Cactus and

The

Succulent Journal
of Great Britain
Established 1931

Vol. 31 FEBRUARY, 1969 No. 1

Published Quarterly by The Cactus and Succulent Society of Great Britain

at 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
 President: Mrs. D. SHURLY
Vice-Presidents: P. V. COLLINGS, K.ST.J.,
A. W. HEATHCOTE, F.C.I.S., Mrs. M. STILLWELL,
E. W. YOUNG
COUNCIL
A. BOARDER, Chairman B. MAKIN
C. G. B R O W N I. F. NEWMAN
Mrs. R. J. DYSON R. H. I. READ
W. F. MADDAMS, M.SC, A.INST.P. Mrs. S. G. SHARMAN
Mrs. D. J. WATT
Shoiv Committee: D. V. Brewerton, C. G. Brown, K. Grantham,
Mrs. H. Hodgson, Mrs. B. Maddams

Secretary: D. V. Brewerton, 33 Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex.

Membership Secretary: Mrs. A. Whicher, 10, Chanctonbury Close, Redhill.
Treasurer: I. F. Newman, 101, Dukes Avenue, New Maiden, Surrey.
Show Secretary: Mrs. H. Hodgson, 16, The Braid, Chesham, Bucks.
Meetings Secretary: Mrs. S. G. Sharman, 107, Sunnyfield, Mill Hill, N.W.7.
Editor: Miss E. M. Drage, B.A., 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
Librarian : G. G. Leighton Boyce, 220 Leigham Court Road, London, S.W.16.
Liaison Officer:
Plant Exchanges: A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.
Seed Purchases: W. F. Maddams, 26, Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
Seed Distribution: Miss E. Brown, Greensands, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Branch Secretaries
Berks and Bucks: Mrs. M. Stillwell, 18 St. Andrews Crescent, Windsor.
West Kent: Mrs. M. R. Dobson, 13, Montague Avenue, Brockley, London, S.E.4.
Essex: Miss I. E. Potton, 25 Vicarage Road, Hornchurch, Essex.
North London: Mr. John Marshall, 9 Warners Avenue, Sheredes, Hoddesdon, Herts.
Hertfordshire: Mrs. B. Massey, 86 Auckland Road, Potters Bar, Herts.
North Surrey: W. F. Maddams, 26 Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
East Essex:
Northern Counties: E. L. Jennison, Alric, 7 Sandfield Road, Mardeu Farm, Tynemouth, Northumberland.
North Staffs: C.Jackson, A.C.I.S., 263 Chaplin Road, Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, Starrs.

CONTENTS

Obituary—Mrs. Vera Higgins .. .. .. 1

Editorial 1
Cultural Notes—Cacti by A. Boarder 2
Cultural Notes—Other Succulents by Mrs. M. Stillwell 4
Oddities No. 8 5
1968 in Retrospect by Betty and Biil Maddams 6
Additional Notes to Succulent Plants in West Tropical Africa 10
Connoisseur's Corner No. 1—Echinocereus Subinermis .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11
Your Queries Answered . . . . .. 12
Epiphyllum Hybrids and their Hybridizers by F. Braun .. .. .. 13
Succulent Snippets by Sally Cornioides 16
Correspondence .. " 17
News from Branches 19
Book Reviews .. .. .. .. .. 20
Secretary's Notes 22
 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN
Vol. 31 February 1969 No. 1

OBITUARY
Mrs. Vera Higgins, V . M . H . I remember many years ago attending a Show at the
MANY of us heard with sorrow of the death recently R.H.S. and being enthralled by an exhibition of her
of Mrs. Vera Higgins which will leave a big gap in Crassula paintings for which she was honoured. If I
the ranks of cactus enthusiasts. remember correctly a very beautiful Chrysanthemum
W h e n Mr. Shurly and I visited Mr. and Mrs. Higgins was named after her about that time.
at Croydon in 1930 during the preliminaries of founding Her most important original work was undoubtedly
our Society they were not very optimistic of the out- the "Notes on the Genus Crassula" in the Journal of
come but were ready to help if the project went for- South African Botany for T958-59.
ward. It is a matter of history now that it did go forward Orchids were another of her interests as well as
and stimulated surprisingly great interest. Mrs. Higgins Alpines. In the early days orchids vied with Cactus for
became the Society's first Editress and remained so her enthusiasm. Stamp collecting was one of Mr.
until the outbreak of the Second World W a r when Higgins hobbies as it was also of Mr. Shurly's and there
the Society was suspended. She set the format of the were animated discussions on the too few occasions
Journal which attained a high standard under her when they were able to meet. She suffered the loss of
editorship. She also proved a good colleague in many her life-partner soon after I did mine. However deep
ways when Mr. Shurly took over the editorship when the grief life goes on and eventually brings a measure
the Society was revived after the War. of healing in carrying out duties already contracted.
She was fluent in languages and translated a lot of For some years her Christmas cards were original
material from the German. She did a great deal of paintings of Succulents and much prized by those
translating for Curt Backcbcrg and Franz Buxbaum. privileged to receive them.
Her own books such as "Cactus Growing for Begin- Mrs. Vera Higgins was a talented woman who used
ners" by her and Mr. Marrable, "Cactus for Decor- her gifts well. She was a good hostess, a good colleague.
ation" and "Succulents in Cultivation" have no W h o could ask for more in one person; In her passing
doubt done a lot in popularising our hobby as her goes a great lady.
interpretations were eminently readable. The President.

