Tephrocactus articulatus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Tephrocactus articulatus

Tephrocactus articulatus of the inermis variety.
Scientific classification
Genus:	Tephrocactus
Species:	articulatus
Synonyms
Cereus articulatus Pfeiff. Cereus polymorphus C.F.Först. Cereus syringscanthus Pfeiff. Opuntia andicola var. fulvispina Lem. Opuntia andicola Pfeiff. Opuntia articulata (Pfeiff.) D.R.Hunt Opuntia articulata Otto Opuntia calva Lem. Opuntia diademata var. calva (Lem.) F.A.C.Weber ex K.Schum. Opuntia diademata var. inermis Speg. Opuntia diademata var. oligacantha Speg. Opuntia diademata var. polyacantha Speg. Opuntia diademata Lem. Opuntia glomerata var. calva (Lem.) G.D.Rowley Opuntia glomerata var. inermis (Speg.) G.D.Rowley Opuntia glomerata var. polycantha (Speg.) G.D.Rowley Opuntia glomerata f. papyracantha (Phil.) Castell. Opuntia papyracantha K.Schum. Opuntia papyracantha Phil. Opuntia polymorpha Pfeiff. Opuntia strobiliformis A.Berger Opuntia syringacantha (Pfeiff.) C.F.Först. Opuntia turpinii var. polymorpha Salm-Dyck Opuntia turpinii Lem. Tephrocactus andicola (Pfeiff.) Lem. Tephrocactus articulatus var. calvus (Lem.) Backeb. Tephrocactus articulatus var. diadematus (Lem.) Backeb. Tephrocactus articulatus var. inermis (Speg.) Backeb. Tephrocactus articulatus var. oligacanthus (Speg.) Backeb. ...

Tephrocactus articulatus is a unique type of cactus known for its interesting look. It's sometimes called the "paper spine cactus" or "spruce cone cactus" because of its cool features. This plant belongs to the Cactaceae family, which includes all kinds of cacti.

What It Looks Like
Where It Lives
How It Grows (Reproduction)
Varieties
Images for kids
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What It Looks Like

These cacti usually grow branches that can reach about one foot (30 cm) tall. When they bloom, they show off beautiful white flowers. These flowers open in the evening as the sun sets and close shortly after sunrise.

Where It Lives

Tephrocactus articulatus originally comes from Argentina in South America. But you can also find it growing in outdoor gardens in warm, dry places like Phoenix, Arizona in the United States. It likes climates that are similar to its natural home.

How It Grows (Reproduction)

One of the easiest ways to grow new Tephrocactus articulatus plants is from cuttings. The stem segments can easily break off. These segments will then root and grow into new plants without needing any special care. You can also grow these cacti from seeds.

Varieties

Some different types of Tephrocactus articulatus have been given special names. These include var. inermis, which is sometimes called the "spruce cone cactus." Another is var. papyracanthus, known as the "paper spine cholla cactus." However, experts at "Plants of the World Online" do not officially recognize these as separate varieties.