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereeanae, whilst Parodias belong to the Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactanae.<br />

It is proposed to further divide the Rebutias and with over 124 different Genera of Cacti already, it seems rather<br />

confus<strong>in</strong>g to make more. However one has to admit that there are more than one dist<strong>in</strong>ct type of Rebutia. Rebutia<br />

fiebrigii has been placed <strong>in</strong> the proposed genus Aylostera, and this plant is of a much stronger growth than the well<br />

known R. m<strong>in</strong>uscula, and the flowers are borne higher up on the plant. Another genus, the Digitorebutia will take<br />

<strong>in</strong> such plants as R. ste<strong>in</strong>mannii, which is almost f<strong>in</strong>ger shaped and has large flowers with hairy tubes. Many of these<br />

plants are very difficult to name unless they are <strong>in</strong> flower and then sometimes not until they form fruits. R. violaciflora<br />

is a rather flat-topped plant and R. senilis has large dark red flowers. Most of the Rebutias produce their flowers<br />

from fairly low down on the plant. The Rebutias can be easily raised from seed and can usually be flowered <strong>in</strong> their<br />

second year. Most produce off-sets which may be taken off and rooted although some types are not easy to strike.<br />

The name Lobivia is an anagram of Bolivia and these plants are very handsome when <strong>in</strong> flower. The flowers<br />

are mostly larger and more cup-shaped than Rebutias and appear to form a connect<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>k between some types<br />

of Rebutia and Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis. Whilst the flowers on Rebutias are soon over, the Lobivias will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to form fresh<br />

flowers over a considerable period. Mr. Boarder does not f<strong>in</strong>d them quite as free-flower<strong>in</strong>g as the Rebutias.

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82 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

COLOUR IN AUTUMN<br />

By G. G. GREEN<br />

I hope I may be forgiven for writ<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong> about the Mesembryanthemums, but the present time, September, is<br />

when these beautiful plants are at their best. The popularity of the stemless species is <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g tremendously, and<br />

may be due to the knowledge obta<strong>in</strong>ed through this Journal regard<strong>in</strong>g their cultivation, or the fact that there are<br />

no more beautiful plants <strong>in</strong> the whole family of succulents.<br />

It says much for the common sense of the average collector that these plants are gradually absorb<strong>in</strong>g so much<br />

attention, for with such a wealth of contradictory <strong>in</strong>formation as to the successful cultivation of the species that has<br />

been written over the last year or so, it is amaz<strong>in</strong>g that this <strong>in</strong>terest has not been stifled before it could ga<strong>in</strong> a foothold.<br />

Throughout the present year, s<strong>in</strong>ce early April, I have talked to hundreds of collectors and have been both<br />

dismayed and amused at the many different methods of grow<strong>in</strong>g Mesembryanthemums that have been described to<br />

me. From dry shelves high up under the eaves of the glass house where no water, except for a sip or two <strong>in</strong> August,<br />

is given them, to deep pits or frames hav<strong>in</strong>g " hot-bed " conditions (whatever they may be), the poor th<strong>in</strong>gs have,<br />

apparently, survived and even dared to flower <strong>in</strong> one or two isolated cases,<br />

The Lithops seem to have caused the most difficulty, as the period of wait<strong>in</strong>g until the old bodies have shrivelled<br />

before water<strong>in</strong>g varies to a great extent between April and July, or even August.<br />

A little thought, and of course, reference to back numbers of this Journal, would simplify th<strong>in</strong>gs a great deal <strong>in</strong><br />

this respect, and enable these plants, under correct treatment, to develop properly and flower dur<strong>in</strong>g August and<br />

September regularly.<br />

The w<strong>in</strong>ter rest, which is essential from the end of November to April, should not be prolonged any further<br />

than is necessary, nor be too suddenly ended. This means that dur<strong>in</strong>g the latter half of April, the new bodies should<br />

be grow<strong>in</strong>g and the old ones splitt<strong>in</strong>g and beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the process of dry<strong>in</strong>g out, gradually and steadily.<br />

The sudden burst<strong>in</strong>g or splitt<strong>in</strong>g of the old bodies is a sign of too much moisture, and the non-appearance of any<br />

sign of growth, an <strong>in</strong>dication of too little.<br />

Most people allow their plants to dry out thoroughly dur<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ter and then do the wrong th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

They either do not give any water until the old bodies have shrivelled, or give too much at first so that the bodies<br />

split or burst, or even rot. A long rest such as this necessitates gentle persuasion <strong>in</strong> order that the plants may be<br />

encouraged to beg<strong>in</strong> their natural functions, and this means that the root tips should have enough, and only sufficient,<br />

moisture to help the new growth to beg<strong>in</strong>.<br />

Too much water <strong>in</strong> the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g is dangerous,for the root-tips or roots, after months of dryness, will generally be<br />

dead, and so cannotabsorb moisture at all until new rootlets havegrown, and untilthese new rootlets have grown, the<br />

plant itself cannot develop. New root tips, or roots, will not grow without moisture to encourage them, so the<br />

practice of wait<strong>in</strong>g until the old bodies have entirely shrivelled before water<strong>in</strong>g at all is never very successful after<br />

such a long w<strong>in</strong>ter's rest. Generally it is August before the process is complete under these conditions, and the<br />

ensu<strong>in</strong>g new bodies are small and under developed, whilst flowers are non-existent. Under good cultivation the<br />

old bodies should have disappeared by mid June or July at the latest and the new ones should be grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to sturdier<br />

and larger plants to flower <strong>in</strong> late August or September.<br />

The many thousands of two-year plants that I am grow<strong>in</strong>g under conditions described before, are nearly all<br />

show<strong>in</strong>g buds, or are already <strong>in</strong> flower, and have received light water<strong>in</strong>gs until June, s<strong>in</strong>ce the end of April, and<br />

periodical drench<strong>in</strong>gs afterwards.<br />

Although they have had their w<strong>in</strong>ter's rest, the gravel stag<strong>in</strong>gs have been kept damp s<strong>in</strong>ce February, so that the<br />

root tips have not been allowed to die off, nor encouraged to promote precipitate growth out of season.<br />

By the end of April the new bodies were visible under the shr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g older ones, burst<strong>in</strong>g through these <strong>in</strong> early<br />

June. They then received their first heavy water<strong>in</strong>gs which were conta<strong>in</strong>ed at regular <strong>in</strong>tervals, tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to account<br />

weather conditions, until the present time, when the pure white, scented, and shaded yellow flowers are beautiful

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 83<br />

Cereus beneckei We<strong>in</strong>gartia fidaiana<br />

Setiech<strong>in</strong>opsis mirabilis Euarthrocereus microsphaericus.<br />

Four photographs by Fuaux Herbarium.