Editorial
IT is with regret that we learn that our Secretary, Mr. to strike a balance in the contents of the Journal to
D. V. Brewcrton, feels he can no longer fulfil these give all members something of interest. Other readers
duties. He has done so very conscientiously and help- have written regretting the disappearance of "Begin-
fully since he took over suddenly on the death of Keith ners' Corner". I hope this is only temporary, due to
Walden and we are sorry he does not feel he can con- certain difficulties, and I am trying to arrange for its
tinue. However, Mr. Clare of St. Albans has stepped rc-mtroduction. The "Connoisseur's Corner" is not
into the breach and we hope will take over after the intended to replace it! Anyway, I am glad that some-
Annual General Meeting. In addition, Mrs. A. Whichcr thing has produced comments. At least it shows the
has come forward in answer to an impassioned plea Journal is read! And if you do not write and tell the
from our overworked Treasurer, Mr. Newman, and Editor when you are dissatisfied, he (or she) naturally
has taken on the duties of Membership Secretary. assumes everything is going smoothly.
Please note that in future all subscriptions should be Incidentally, what about the "Queries Answered"
sent to Mrs. Whichcr, whose address appears on the column; I have had several offers from members
inside front cover, and cheques should be made payable who are prepared to try and answer your queries, but
to the Society and not to individuals. Mrs. Whichcr this time I have no new queries for them to answer!
also now has the supplies of badges etc. and requests Surely some of you must have problems, the solution
should therefore be sent direct to her. of which could prove helpful to us all, so do let me have
I am sorry some readers do not approve of our light- some of them in time for the next issue. As this will
hearted columnist Sally Cornioides. I realise that go to press in the middle of March, let me have them
many of our readers arc dedicated cactus fiends (!) in time to pass them on to the experts and get their
and botanists, but we have to remember that we also comments by then. N o w is the time to do it, before
have a number of members who have only small YOU get too involved in seed sowing and re-potting!
collections which they grow because they like our E.M.D.
plants but are not scientifically minded, and I try hard
 Cultural Notes
Cacti—by A. Boarder

