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Echinopsis chamaecereus facts for kids

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Echinopsis chamaecereus
Echinopsis chamaecereus BlKakteenT168.jpg
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Cereus silvestrii Speg.
  • Chamaecereus silvestrii (Speg.) Britton & Rose
  • Lobivia silvestrii (Speg.) G.D.Rowley

The Echinopsis chamaecereus is a cool type of cactus that comes from Argentina. It's often called the "peanut cactus" because its stems look a bit like peanuts! You might also hear it called Chamaecereus silvestrii or Lobivia silvestrii. Just be careful not to confuse it with another cactus called Echinopsis silvestrii, which looks very different.

About the Peanut Cactus

This special cactus is known for its unique look and pretty flowers. It's a favorite among plant lovers and is quite easy to grow if you know how to care for it.

Appearance and Care

The peanut cactus has long, finger-like stems that are about 1 cm (0.4 in) wide. These stems can grow quite long and often spread out, making a nice clump.

In late spring, you'll see beautiful orange flowers bloom. These flowers can be up to 4 cm (1.6 in) wide, adding a bright splash of color!

If you grow a peanut cactus at home, it's pretty tough. It can handle cold temperatures down to about -7 °C (19 °F) as long as it's kept dry. This means it can survive in many different places, even if it gets a little chilly.

A Bit of History

The Echinopsis chamaecereus was first found and described way back in 1896. An Italian-Argentinian plant expert named Carlo Luigi Spegazzini discovered it in the mountains of Argentina, between the areas of Tucuman and Salta.

When he first described it, he called it Cereus silvestrii. It's a bit of a mystery because after it was first found, it hasn't been seen in the wild again.

Special Recognition

This amazing plant has even won an award! The Echinopsis chamaecereus received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardening and is highly recommended by experts.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Echinopsis chamaecereus para niños

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