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84 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Cheiridopsis purpurascens H. Hall Cheiridopsis purpurascens H. Hall<br />

Collection of Cacti ; Jard<strong>in</strong> des Plantes, Paris.<br />

Dr. E. Elkan<br />

Collection of Cacti ; Jard<strong>in</strong> des Plantes, Paris.<br />

Dr. E. Elkan

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 85<br />

Ech<strong>in</strong>us gem<strong>in</strong>atus Delosperma brunnthaleri<br />

Drosanthemum sp. Trichodiadema <strong>in</strong>tonsum<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' "The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae.'

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86 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

Psammophora sp.<br />

Psammophora sp.<br />

Nelia schlechteri Argyroderma ovale<br />

Four photos from Professor Schwantes' " The Cultivation of the Mesembryanthemaceae.

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October. <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 87<br />

to see. Double and multi-headed specimens are particularly attractive when <strong>in</strong> flower, especially when planted <strong>in</strong><br />

half pots or deep pans.<br />

The white, p<strong>in</strong>k, lilac and purple flowers of the Optha/mophy//ums are also bloom<strong>in</strong>g now, and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue until<br />

well <strong>in</strong>to late September, giv<strong>in</strong>g added brilliance to those of the Lithops. These plants, though hav<strong>in</strong>g much softer<br />

bodies than those of the Lithops, are often more hardy, even though the text books declare that low temperatures<br />

are fatal to them. The grow<strong>in</strong>g season <strong>in</strong> this country is usually from July or August to January, so that though they<br />

need water dur<strong>in</strong>g this period, care must be taken to see that they do not suffer from dampness and cold together.<br />

A place as near the glass as possible with protection <strong>in</strong> the shape of brown paper on cold nights <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter, and water<strong>in</strong>g<br />

only from the bottom, will be best. So long as strong healthy growth is obta<strong>in</strong>ed by giv<strong>in</strong>g the plants liberal<br />

water and fresh air <strong>in</strong> August and September, the plants should not suffer <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter. I have noticed that plants <strong>in</strong><br />

frames where the lights have been raised fully each dry day s<strong>in</strong>ce May, and those on shelves near the glass with<br />

moisture obta<strong>in</strong>ed from sand at the base, have grown bigger and flowered more profusely than others stand<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

the usual stag<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g the need for light and air. The species d<strong>in</strong>teri, rosy purple flowers ; sch/ecteri, pale<br />

lilac, and triebneri, pure white, are three of the best.<br />

It is truly remarkable how pretty the Conophytums are when <strong>in</strong> flower, and specially the smaller grow<strong>in</strong>g ones<br />

such as julii, pallidum, or truncatellum which often seem too small to produce the large purple, yellow and violet<br />

flowers. Even s<strong>in</strong>gle heads, rooted from cutt<strong>in</strong>gs the previous year, burst <strong>in</strong>to flower dur<strong>in</strong>g September, and a<br />

charm<strong>in</strong>g sight is rows of these s<strong>in</strong>gle plants <strong>in</strong> seed pans, all bear<strong>in</strong>g a brilliantly coloured flower when the bodies<br />

themselves are hardly discernable <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>e gravel.<br />

Very easy to grow, Conophytums soon make large clumps of tightly packed bodies which are better divided <strong>in</strong>to<br />

smaller groups than left as one big one. Often the new growths get squeezed out or fail to develop satisfactory<br />

stems through be<strong>in</strong>g so crowded and it is an easy task to cut them <strong>in</strong>to smaller groups, each hav<strong>in</strong>g a portion of stem<br />

or root attached and planted <strong>in</strong>to a sandy compost <strong>in</strong> May. It is a good plan to give a little water <strong>in</strong> early spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />

when new bodies are about to form, eas<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> May to allow the outer sk<strong>in</strong> to shrivel entirely, and start normal<br />

water<strong>in</strong>g about July. At this time the new bodies will be thrust<strong>in</strong>g through the dry sk<strong>in</strong>s and should be encouraged<br />

to do so by water<strong>in</strong>g, applied at regular <strong>in</strong>tervals so that they can grow big enough to store moisture<br />

for the long rest.<br />

Of all the Pleiospilos, the one that attracts me most is the smallest, P. hilmari, with its sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g reddish-green body<br />

and the rich golden flower. This species will flower when only one year old from seed and can be set among the<br />

Lithops or Conophytums, requir<strong>in</strong>g much the same treatment. Be<strong>in</strong>g so small, the flower often covers the entire<br />

plant, and the contrast of the gold with the reddish green stem is most charm<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Other species <strong>in</strong> flower this month and equally brilliant and <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g are the Faucarias, Frithia, Rhombophyllums,<br />

Trichodiademas, Clottiphyllums and Bergeranthus, to name a few, and how bright they all are ! With colours<br />

rang<strong>in</strong>g from white, p<strong>in</strong>k and yellow to purple and carm<strong>in</strong>e, the large flowers are <strong>in</strong>deed a beautiful sight, well<br />

worth any trouble one may take to help the plants produce them.<br />

WIN members <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> floral clocks, with special reference to cacti and succulents, correspond with Gisela<br />

Merkel, Nordbahnhofstrasse 181, (<strong>14</strong>6) Stuttgart-N, Germany.<br />

The Howard E. Gates lecture on "Cacti <strong>in</strong> Baja, California," illustrated with one hundred coloured Kodachrome<br />

slides, is be<strong>in</strong>g read by Mr. E. Shurly on Wednesday, December 10th next, at 8 p.m. <strong>in</strong> the Lambourne Room, llford<br />

Town Hall. All members are cordially <strong>in</strong>vited.<br />

Mr. Herre reports that " <strong>in</strong> the flesh of Testud<strong>in</strong>aria they have found now a certa<strong>in</strong> percentage of cortisone<br />

and they want to start a factory for it. But what will happen with our plant which is so slow grow<strong>in</strong>g ? Happily<br />

It is protected, so they will not be able to ext<strong>in</strong>ct it immediately ! "

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88 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