THE busy time of the year is now approaching and gratifying to note the very healthy growth on the plants.
members will be thinking of re-potting their plants. 1 find that the half-pots are ideal, specially for the caespi-
The sowing of seeds may also be taking place now tose (Grouping) plants. Such plants as Mammillaria
unless one has the advantage of a heated propagator bocasana; M. camptotricha; M. prolifera; M. elongala;
when seeds may have been sown a month ago. There M. plumosa etc., which make large groups are much
is no need for me to repeat the instructions I have given better in half-pots as they do not as a rule make deep
in the past for seed raising, but one or two important roots. All the plants potted into these types have made
points can be high-lighted. If no propagator is available very good roots and have reached the sides of their
do not sow until the weather is warmer as seeds may pots, in some cases have spread well beyond. Those
just rot if they do not get sufficient warmth. April may plants such as Dolkhothele longimamma and most of the
be the time for such sowing. The next fatal mistake by Coryphanthas which have deep strong roots arc better
many is to cover small seeds with soil. This should never in the normal plastic pots.
be done and only those fairly large seeds need cover— I had stated before that I was unable to obtain ana-
with their own depth of soil. Don't forget to cover the plastic half-pots over six inches in diameter, but I have
seed pans to conserve the moisture and shade from the now found some made by Sankeys which are seven
light until some seedlings appear. Do not allow the inches across. These are fine for the larger caespitose
direct rays of the sun to reach the seedlings for the first plants but even these are not large enough for several
year. of my plants. I have therefore made some large concrete
Water the seed pans when sown and then they may pans for them, up to 12 inches wide. I have been using a
not require any more until the seedlings are up. Then number of these concrete pans for many years but as
water with a fine spray, as seeds can be distributed by a my cacti have grown so I have had to make larger pans.
strong one. If the seed compost had been properly It may be of interest to members to know how 1
prepared and the loam sterilised there should be no make these pans, as they are very cheap to make and
trouble with Damping-off disease, but a spraying very little trouble once the mould is constructed. These
with either Chinosol or Chcshunt compound should pans are six-sided so that they can fit in well together
prevent this disease from killing off the seedlings. Lack like a honeycomb. This of course as long as the pans
of air and too damp an atmosphere can encourage the are all of the same size, a point which is not possible
disease and so once seedlings are up more air must be with my set up, as sizes have had to be increased. I will
supplied. describe how I make two sizes and this will give mem-
The next task is re-potting and this can be a major bers a good idea as to measurements. One can use ply-
task where a large collection is concerned. The best wood for the moulds. To make a pan which is about
time of the year for re-potting cacti is from late April nine inches in diameter, use six pieces of plywood, each
to June. This is fine if one has nothing else to do at this five-and-a-half inches by four inches. Mark down the
time of the year. In my case I find it quite impossible centre of each piece and measure off at each side at
to start this task until quite late in the year. In 1968, it base, to leave the base four inches wide. Now make a
was the beginning of November before I could find small chamfer on the inner sides so that when fitted
time to make a start. With upwards of a thousand plants together a better join is made. The outside edge of the
to deal with the time taken is terrific. I thought once, base can now be chamfered to allow the base to stand
that when I retired I would have plenty of time for all firm when the mould is assembled. The six pieces can
these jobs but although I have been retired nearly 23 now be joined together with tape, treated with Bostik
years I still cannot catch up with all the necessary work. or similar adhesive. Use this on the outside. Once dry
I suppose that with most hobbies the same conditions the mould can be painted with a bitumastic paint to
arise. One starts in a small way and then it all snowballs preserve it.
up to tremendous work and re-potting has to be put For a pan twelve inches in diameter, one needs six
back until all other gardening jobs are finished. All my pieces of wood seven inches, by four inches; the base
adult cacti were repotted in 1966, and I see by my note is then shortened to five inches. If thicker wood is used
on the back of the labels that I started in June of that it is harder to get a good join at the edges but it is
year and finished in late November. All the plants were easier to pin the pieces together. In such a case three
put into plastic pots and so after two years it is possible pieces are firmly fixed together and then when the two
for me to assess their value. It is very evident that the halves are assembled they are held together temporarih
plants have grown better than they have done before by a strong wire hoop.
and as most are fair sized plants, when one usually Once the mould is dry the making can commence.
expects growth to be slowed down somewhat, it is verv First lightly paint the mould with oil, old car engine oil
is very good for this. Place the mould on a sheet of Once you remove the plant from its old pot the old
paper on a piece of glass. Now make a mix of three soil can be removed by teasing it away with a thin stick.
parts of sharp sand and one of cement. Do not make it It is not easy to hold a large caespitose plant in the hand
too loose but keep it on the firm side. The sand must whilst doing this but with a little practice it can soon be
be sharp and it is better to sieve it through a perforated mastered. I find an old tooth brush very useful for
