Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Acanthocalycium |
| Species: |
A. thionanthum
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| Subspecies: |
A. t. subsp. glaucum
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| Trinomial name | |
| Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum (F.Ritter) Lodé
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Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum is a special type of cactus. It is a subspecies of the Acanthocalycium plant family. You can find this unique cactus growing in Argentina, a country in South America.
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Meet the Blue Cactus: Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum
This interesting cactus is known for its distinct look. It's a small, round cactus that can grow up to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall. Its name, "glaucum," gives us a big clue about its appearance.
What Does "Glaucum" Mean?
The word "glaucum" describes a bluish-gray or pale green color. This cactus often has a powdery, waxy coating on its surface. This coating makes it look like it's covered in a light blue or frosty layer. It helps protect the cactus from the strong sun in its natural home.
Where Does This Cactus Live?
Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum comes from the dry, rocky areas of Argentina. It often grows in high places, like mountains. These areas can be very sunny and have big changes in temperature. The cactus is well-adapted to these tough conditions.
What Does This Cactus Look Like?
Besides its bluish color, this cactus has other cool features.
- Shape: It usually grows as a single, round stem. Sometimes, it might grow a few small offsets (baby cacti) around its base.
- Ribs: Like many cacti, it has ribs running down its body. These ribs help the plant expand when it stores water.
- Spines: It has sharp spines that grow from small bumps called areoles. These spines can be yellowish or brownish. They help protect the cactus from animals.
- Flowers: When it blooms, this cactus produces beautiful flowers. These flowers usually appear in shades of white, pink, or light purple. They often open during the day and can be quite striking against the blue-green body of the plant.
How Does This Cactus Grow?
In its natural habitat, Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum is very tough. It can handle dry spells and bright sunlight. It stores water in its stem, which helps it survive long periods without rain. The waxy coating also helps it keep moisture inside.
This cactus is a great example of how plants adapt to their environment. Its unique color and ability to store water help it thrive in the challenging landscapes of Argentina.
Images for kids
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A close-up view of Acanthocalycium thionanthum subsp. glaucum.
See also
In Spanish: Echinopsis glaucina para niños