CHEIRIDOPSIS PURPURASCENS, N.E. Br.<br />

By H. HALL<br />

In the recently published " Mesembryanthemaceae," by Jacobsen, Volk and Herre, which lists all the known<br />

species of " Mesem " the genus Cheiridopsis conta<strong>in</strong>s about 100 species. Generally speak<strong>in</strong>g, they are all dwarf,<br />

compact leaf-succulents with very showy flowers from magenta, orange-red, p<strong>in</strong>k, yellow to white. The species<br />

vary <strong>in</strong> size from the very dwarf C. Meyeri (tufts about two <strong>in</strong>ches accross and less than one <strong>in</strong>ch tall) to the massive<br />

rosettes of C. candidiss/ma up to afoot across and weigh<strong>in</strong>g several pounds. They <strong>in</strong>habit the more arid regions of<br />

S. Africa and are largely conf<strong>in</strong>ed to the western districts, Namaqualand, etc. All are sun lovers but though most of<br />

them can be cultivated under glass with moderate care the genus is notoriously reluctant to produce flowers.<br />

As the flowers are exceptionally showy this fact is quite a tragedy. I have seen flowers of C. Pillansii <strong>in</strong> the Karoo<br />

Garden, Worcester, which measured nearly four <strong>in</strong>ches across, with shades vary<strong>in</strong>g from deep orange to creamy<br />

white.<br />

The species which occurs closest to Cape Town is C. purpurascens and comes to with<strong>in</strong> about 60 miles of " The<br />

Tavern of the Seas." It was one of the first species to be collected and grown <strong>in</strong> Europe and was, <strong>in</strong>cidentally, the<br />

first member of the genus I met with <strong>in</strong> the wild state, about one week after arriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Union. At this t<strong>in</strong>y,<br />

almost un<strong>in</strong>habited, fish<strong>in</strong>g village, the massive granite outcrops that formed the shore were well populated by large<br />

clumps of low, mat-like plants <strong>in</strong> very shallow layers of grit and mussel-shell pounded to fragments by the waves, and<br />

periodically hurled up over the cliffs. Often completely grown together, a low-grow<strong>in</strong>g Ruschia granitica, look<strong>in</strong>g<br />

remarkably like the Cheiridopsis, shared the same situation. The Ruschia, of course, has smaller, magenta flowers<br />

and trails eventually and <strong>in</strong> cultivation alters considerably ; and so does the Cheiridopsis, unfortunately. Fully<br />

exposed to the prevail<strong>in</strong>g sea w<strong>in</strong>ds and frequently drenched with salt spray <strong>in</strong> stormy weather, the Cheiridopsis was<br />

so utterly unlike the cultivated specimens I previously knew that I did not recognise it at all. The plants were a<br />

rich orange-red, beautifully sun-tanned, and as the rich yellow flowers opened that same afternoon they formed a<br />

charm<strong>in</strong>g sight.<br />

Several hollows on the granite still conta<strong>in</strong>ed traces of salt water and others conta<strong>in</strong>ed th<strong>in</strong> layers of salt glitter<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> the bright sunlight, where the water had dried up. About ten yards away the wide Atlantic rollers were<br />

pound<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st the cliffs and between the Cheiridopsis and the sea grew another " Mesem," Drosanthemum candens,<br />

whilst still further down, yet another, the green, soft-leaved Disphyma crassifolia with white flowers. The enclosed<br />

photographs depict C. purpurascens <strong>in</strong> natural surround<strong>in</strong>gs at Yserfonte<strong>in</strong>, Cape Prov<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />

The Associated Lead Manufacturers Limited request us to po<strong>in</strong>t out, anent the suggested use of good flat white<br />

lead pa<strong>in</strong>t th<strong>in</strong>ned with paraff<strong>in</strong> mentioned on page 52 of the July Journal, that the th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs should be best quality<br />

white spirit, or pure American turpent<strong>in</strong>e and that flat pa<strong>in</strong>t tends to <strong>in</strong>crease the rate of slow erosion ; they<br />

suggest Undercoat<strong>in</strong>g and Oil Gloss F<strong>in</strong>ish Genu<strong>in</strong>e English White Lead pa<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

Members who would like to acquire volumes one and two of the Journal should write to Mr. G. Ersk<strong>in</strong>e,<br />

Blandford Press Ltd., 16 West Central Street, London, W.C.2. He has for disposal volumes one and two bound<br />

<strong>in</strong> one volume and a few separate copies of parts of volumes two and three. This is an unusual opportunity<br />

as volume one is exceed<strong>in</strong>gly scarce and is fetch<strong>in</strong>g £5.

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 89<br />

A JOURNEY TO FRANCE<br />

By Dr. E. ELKAN<br />

We cannot all travel to Mexico. With our £25 travel allowance we should get stuck <strong>in</strong> mid-ocean. But we<br />

can just manage to cross the Channel and to spend a few days <strong>in</strong> France. This I have done this summer and, on return<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

I feel that I should let readers hear what I have seen <strong>in</strong> the way of succulents, though I would much rather tell<br />

them about the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal reasons for my journey, which was a visit to the famous cave of Lascaux. Homo magdaleniensis,<br />

however, who executed the famous pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs which adorn that cave, concentrated entirely on beasts and<br />

heprobablyneversawacactus. His distant descendants, who now <strong>in</strong>habit the valleysoftheVezereand the Dordogne,<br />

however, see quite a lot of them. The hotels adorn their fronts with large barrels full of flower<strong>in</strong>g Epiphyllums and<br />

there is hardly a house without some Opuntias, an Aporocactus or a row of Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis outside. Not that their owners<br />

know their names, or know much about how to treat them. I have a suspicion that they keep them ma<strong>in</strong>ly because<br />

they can stand the heat—which is considerable—and flower without giv<strong>in</strong>g any trouble year after year. One of<br />

the bigger Ech<strong>in</strong>opsis <strong>in</strong> the Rue du Moyen Age (so-called because it cannot have changed much s<strong>in</strong>ce the Middle<br />