zinc sieve first to remove small stones. Place a small working the soil among the roots of the plant. Fill in the
round piece of wood in the centre of the base and place soil with a large spoon and firm very gently with the
some concrete mix around it. This can be lightly handle of an old table knife. Do not use a wooden stick
pushed into position with the aid of a small smooth for this purpose as spines could be broken by it. Once
object such as the bottom of a jar or bottle. Now some sufficient soil is in place, that is about half an inch from
of the mixture is spread carefully up the sides of the the top of the pot, then the small brush can be used to
mould. If one works gradually round the mould it will clean the top of the pot.
be found that the mixture will remain in position. The When dealing with a large collection it is better to
mix must not be too wet or it will slide down but with start re-potting the largest plants first. The large pots
care the whole of the inside can be coated to a depth of can then be used for the smaller plants which have
not more than a quarter of an inch. Once the top is grown out of their pots. The advantage of plastic pots
reached, just smooth it round and then see if the bottom and pans is that it is possible to clean a used pot by
requires an extra smoothing. Leave the pan to dry rubbing the fingers around the inside. The clay pots
which can be in a day or two according to the weather. require more cleaning and they also can hold pests such
If the mould was of stout wood with wire fixing, all that as root bug or their eggs. This is not as likely with
is required is to slip the loop of wire down and the plastic ones. Having had the experience of using plastic
mould will fall away in two pieces. If plywood was pots for the past two years I have no hesitation in recom-
used it will be found that the mould can be removed mending them to others and I do not intend to go back
intact by just running a table knife along the edges to clay pots for any of my plants.
of concrete and a slight bending outward of the wood A iittle Paradichlorbenzine is sprinkled over the
will allow the mould to be slipped off. Place the whole crocks and I find this a preventive against root-bug.
upside down first for this method. Once the pan is out Mound planting is also recommended for the larger
of the mould it must be treated carefully for a few days. caespitose plants. This is accomplished by making sure
Do not try to pick it up by the sides whilst still green that the soil near the outside of the pot is lower than
(unset). that at the centre.
It will be found advisable to measure the sand and When considering commencing to water the main
cement carefully. To make one of the larger pans all that collection after the winter's rest it is not wise to give
is required is two or three custard tins of sand to one of water to all the plants but to see that those which show
cement. Use a different tin for each component. A active growth get some first. The weather can make a
strong type is made with two and a half amounts of lot of difference as to when to make a start. During a
sand to one of cement. The round piece of wood used mild spell the plants will begin to grow and then some
for the drainage hole can be removed after a few hours water can be given. When a pot of soil has become very
of construction, by twisting and removing it. The pans dry throughout the winter it is not easy to make sure
should be well washed to remove any free lime and they that all the soil in the pot gets sufficient water to damp
are ever-lasting. all of it. It is usually necessary to go over the watered
When using plastic half-pots there is a different plants twice to make certain that enough has been
technique for crocking from that I have recommended given.
for ordinary pots. The ordinary pots have several Once all fear of severe frosts has passed the heating
holes in the bottom, but none in the centre. I always system can be attended to. Where an oil lamp has been
make a central hole with a soldering iron, but if I find used it will be an advantage to clean the lamp up and
one when repotting which I have not treated, I can soon cover it to prevent dust getting to it. I still find that my
melt a good round hole by burning a match under the Bryant "Monster", blue flame lamp is very efficient. As
centre of the pot. With the usual hole I advise the use of an instance, I had not started to use it at the beginning
one large crock, which can be chipped to shape with of November. On the fourth, there was a sharp frost
the aid of a pair of pincers. This large crock enables one and my four 80 foot cable heaters were only able to
to push a stick up from below to raise the whole plant keep the temperatures at 37T. The next night I had the
with roots and soil, without trouble. With the plastic paraffin lamp with pipes on, and although the night
half-pots I still place the large crock, broken clay pot, was as cold, the temperature did not fall below 50°F.
but have to use plenty more to cover the other holes or Added to this when working in the greenhouse, re-
slots. The whole base of the pan can be covered and then potting, I found the atmosphere much more comfort-
I find thst some broken brick, or better still some able with the lamp alight. Once I start the lamp I do not
granulated charcoal, can be placed in before the potting put it out all the winter, except for an occasional clean-
compost is added. ing of the wick. My spare tanks can keep the lamp going
full on for four days and nights, the oil siphons in from plants on all suitable occasions as cacti cannot thrive unless
the spare tanks. When adding such spares one must sec there is plenty of air in the greenhouse or frame. Plants
that the top of these tanks docs not come above the top kept in the living rooms must have a good spraying to
of the lamp reservoir. remove any dust. This should be done on a bright day
Make sure that plenty of fresh air is available for the when the plants can be placed outside for the cleansing.

Cultural Notes
Other Succulents—Mrs. M. Stillwell
IN February one begins to think of spring, and another 60° to ensure they will come through safely, and these
season with our plants, but should not be deceived by a temperatures in the winter cost quite a lot to maintain,
few days of sunshine, as in England some of the worst especially if the outside temperature is below freezing.
weather comes in February and March, and it is a great The answer is a very small house kept exclusively for
mistake to start general watering too soon, and so create these particular plants, or a section that can be shut off
a damp atmosphere in the greenhouse. There arc certain in the large house, as this kind of temperature would
plants that must be watered during the winter, but I be far too high for the majority of our plants during
would suggest watering them at different times, so as the winter, when many are resting.
not to introduce too much water into the house in one Many caudex succulents start to grow from Sep-
go. Try and pick a nice sunny day, and water a section tember onwards and will of course need careful watering
at a time, and make sure that no drips fall through the during the winter.
staging or from overhanging shelves on to plants below As soon as their leafy branches start to turn yellow,
that are probably still resting. The soil on top of the pots that is a sign that the growing period is coming to an
during the winter often becomes rock hard, and instead end, and water should then be withheld. Many lose
of any drips just soaking away in the usual manner, they their leaves and top growth completely and revert to
may lie on top of the pot, or even in the heart of a plant just a large often potato-like growth. Keep them quite
and cause it to rot. If your collection is not too vast, it dry when this happens until you sec the new season's
pays to do the first watering of the season by immersion, growth appearing again. They may be in the resting
and leaving them on the floor to drain afterwards, state for many months, in fact a beginner often thinks
having previously stirred up the surface of the soil with the plant has died, and in sheer desperation gives it a
a dibber or even a metal meat skewer, which I find often good soaking to try and encourage some new growth
comes in handy for various jobs. It is also very important to appear. This of course is fatal. It is really just a matter
to check all plants for pests, before doing anything, as of common sense as to when a plant should be watered,
these often creep in during the winter, when we arc not it all comes with experience, which usually takes a
keeping such a watchful eye. Pick up each pot, and do number of years, and cannot be learnt in five minutes.
not forget to have a good look underneath around the Do not get disheartened if you lose a plant, it happens
drainage hole, where you will find mealy bug often to all of us, the only thing to do, is to try and replace
like to hide away. Have a good look at the woodwork it as quickly as you can, and try and correct the mistakes
under all shelves and staging as during the winter you made with the last one. In the spring we are often
mealy bug often breed here. If you can find the time to tempted with wonderful looking plant lists, which
remove the plants in sections, all woodwork could then leave our purses considerably lighter. If these arc
be wiped over with a cloth wrung out in hot water to imported plants, make sure that they are well rooted
which has been added a fairly strong solution of Jeyes before being too generous with the water, and also
fluid. This will also get rid of dust and spiders webs, tread gently with any grafted plants, which are often
which are perhaps not harmful but make the place look grown very fast and on the lush side solely for trade
untidy. purposes. I always prefer to see a plant on its own roots,
Many valuable succulent plants are lost during the it is far more natural, although certain plants such as
winter partly through ignorance as to their cultivation, those cacti lacking chlorophyll will of course not grow
and partly because temperatures arc allowed to drop too on their own roots, so there is no alternative. The
low. The nearer a plant grows to the equator the Japanese specialise in variegated plants and there are sonic
higher the temperature it will need in this country, and pretty little Aloes, Gasterias, and Haworthias becoming
before spending a lot of money on some of these rare available. These plants often produce a completely white
succulents that are now coming on the market, members offset, with no chlorophyll at all, it should be left on the
should ask themselves if they have the right kind of parent plant, as if removed it will of course die.
conditions for growing them successfully. Many rare Be ruthless when repotting starts and break up all old
Stapeliads for instance need a winter temperature of clumps which have remained dormant for years, and
grow on the fresh young growth, which is around the covers to fit over the small plastic seed trays, making
edges of the plant. The rest can be used as cuttings, or them into miniature greenhouses, these used in a propa-
passed on to one's friends. Many young boys arc highly gator I think are ideal. It is probably an improvement on
delighted with a box of cuttings that would otherwise the plastic bag method, although personally I have
probably be thrown away. I was recently asked to give found that very successful, as the seed being enclosed
a talk at a large boys' school in Middlesex. They have germinates very quickly and there is no danger of it
their own Cactus society led by a very enthusiastic drying out. It can be safely left without attention while
master, and a fine greenhouse full of plants which I was on holiday, which is another great advantage, as how
shown round with great pride. Everything was beauti- many of us have lost our seedlings that have been
fully laid out and the pots were surrounded by natural overwatered by well meaning neighbours.
looking rocks. The boys are allowed to run this society Any Kalanchoes or other tall growing succulents that
themselves, and if their enthusiasm lasts, who knows, have lost their bottom leaves during the winter, should
they will probably do great things in the cactus and be cut down and the heads rerooted, they will soon
succulent world of the future, and I should like to see regain their former beauty, and the base of the plant
more schools adopt this idea, for I am quite sure that any will probably produce plenty of offsets. Nothing looks
members living in the area would only be too pleased worse than a leggy plant that has lost its bottom leaves.
to give them a hand. Echeverias that have gone up on a stem and pachy-
I always think that March is the ideal month for phytums can be treated in the same way.
sowing succulent seed. The fast growing ones can be Let us look forward to a lovely hot summer with
safely removed from the propagator as soon as all danger plenty of flowers on our plants to make all our efforts
of frost has gone. It is now possible to buy plastic worthwhile.