Ages) <strong>in</strong> Les Eyzies has twenty four well advanced buds. I admit I felt a little silly th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of the two or three I<br />

can ever achieve at home.<br />

Return<strong>in</strong>g from the very sunny South to the not less sunny streets of Paris, we had the extremely good fortune<br />

of the help and patronage of the Secretary of the French organisation for succulents, Mr. E. Veau. The majority of<br />

the Parisians do not live, as we do <strong>in</strong> London, <strong>in</strong> small houses with at least a postage stamp piece of garden. They<br />

live <strong>in</strong> flats and their cacti have to live <strong>in</strong> flats too. To overcome this difficulty, Mr. Veau has converted a balcony<br />

high above the Rue Lecourbe <strong>in</strong>to a hothouse and I am sure his results up there are as good as those we achieve on<br />

terra firma. His accounts, too, of the progress of the French organisation " Cactus " were very reassur<strong>in</strong>g. There<br />

was, he said, no shortage of funds. What they needed was more photographs worth publish<strong>in</strong>g. Well, I hope we<br />

can help them with these.<br />

The cactus collection <strong>in</strong> the large hothouse of the Jard<strong>in</strong> des Plantes (a mixture of Zoo and Botanical Gardens)<br />

was closed to the public. This was perhaps just as well because the St. John's Ambulance—or whatever their French<br />

equivalent may be—would have had to carry away str<strong>in</strong>gs of sunstroke victims from that place had the public been<br />

admitted. Mr. Veau, however, who seems to be on friendly terms with every one of the gardeners and who was<br />

entirely unaffected by the heat, got us safely around the barriers and <strong>in</strong>troduced us to Mr. Rose <strong>in</strong> charge of the cacti<br />

who, with an assistant, was busy re-arrang<strong>in</strong>g the collection. We stayed just long enough to make a photograph or<br />

two and to see a few beautiful specimens imported from the Mediterranean coast. The public, when admitted, will<br />

be able to see good specimens of all the more popular cacti and succulents well arranged around an artificial stony hill<br />

with little paths <strong>in</strong> between. But if the temperature <strong>in</strong>side this hothouse is what one has to endure on a collect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

trip <strong>in</strong> Mexico or Arizona, I must ask to be counted out for that profession. Even the adjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g " Grande Serre,"<br />

represent<strong>in</strong>g ra<strong>in</strong>, forest and jungle, very life-like, was quite enough for me.<br />

Cacti are be<strong>in</strong>g sold to the Parisians <strong>in</strong> stalls along thequaisof the Se<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the direction of theGare d'Austerlitz,<br />

together with goldfish, tortoises, silkworms, pots and pans and white mice. The specimens are most of the more<br />

popular hundred and the spell<strong>in</strong>g of the names is not always what we are used to. One recognises the cactus,<br />

however—if not the name. The stalls are extremely picturesque and crowded with shoppers. The tortoises, I am<br />

afraid, are hav<strong>in</strong>g an extremely bad time.<br />

I had, unfortunately, no time to meet other members of our French sister organisation.<br />

The French are lucky <strong>in</strong> so far as <strong>in</strong> the southern half of their country, cacti can easily be grown out of doors<br />

without any artificial help and, if one really wants to see what the French can do, one should go to the C6te d'Azur,<br />

to Monaco and to Cap Ferrat where the great M. Marnier-Lapostolle has what is perhaps the most complete collection<br />

anywhere. But how that k<strong>in</strong>d of journey can be made on £25,1 still have to f<strong>in</strong>d out.

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90 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

BOOK REVIEWS<br />

" LEAF AND AREOLE DEVELOPMENT IN CORYPHANTHA "<br />

By N. H. BOKE<br />

Consider<strong>in</strong>g their extraord<strong>in</strong>ary appearance and unique mode of life, the Cacti have been the subject of surpris<strong>in</strong>gly<br />

little anatomical <strong>in</strong>vestigation. The classical researches of Schleiden <strong>in</strong> I84S have been followed by much<br />

debat<strong>in</strong>g and theoris<strong>in</strong>g, but only sporadic attempts to attack the problems scientifically. In recent years Buxbaum<br />

and others are mak<strong>in</strong>g good this neglect. Some of the most valuable work has come from Dr. Norman H. Boke of<br />

Oklahoma University, whose fourth contribution 4 has just been published. All his papers are outstand<strong>in</strong>g for the<br />

f<strong>in</strong>e photographs of microscopic preparations of cactus tissues, which, because of their softness compared to the<br />

tough sk<strong>in</strong> and sp<strong>in</strong>es present special difficulties for section<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Dr. Boke first exam<strong>in</strong>ed Trichocereus spach/anus, 1 where he found the grow<strong>in</strong>g tip to be a massive dome of cells<br />

I mm. across—the largest meristem then known for any flower<strong>in</strong>g plant. Opuntia cyl<strong>in</strong>drica was similar, but rather<br />

less than half that size ; Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus reichenbachii 3 and Coryphantha viWpara 4 came somewhere between these two.<br />

The complex tissues of the apex could be resolved <strong>in</strong>to several zones covered by a s<strong>in</strong>gle-layered tunica or dermatogen.<br />

A central group of mother cells, the " <strong>in</strong>itial zone," is flanked by smaller, more deeply sta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g cells with a<br />

central rib meristem ly<strong>in</strong>g below, and surrounded by cells divid<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly parallel to the shoot axis. The general<br />

structure is rem<strong>in</strong>iscent of the primitive Cycadales.<br />

It may startle some to read of leaves <strong>in</strong> Trichocereus, Lemaireocereus and Coryphantha, and of stipules <strong>in</strong> Opuntia,<br />

but both appear <strong>in</strong> the illustrations. The former <strong>in</strong> Coryphantha are scales up to I mm. long with a s<strong>in</strong>gle vascular<br />

strand and sometimes with stomata ; the latter are metamorphosed <strong>in</strong>to hair-like glochids about I cm. long. Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus<br />

also has leaves, but they are mere pimples 0.1 mm. high.<br />

What is the nature of the cactus areole ? Many ideas, based often on slender evidence, have been advanced,<br />

but Dr. Boke is <strong>in</strong> a position to review them and judge with authority 2 . For Opuntia cyl<strong>in</strong>drica he writes :—"... The<br />

results of this <strong>in</strong>vestigation support the contention that the areole is best regarded as an axillary bud, grow<strong>in</strong>g on a<br />

persistent leaf base, and that its appendages should be regarded as the morphological equivalents of leaves. From this<br />

it also follows that sp<strong>in</strong>es and glochids can be homologized with bud scales."<br />

His latest publication 4 confirms the Cacti on anatomical grounds as members of the Centrospermae, and shows<br />

Coryphantha as stand<strong>in</strong>g closer to Ech<strong>in</strong>ococtus than to Mamm///aria. A series of diagrams suggests how the curious<br />

furrowed tubercle of Coryphantha might have arisen from the normal type Cereus areole by differenial elongation<br />

of the base of podarium—an elongation <strong>in</strong> which the two ends of the areole become pulled apart and l<strong>in</strong>ked only by a<br />

sunken row of hairs. There is still one grow<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t only, not several, and the <strong>in</strong>terpretation of Ganong (1894)<br />

is thus upheld. The author makes a small slip <strong>in</strong> stat<strong>in</strong>g that Britton and Rose assigned Mammillaria to Neomammillaria<br />

" because its tubercles have no furrows " ; they altered the name for purely taxonomic reasons. Nor did<br />