Oddities
Strange goings-on in the greenhouse
The aim of this scries is to report unusual growth
forms observed in members' collections. Members are
invited to send contributions to the series, preferably
including a photograph or line drawing. If any mor-
phologists among our readers can provide an explanation
of these phenomena, the Editor will be pleased to hear
from them.

No. 8 Odd growth on Echinopsis Eyricsii

The photograph shows an odd growth which appeared
low down on the side of a large old plant of Ei hi lopsis
eyriesii. At first this had the appearance of a flov er bud,
forming in the upper part of the areole, and having the
characteristic hairy covering, but as it did not grow as
rapidly as buds which had formed at the same time, a
closer inspection was made. This revealed the scaly
appearance, somewhat reminiscent of the tubercles of
Encephalocarpus. During the past two years, this
growth has slowly increased in size, until it is now about
half an inch in diameter. Although other flower buds
have formed and developed during this spring, this
growth has not changed its appearance.
The growth appears to be somewhat intermediate in
character, between purely vegetative and floral.
Possibly it is some form of monstrosc growth, possibly
it is no more than an aborted bud, though the fact that
it has remained on the plant, and grown for a period of Erratum: Page 85 of the November 1968 issue—last
two years suggests that the latter is not the case. I am para. The plant described in the current issue of the
tempted to remove it from the plant, graft it, and create Journal of the Mexican Cactus Society (Cactaceas y
a new genus of cacti! Suculentas Mexicanas) is Echeveria minima and not M.
Bill Keen errectacantha as mentioned.
 1968 In Retrospect
by Betty and Bill Maddams