Buxbaum transfer Coryphantha Wvipara to Escobaria on the sole evidence of its tubercle anatomy.<br />

Everyone whose <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> Cacti goes more than " sk<strong>in</strong>-deep " should make a po<strong>in</strong>t of see<strong>in</strong>g these papers,<br />

which are clearly presented and admirably illustrated. I hope the author may be encouraged to take up more of the<br />

many problems raised by Cacti, such as the nature of the tubercles <strong>in</strong> Leuchtenberg/a and An'ocarpus, the <strong>in</strong>florescences<br />

of Neoraimondia, and the branch systems of Rhipsalis (R. paradoxa, etc.).<br />

1<br />

. BOKE, N. H. " Zonation <strong>in</strong> the Shoot Apices of Trichocereus spachianus and Opuntia cyl<strong>in</strong>drica " <strong>in</strong><br />

Amer. J. Bot. 28. viii. 656-664 (1941).<br />

2<br />

. ,, ,, " Histogenesis of the Leaf and Areole <strong>in</strong> Opuntia cyl<strong>in</strong>drica " <strong>in</strong> I.e. 31. vi. 299-316 (1944).<br />

3<br />

. „ ,, " Histogenesis of the Vegetative Shoot <strong>in</strong> Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereus " <strong>in</strong> I.e. 38. i. 23-38 (1951).<br />

*. „ „ " Leaf and Areole Development <strong>in</strong> Coryphantha " <strong>in</strong> I.e. 39. ii. 134-<strong>14</strong>5 (<strong>1952</strong>).<br />

G. D. R.<br />

Mr. Boke's comment on the above review :—" Your review of my papers has been most generous. I have only a<br />

s<strong>in</strong>gle criticism. You stated that ' His latest publication confirms the Cacti on anatomical grounds as members of<br />

the Centrospermae." While my present work leads me to believe that this is highly probable, I still believe that<br />

we do not know enough to make the statement ' confirms ' justifiable. I prefer the word ' supports ' to ' confirms.'<br />

I am not a taxonomist. As you have po<strong>in</strong>ted out <strong>in</strong> your review, I slip up now and then. Your criticism<br />

is therefore entirely justified. I am do<strong>in</strong>g my best to alleviate the situation by consult<strong>in</strong>g with Dr. Reid Moran of<br />

Cornell. I shall cont<strong>in</strong>ue to <strong>in</strong>vestigate the family from a morphological po<strong>in</strong>t of view and to report and illustrate<br />

situations to the best of my ability. It may be of <strong>in</strong>terest to know that as a Guggenheim Fellow for 1953,1 am to go

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 91<br />

to Cuba to collect cactus materials there. I am particularly <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> Pereskia, Rhipsalis and Cactus. Some of<br />

the genera which you have mentioned as need<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigation occur <strong>in</strong> Mexico, which is close enough to Oklahoma<br />

so that I shall be eventually able to collect there even without the aid of afellowship grant."<br />

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY DICTIONARY OF GARDENING<br />

George Nicholson's great garden<strong>in</strong>g dictionary of 1884-7, with its two supplements (1888, 1900), bound <strong>in</strong> 4<br />

handy or 11 cumbersome volumes, has been a standby to gardeners s<strong>in</strong>ce the day of its publication. Succulent lovers<br />

were generously treated, especially <strong>in</strong> the first supplement where W. Watson illustrated his accounts of cacti with<br />

the famous engrav<strong>in</strong>gs also used <strong>in</strong> early editions of his " Cactus Culture."<br />

The news of a modern revision of Nicholson's encyclopedia is welcome ; doubly so as the succulents are <strong>in</strong> the<br />

safe hands of Mrs. Vera Higg<strong>in</strong>s. Mrs. Higg<strong>in</strong>s not only reviews the different genera, but provides the l<strong>in</strong>e draw<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

for the cacti. The illustrations for the other succulents are by another hand and technically not quite so good.<br />

Mrs. Higg<strong>in</strong>s tells me that most of her contributions were done about 1942, and because of the delays <strong>in</strong> publication<br />

and difficulty of alter<strong>in</strong>g proofs some modern work had to be omitted. Nevertheless, a difficult task has been ably<br />

hand led, for the treatment of a specialist subject <strong>in</strong> a general encyclopedia poses many problems. Enthusiasts for Mushrooms<br />

and Orchids, Alp<strong>in</strong>es and Filmy Ferns compete for space, and would extend the size of the work <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong>itely if<br />

allowed. The compromise here effected <strong>in</strong> the succulents is well balanced : thus, 110 names are listed under<br />

" Mesembryanthemum " with their modern equivalents, while 11 of the most popular segregate genera are treated<br />

separately. No keys to species are given, but without a fuller understand<strong>in</strong>g of variation with<strong>in</strong> the species, workable<br />

keys cannot be made.<br />

The writ<strong>in</strong>g throughout is simple and clear, requir<strong>in</strong>g no technical knowledge to understand it. Especially<br />

praiseworthy are Mrs. Higg<strong>in</strong>s' <strong>in</strong>troductions to each family and genus of succulent. As a sample of the numbers of<br />

species described, there are 23 entries under Agave, 33 under Aloe, 61 under Coty/edonand 54 under Crassula. A good<br />

plate compar<strong>in</strong>g the sp<strong>in</strong>e processes of Cacti and Euphorbios has come to grief <strong>in</strong> the captions : the letters C and E<br />

should be transposed.<br />

* Four vols., 4to., 1951, Oxford. Ed. F. J. Chittenden. Price £10 10s.<br />

A fifth volume on selections of plants is promised.<br />

"THE STAPELIEAE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA "<br />

By C. A. LUCKHOFF<br />

(Ed-)-<br />

G. D. R.<br />

This long awaited book has been received s<strong>in</strong>ce the last issue of the Journal. It is a book of 283 pages, deal<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with 196 species of Stapeliads. The text is <strong>in</strong> English and Afrikaans. There are short descriptions of twenty genera,<br />

with keys of the genera and keys of species. The short foreword <strong>in</strong>dicates that White & Sloane's " Stapelieae "<br />

is accepted as the standard work of reference.<br />

There are twenty-three floral draw<strong>in</strong>gs, five coloured plates and 255 photographs.<br />

To those who like a book for the pictures conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> its pages, this book is a treasure ground with its plethora<br />

of illustrations, but, unfortunately, the greater proportion of the photographs have been greatly enlarged and, <strong>in</strong><br />

consequence, any flaws <strong>in</strong> the smaller, orig<strong>in</strong>al photographs have been accentuated.<br />

The greatest defect of the book is the lack of descriptive material <strong>in</strong> regard to the species themselves. The<br />

un<strong>in</strong>itiated f<strong>in</strong>d that keys are extremely complicated and that, without some descriptive matter, they feel defeated.<br />

It is stated that Stapeliads are often unidentifiable till the flowers appearand these illustrations seem to be based<br />

on this po<strong>in</strong>t, but I wonder whether there is not sufficient divergence <strong>in</strong> the form of the stems that, if they were given<br />

more attention, would enable much more identification than is now considered possible.<br />

This seems a hard review, but it is not meant to be. The book is valuable for many aspects and I have only felt<br />

it my duty to po<strong>in</strong>t out its shortcom<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> the hope that any book that appears <strong>in</strong> the future on Stapeliads will look<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the possibilities of my suggestions.<br />

The most <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g fact with the book is the sole and very unusual decoration on the front cover—I have never<br />

met with the publisher's <strong>in</strong>itials <strong>in</strong> such a position ! The book costs £5 and is published by A. A. Balkema of Cape<br />

Town and Amsterdam. E.S.

---

92 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

SUMMER SHOW<br />

This took place on the 24th and 25th June at the Royal Horticultural Society's New Hall, Westm<strong>in</strong>ster.<br />

There was not quite as big an entry as usual, but it was very noticeable that the quality of the exhibits had greatly<br />

<strong>in</strong>creased and were a tribute to the enthusiasm of our members. The judges, Mr. A. Boarder and Mr. W. Denton<br />

confessed to a difficult task <strong>in</strong> plac<strong>in</strong>g the awards. Most classes conta<strong>in</strong>ed some really magnificent specimens, well<br />

cultivated and nicely presented for the show. Much comment was heard from onlookers. It is a strik<strong>in</strong>g fact that<br />

whenever cacti are <strong>shown</strong> the public are <strong>in</strong>tensely <strong>in</strong>terested and the stand <strong>in</strong>variably holds quite a large audience.<br />

Class I. Three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactanae. I, R. J. Rickett ; 2, H. J. Aylott ; 3, A. J. Edwards ; V.H.C., R. H. West ;<br />

H.C., Mrs. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 2. Three Coryphanthanae. I, A. J. Edwards ; 2, R. H. West ; 3, R. Barrett.<br />

Class 3. Three Cereeanae. I, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 2, Mrs. Pryke Howard ; 3, R. H. West.<br />

Class 4. Three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereenac. I, R. H. West; 2, H. J. Aylott.<br />

Class 5. Three Cacti, any genera. I, R. H. West ; 2, Mrs. J. A. Wells ; 3, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; V.H.C., R. J. Rickett.<br />

Class 6. One Specimen Cactus. I, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 2. Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke ; 3, S. L. Greaves.<br />

Class 7. Cacti raised from seed by the Exhibitor (sown on or after 1st January, 1948). I, Mrs. J. A. Wells ;<br />

2, R. H. West ; 3, Miss D. M. Poore.<br />

Class 8. Cacti raised from seed by the Exhibitor, more than 3 years old. I, R. H. West.<br />

Class 9. M<strong>in</strong>iature Garden of Cactus Plants. I, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard ; 2, Mrs. M. Stillwell ; 3, S. L. Greaves ;<br />

V.H.C., Mrs. J. A. Wells.<br />

Class 10. Three Mesembryanthemums. I, Mrs. M. Stillwell ; 2. P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 3. A. J. Edwards ; V.H.C., Mrs.<br />

E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 11. Three Haworthias, Casterias and/or Aloes. I, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 2, Mrs. M. Stillwell.<br />

Class 12. Three Euphorbias. I, A. J. Edwards ; 2, S. J. Pullen ; 3, Mrs. D. F. Shurly.<br />

Class 13. Three Succulents other than Cacti. I, Mrs. J. A. Wells ; 2, Mrs. M. Stillwell ; 3, Mrs. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class <strong>14</strong>. Six Succulents and/or Cacti. I, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 2, Mrs. Pryke Howard ; 3. H. J. Aylott.<br />

Class IS. Twelve Succulent Plants other than Cacti. I, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard ; 2. Mrs. M. Stillwell.<br />

Class 16. Group of Cacti and/or Succulents to cover table space 4ft. x 3ft. I, Mrs. M. Stillwell ; 2, R. H. West ;<br />

3, H. J. Aylott.<br />

Class 17. Group of new and unusual plants. I, Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke.<br />

Mr. A. Boarder, comment<strong>in</strong>g on the Show at the even<strong>in</strong>g meet<strong>in</strong>g, impressed on the members present the need<br />

for show<strong>in</strong>g plants clearly labelled, and pots, as well as plants, nice and clean. There were some cases where this<br />

could have been improved and such lapses lost marks <strong>in</strong> awards. He spoke at some length on the <strong>in</strong>dividual classes<br />

and gave many h<strong>in</strong>ts which should be of help at future competitions.<br />

Mr. W. Denton, the other of the judges, confirmed that he and Mr. Boarder were <strong>in</strong> complete agreement <strong>in</strong><br />

their f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and that it had been a pleasure to them to work together.<br />

The M<strong>in</strong>iature Garden<strong>in</strong>g Cup was won by Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard. The " Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g " Silver Bronze<br />

Medal was awarded to Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke for a beautiful group of new and unusual plants (Group 17)<br />

conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly stemless Mesembryanthemums. The "Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g " Diploma was awarded to Mrs. M.<br />

Stillwell for a f<strong>in</strong>e display <strong>in</strong> Group 16.

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 93<br />

AUTUMN SHOW<br />

Entries were rather smaller than usual at the Autumn Show, R.H.S. New Hall, September 23rd and 24th, <strong>1952</strong>.<br />

The quality, however, was much higher than ever and the exhibits created even more attention on the part of the<br />

public, the show steward and his assistants were cont<strong>in</strong>ually occupied deal<strong>in</strong>g with enquiries.<br />

Class I. Three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocactanae. I, Dr. W. R. M. Turtle ; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Class 2. Three Coryphanthanae. 1, Dr. W. R. M. Turtle ; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 3, R. H. West.<br />

Class 3. Three Cereeanae. I, Dr. W. R. M. Turtle ; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 3, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 4. Three Ech<strong>in</strong>ocereeanae. I, Dr. W. R. M. Turtle ; 2, R. H. West.<br />

Class 5. Three Cacti. I, R. H. West; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 3, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 6. One Specimen Succulent. I, Capt. H. J. Dunne Cooke ; 2, Mrs. D. Shurly ; 3, Mrs. J. A. Luty Wells.<br />