THE shorter Oxford Dictionary provides two contrasting Autumn and Winter, because he was drawing a
definitions of the word "hobby". The first is "a favour- parallel with the progress of human life. We shall be
ite occupation or topic, pursued for amusement" and more prosaic and adhere to the calendar year which
the second is "an individual pursuit to which a person correlates with our climatic year sufficiently well for
is unduly devoted". Most of us probably regard our present purposes. The months of January and February
cactus collecting as a hobby and it is evident that we fit need not be ones when the greenhouse is visited solely
somewhere into one or other of the categories men- for the purpose of maintaining the heating system. By a
tioned above. Perhaps these definitions are too extreme suitable choice it is possible to have a range of both
and, as with many species of cacti, there is an almost cacti and other succulents which have interesting flowers
imperceptible graduation from one to the other, with at that time and, apart from what is to be seen, it is a
the great majority of us occupying a middle position. fascinating and exciting pastime to watch for the
Be that as it may, and irrespective of whether we appearance of buds on the early spring-flowering cacti.
pursue our hobby for amusement or with undue devo- It is often supposed that there are very few winter-
tion, we all ought to keep at least a rudimentary record flowering cacti and, in terms of what is to be found in
of our yearly activities. Then, in retrospect, it should the average collection, this is so. The fact is, that most
prove a source of pleasure and information, the latter to cactophiles neglect the true epiphytic genera and there-
help us achieve greater things in the future, whether by miss a fascinating group of plants, interesting and
they be better growth and flowering of our plants or, variable in form and forthcoming with their flowers
perhaps, more success on the show bench. during the winter. These plants need to be grown so
The most widely practised method of keeping that their stems can hang if they are to give of their
records at present is by photography, usually in colour. best and, happily, we are able to meet the need by siting
Certainly, this is desirable, but it should be supple- them in trays attached to one wall of our conservatory.
mented by written records of major landmarks during As usual, quite a number of these had begun to flower
the year. Given a little enthusiasm and self-discipline in the late autumn prior to the year under review and
it is easy to cultivate the habit of noting flowering 1968 came in with a flush of flower. Of course, the
dates, and the lack of published information on fruiting blooms are not so large and showy or colourful as those
indicates clearly the need for the tabulation of informa- of the hybrid Epiphyllums but they appear in con-
tion in this direction. Those with particularly orderly siderable numbers to compensate for tins. Those which
minds and adequate time will probably keep a card have done particularly well for us include Rhipsalis
index in which tliis information is noted, together with pilocarpa, which was giving a fine display on 1st January,
the date of acquisition of the plant in question, details of Rhipsalis warmingiana, which produced its first trails of
subsequent repottings and other salient historical blossoms in February, and Rhipsalis houllctiana, which
features. If one has the inclination to work in this detail cither has flowers or buds almost the whole year
it is not a bad thing if it is remembered that the mere through. This group of plants shows a wide range of
acquisition of data, to be stored like gold bars in a bank stem form; some are akin to the familiar Epiphyllum
vault, serves no useful purpose. The merit lies in the hybrids but others have the typical "wicker work"
realisation of its significance and the subsequent form to be expected from the meaning of the generic
dissemination of the conclusions drawn. name Rhipsalis. This genus is still the subject of much
study and many specific names are dubious.
We have not attempted to keep really detailed
records; we are not suited for this task, either by
temperament or availability of spare time. We make
sundry notes of what is happening in our collection
and from these we have reconstructed a picture of
events in 1968. In what follows, the attempt is made to
present something more than a mere catalogue or
recital of facts. Indeed, we shall draw very tentative
conclusions in several directions and be deliberately
provocative, in an attempt to draw information from
others for the improvement of knowledge. We also
hope that we shall inspire one or two others to gain
greater satisfaction from what is and will continue to
be a hobby whatever nuance is placed upon the word.
When Haydn wrote his pleasant oratorio "The
Seasons" he adopted the sequence Spring, Summer, Rebutia Albifiora
 The early months of the year were also rewarding including MM. cowperac, cgregia, lasiacantha, pilispina
for the flowers on our various forms of the "Christmas and magallanii. We have come to expect flowers on
Cactus". This plant, now properly called Schhimbergera these in late February or early March, on the basis of
buckleyi, comes in a variety of forms whose flowering several years' experience, but the appearance of blooms
periods extend on cither side of the festive season and if on M. sempervivi on 5th March rather took us by sur-
one keeps a watch on what is offered at local florists it prise. This species, which is often found bearing the
is possible to build up an interesting collection of these name M. caput-medusae, is not one of the glamorous
plants. Some of them do not appear to reach the propor- Mammillarias but we find it to be very free with its
tions of the ordinary "Christmas Cactus" and should not flowers. To catalogue all the Mammillaria species which
prove an embarrassment so far as space is concerned. came into flower by the end of March would be
We note that when a plant is carrying a large number tedious; it will suffice to note that there were 41 of them
of buds quite often some of these drop off but later and therefore the genus can be relied upon to provide a
new buds form on these tips to give a later bout of fine start to the new season.
flowering. This is perhaps a convenient point to men- During the months of February and March various
tion that little gem, Zygocactus opuntioides, whose stem of the other succulents were also excelling themselves.
segments really do resemble miniature Opuntia pads. In that Mrs. Stillwell frequently writes about winter-
Our small plant made good progress during the year flowering genera and species we shall not dwell on this
and is most attractive. It seems a pity that there arc point widely but it is worth mentioning that we find
really so few opportunities for displaying this group various Sedums, Crassulas and Echcvcrias to be par-
of species on the show bench. ticularly good and there arc always a few Kalanchocs
giving a colourful display, our particular favourite
The early weeks of the year brought ample evidence being K. pumila with its downy, grey-green leaves and
of things to come in the form of buds on various cacti. its clusters of clear pink flowers. The Mcscmbryan-
These included quite a number of Mammillaria species, themums must not be forgotten cither; our small white,