Class 7. Three Faucarias and /or Stomatiums. I, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard ; 2, Mrs. D. Shurly.<br />

Class 8. Three Stemless Mesembryanthemums. I, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs ; 2, A. J. Edwards ; 3, Mrs. D. Shurly.<br />

Class 9. Three Howorthi'os, Gasterias and /or Aloes. I, S. J. Pullen ; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Class 10. Three Euphorbias. I, A. J. Edwards ; 2, Mrs. D. Shurly ; 3, S. J. Pullen.<br />

Class II. Three Crassulas. I, Mrs. J. A. Luty Wells ; 2, A. J. Edwards ; 3, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 12. Three Echeverias and/or Cotyledons. I, Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 13. Three Succulents other than Cacti. I, Mrs. J. A. Luty Wells ; 2, A. J. Edwards ; 3, S. J. Pullen.<br />

Class <strong>14</strong>. Succulents other than Cacti raised from seed by the Exhibitor, sown on or after 1st January, 1951.<br />

I, Mrs. J. A. Luty Wells ; 2, R. H. West.<br />

Class 15. Three Stapeliads. Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard ; 2, P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Class 16. Group of Cacti and/or Succulents. I, Mrs. M. Stillwell ; 2, Mrs. E. Pryke Howard.<br />

Class 17. Group of new and unusual plants. I, T. P. Matthews ; 2, Capt. H. J. Dunne Cooke.<br />

Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g Bronze Medal. T. P. Matthews, for <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g group of Lithops. (Class 17).<br />

Amateur Garden<strong>in</strong>g Diploma to Capt. H. J. Dunne Cooke for Group of new and unusual plants. (Class 17).<br />

Cups will be awarded as follows :<br />

Evelyn Theobald Cup for highest po<strong>in</strong>ts ga<strong>in</strong>ed at two Shows for Succulent plants : Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

Sir Wm. Lawrence Cup for highest po<strong>in</strong>ts ga<strong>in</strong>ed at two Shows for Cacti : R. H. West.<br />

P. V. Coll<strong>in</strong>gs Cup for Euphorbias awarded to A. J. Edwards.<br />

R. S. Farden Memorial Bowl for highest po<strong>in</strong>ts ga<strong>in</strong>ed at two Shows for Group of Cacti and/or Succulents (Class 16):<br />

Mrs. M. Stillwell.<br />

S. J. Pullen Cup for M<strong>in</strong>iature Garden: Mrs. E. B. Pryke Howard.<br />

The most remarkable feature of the Show was the very f<strong>in</strong>e exhibits by Dr. W. R. M. Turtle, a member for<br />

many years and particularly active before the war, but this was his first exhibit s<strong>in</strong>ce the war. All the plants were<br />

of extra large size, but their most remarkable characteristic was the quality of the plants, well grown with sp<strong>in</strong>es<br />

and other features <strong>in</strong> full natural colour. They attracted a great deal of attention by members and the general<br />

public, and the wish was expressed that more members with such excellent plants would exhibit their plants, as<br />

such exhibits do a f<strong>in</strong>e job of work, creat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the Society and <strong>in</strong> our subject. Mr. Matthews' well-displayed<br />

group of Lithops also created a great deal of <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />

At the even<strong>in</strong>g meet<strong>in</strong>g after the Show, Mr. Boarder, for himself and on behalf of his co-judge, Mr. W. Denton,<br />

commented generally on the exhibits and followed by a short talk on the w<strong>in</strong>ter care of Cacti.<br />

Judges : Mr. A. Boarder and Mr. W. Denton. Show Secretary : Mr. K. H. Walden, and Assistant Show<br />

Secretary : Mr. W. Denton. The meet<strong>in</strong>g passed a hearty vote of thanks to the judges, Mr. Walden, Mr.<br />

Denton and other members who made the Show possible.<br />

Number Two, 1951, of the Repertorium Plantarum Succulentarum, published by the British Section of the<br />

International Organisation for Succulent Plant Study has been received as we go to press. Those who saw the<br />

first issue realise that possession of the publication keeps all <strong>in</strong>terested up to date as to new plants, and where<br />

they were orig<strong>in</strong>ally published. It is <strong>in</strong>valuable for everybody <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> Cacti and Succulents. Details of<br />

the publication can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from Mr. H. M. Roan, Tree Tops, Church Lane, Adels, Leeds, 6.

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94 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT October, <strong>1952</strong><br />

REPORTS OF MEETINGS<br />

July 22nd, <strong>1952</strong> ; E. Shurly ; Mammilliarias.<br />

It is not <strong>in</strong>tended to give a scientific lecture. At the same time, Mammillarias are an extremely large genus,<br />

compris<strong>in</strong>g well over three hundred species and require somewhat special treatment.<br />

The genus is extremely popular. The reasons for its popularity are obvious ; they are smaller grow<strong>in</strong>g than<br />

many other cacti and numbers can be conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a small greenhouse. They flower, for the larger part, quite<br />

easily and are notable because of either their size, such as M. longiflora (now put <strong>in</strong> another genus—Kra<strong>in</strong>zia), or<br />

their quantity—Mr. Boarder has frequently commented on the hundreds of blooms he has had on M. bocasana.<br />

It might be <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to know how they can be split up <strong>in</strong>to sections. All Mammillarias with hooked central<br />

sp<strong>in</strong>es can easily be separated from the others. Another section can be made out of straight centrals, viz., accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to milky or watery sap (all the hooked species with one exception, M. unc<strong>in</strong>ata, have watery sap). Those with milky<br />

sap all have brown seeds, but those with watery sap can be split aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to brown and black seeds. Of course, it is<br />

not everybody who knows the colour of the seed, but literature, particularly Dr. Craig's "Mammillaria Handbook,"<br />

will provide this <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> the majority of cases.<br />

As to cultivation, much has already been said on various occasions, but we are com<strong>in</strong>g to the po<strong>in</strong>t of view that<br />

the soil of the ord<strong>in</strong>ary collector tends to clog too much and that more sand and other soil openers should be used.<br />

Sand must be sharp, we f<strong>in</strong>d river grit is ideal. If the soil b<strong>in</strong>ds too easliy, time produces a hard ball of soil round<br />

the roots which becomes impervious to water and to air and the plants starve <strong>in</strong> a world of abundance. Roots<br />

must have room to develop and unless they are able to range around for their food the plant above soil stops grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

For some years, I have pressed the need for more air to get to our plants and I am glad to see that this po<strong>in</strong>t is<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g taken notice of more and more. The average collectors' greenhouse is a stuffy, enclosed space <strong>in</strong> which it<br />

is a marvel that anyth<strong>in</strong>g can grow. More and more w<strong>in</strong>dows, open right through the summer and as frequently<br />

<strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter as possible.<br />

If you sectionalise your Mammillarias several facts will be forced on your notice. You will f<strong>in</strong>d that soft and hard<br />

textures are features of most of the sections, <strong>in</strong> fact, there are two such dist<strong>in</strong>ct sections among hooked sp<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

plants. Another <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g fact is that while one species will flower on all the newer areoles, giv<strong>in</strong>g, as <strong>in</strong> M.<br />

bocasana, hundreds of flowers, other species, like most of the milky types, only give one or two flowers to each<br />

spiral, so that thare is but a s<strong>in</strong>gle r<strong>in</strong>g around the head of the plant.<br />

The " sign manual " of a cactus is that it has " areoles," those areas from which flowers and sp<strong>in</strong>es come.<br />

With the Coryphanthanae, which <strong>in</strong>cludes Mammi//orias, the plants differ from the rest of the Cactoceoe. Other<br />

cacti have areoles <strong>in</strong> one site, but <strong>in</strong> Coryphanthanae the areole is split and stretches from the axils where the flowers<br />

appear to the tips of the tubercles which bear the sp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />

There are several k<strong>in</strong>ds of roots among Mammillarias, but they can be divided <strong>in</strong>to two ma<strong>in</strong> sections, those that<br />

act simply as means of transport of nutriment and others that also act as storehouses of food. They are <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />

by fibrous roots as transporters and bulbous, tap roots as storers. There are, of course, many variations between<br />

the two types.<br />

It is well known that 1 do not like grafted plants. I appreciate that many plants do better on grafts, but I feel<br />

that we should prosecute our enquiries as to how we can cultivate these plants on their roots rather than adopt the<br />

lazy collector's habit of just graft<strong>in</strong>g plants. While plants are grafted the tendency is bound to be to take the easier<br />

course and neglect the search for correct methods of cultivation, or rather adaptation of our conditions to the<br />

necessities of the plant.<br />

August 26th, <strong>1952</strong> ; Capta<strong>in</strong> H. J. Dunne Cooke : Stemless Mesembryanthemums<br />

What arc stemless Mesembryanthemums ? Must all be without stems ? Many Conophytums have long stems,

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October, <strong>1952</strong> JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN 95<br />

Lithops have little stem and will live almost underground.<br />

I am only voic<strong>in</strong>g my own op<strong>in</strong>ions, but botanists do make th<strong>in</strong>gs difficult by frequently chang<strong>in</strong>g genera. It is,<br />

however, important that they should be correctly spelt and pronounced, otherwise the errors get passed on.<br />

Capta<strong>in</strong> Dunne Cooke then proceeded to go through the various genera. It is impossible to give the whole<br />

of the material, but the follow<strong>in</strong>g highlights will provide a good <strong>in</strong>dication of what the lecturer passed on to us.<br />

Of course, <strong>in</strong> pass<strong>in</strong>g, some genera were referred to out of alphabetical order.<br />

Agnirictus agn<strong>in</strong>us was first Mesembryanthemum agn<strong>in</strong>um, later Stomatium agn<strong>in</strong>um. It is not free flower<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

a pot.<br />

Some Ruschias are delightful, but some grow to many feet high <strong>in</strong> their own country.<br />

Argyroderma comprise a considerable number of species which fall <strong>in</strong>to three groups. They are delightful and<br />

will flower freely with the m<strong>in</strong>imum of water.<br />

Bergeranthus scapiger is a free bloomer ; there has been much argument about the size of the flower, I have<br />

known them up to two <strong>in</strong>ches <strong>in</strong> diameter. They are better for hard grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Carpobrotus do not flower until they cover about half an acre ! ! But they help to keep the sand down !<br />

Cheiridopsis are <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g to grow, but difficult to flower. A peculiarity of Cheiridopsis meyeri and peculiaris<br />

is that they go completely to rest.<br />

Conophyta <strong>in</strong>terest everybody. Only water when the old leaves have completely dried up. C. altum is the last<br />

to dry off and C. frutescens is the first to flower. C. odoratum has sweetly scented flowers. C. picturatum seen<br />

under a magnify<strong>in</strong>g glass is very beautiful. Night flower<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Cyl<strong>in</strong>drophyllum have very large lemon coloured flowers.<br />

Delospermas are shrubby, or herbaceous. From one capsule you can get plants with different coloured flowers.<br />

Grow D. suther/ond/i.<br />

Faucaria tigr<strong>in</strong>a, if true to type, must have purple leaves, but it gets greener if shaded. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Salm Dyck,<br />

F. fel<strong>in</strong>a is the largest of the Faucarias.<br />

Fenestrarias are splendid plants, but will not grow <strong>in</strong> London. F. aurantiaca has a brilliant orange flower.<br />

Others white to p<strong>in</strong>k.<br />

Gibbaeum. G. album is rather dist<strong>in</strong>ct. Those that used to be Rimaria can grow as big as peas or as large as<br />

a golf ball.<br />

plant.<br />

Glottiphyllums are not usually grown correctly ; they should not be grown large. G. erectum becomes a huge<br />

Juttad<strong>in</strong>teria are semi-cyl<strong>in</strong>drical <strong>in</strong> shape and some have teeth on the leaves.<br />

Some Hereroos are known as " stag horns " because of their peculiar overlapp<strong>in</strong>g growth at the tips of the leaves.<br />

Obviously we must adhere to some method of nam<strong>in</strong>g Lithops and I prefer to abide by the nomenclature <strong>in</strong><br />

Professor Nei's book " Lithops." (This remark was with reference to Lithops of which Capta<strong>in</strong> Dunne Cooke has<br />

given us an article which will appear <strong>in</strong> 1953.)<br />

Muiria hortenseae grows completely away from type <strong>in</strong> cultivation ; they arrive as tight little clumps. In<br />

South Africa they literally blow about and, when ra<strong>in</strong>s come, root themselves.<br />

Nananthus malherbei has tuberous roots and is representative of the genus.<br />

In conclusion, do not bother with the difficult Mitrophyllums, Monilarias, etc., but try to grow on Ophthalmophyllum<br />

(or Conophytum), one or more members of Pleiospilos, a Psammophora, Rabiea, Rh<strong>in</strong>ephyllum, Schwantesia,<br />

Stomatium, Titanopsis and a Vanheerdia.