Notocactus haselbergii, Aporocactus flagelliformis and a fewscented Stomatium, probably S. niueunt, bloomed
Rebutias. The time at which these plants begin to show throughout the winter and has never stopped since for
buds seems to vary from collection to collection and we more than a week or so and the same can almost be
suggest that it is influenced both by the available light said for Tischleria peersii whose large golden blooms
and by the minimum temperature maintained, the continued through until September. Leaving aside the
former probably being the more important factor. epiphytic cacti and the Mammillarias, the first cactus to
One has no control over the weather and often very flower was Slrombocactus disciformis, on 24th March and
little so far as the siting of the greenhouse is concerned Ettcephalocarpus strobiliformis followed on 8th April. As
but at least it is possible to keep the roof clean and this Pelecyphora aselliformis, Aztekium ritteri and Epithclantha
is a point which is often overlooked. Even in the clean micromeris were also obliging by the middle of May, this
air of Banstcad we find that an appreciable amount of group of "desert species" as they are sometimes called
grime collects in the space of a fortnight or so. Because were very attractive quite early in the season. There is
of this we have regular sessions with a long-handled a tendency to regard these plants, together with
scrubber and a bucket of hot soapy water. The subject Ariocarpus, as difficult and to treat them as fossils. This
of minimum winter temperatures is one which has too is a mistake; assuming that one is dealing with imported
many ramifications to discuss here; we shall merely plants one should wait until they arc well established,
suggest that in those years when the weather is pre- as indicated by the appearance of new growth, and then
dominantly mild it is not an expensive matter to experi- water liberally during the summer months. We grow
ment with a somewhat higher than average tempera- our Ariocarpus species in plastic pots in a no-soil
ture. In fact, it seems probable that a good deal of infor- mixture of peat and sand with added fertiliser and they
mation could be obtained now by a co-operative effort thrive on it.
because, with the increasing interest in rather more
C It is often assumed that there is no future in attempting
tender succulents, minimum temperatures around 50 F.
arc more commonplace than a few years ago. to raise this group of plants from seed but this is an over-
generalisation. Certainly, they arc slow and some more
Leaving aside Mammillaria picta and M. plumosa, so than others. One probably only raises Ariocarpus
which arc genuine winter-flowering species, our first species this way as a curiosity (this has not stopped us
Mammillaria came into flower on 2nd February 1968 from trying) but Lophophora williamsii, Obregonia
and it was quite a small specimen of M. sinistrohamata. dencgrii and Epithclantha micromeris make presentable
This is a distinctive species with stout cream hooked little plants in four or five years. We also find the
central spines, winch do not all turn to the left as the Turbinicarpus species to be a reasonable proposition
name implies. The buds are very large, and shortly from seed; a four-year-old specimen of T. schmicdicltianus
before they open they seem to dwarf the adjacent budded up in April but could not quite manage to
tubercles. M. weingartiana followed on 26th February sustain the effort and we anticipate that, with a year's
and then other Mammillaria species in rapid succession, additional growth behind it, we shall be rewarded in
1969. Another plant winch we have raised from seed
and flower regularly is Thelocactus bicolor. We had to
wait seven years for the first bloom but this is not an
inordinately long time and although the plant cannot
match up for size to some of the imported specimens
which are seen from time to time, it is a typical Thelo-
cactus and we are as happy with it as wc would be with
a collected specimen.
The various Rebutia species came into flower in late
March and April and, as always, were outstanding.
Many of them need no introduction and this gives us
the opportunity to concentrate on one or two which
are not so widely known. The diminutive R. albiflora
is a little gem and, as the name implies, its flowers
are white. In fact, the colour seems to vary
somewhat from specimen to specimen and often there
Ariocarpus Rctusus
is a tinge of pink to the blooms. Anyone requiring the
more striking and flamboyant red and magenta tones in the catalogues it can be all rather confusing,
should try R. carminata and R. beryllioides if they want a particularly when many are only available as seed.
change from R. minuscula, R. violaciflora and the like. The better known species such as P. nivosa and
We seldom have a summer go by without losing one P. sanguiniflora are very slow from seed and are best not
of our Rebutias and the form of demise is predictable in attempted until one has some experience. Fortunately,
the great majority of cases; the plant just dries up. many of the newer species grow more robustly in the
Are many Rebutia species intolerant of prolonged early stages and this group have it in common that their
sunshine, (not that this was very much in evidence in seeds are black and are much larger than the dust-like
1968) or do they have a very limited lifespan; seed of P. mkrosperma and its allies. Into this category
come P. comosa, comarapana, paicillata, rubistaminea and
The month of May, particularly the latter half, sees uhligiana and it is clear that a good proportion of these
the peak of the flowering season for cacti and when one Parodias with black seeds have distinct affinities to the
has a fairly large collection it is clearly not possible to do Notocactus ononis complex. This group of Parodias have
justice to many of the plants worthy of mention. The a somewhat irritating habit, that of making a small but
Lobivias really come into their own at this time and as detectable constriction around the body at the point
the best of the 1968 summer occurred during this period where growth ceases each winter and this is a disadvan-
our plants were indeed a sight. It is sometimes said that tage so far as showing is concerned. Nevertheless,
the Lobivia species are most uninteresting for 11 months Parodia species in general are ideal plants for a group
of the year and we have one or two that do not catch because they are in flower at the time of most summer
the eye so far as body form is concerned. This is certainly cactus shows and they do not occupy too much space.
not the case with our plant of L. jajoiana with its long, We were able to use several of them in our entry in class
fierce hooked spines and when we have given it an 22 at the Society's Show in the R.H.S. Hall on 18th
outing to shows it has been much admired. We arc and 19th June and they proved very effective. In view
also very fond of L. aurca which produced its vivid of the favourable impression such groups of plants
yellow flowers for us, in ones and twos, for much of the create with the average visitor to the Shows, it is a pity
summer. The body of this plant is much akin to the that the entries are so few in number. Many members
average Echinopsis species and, perhaps, it tends to be with a few hundred plants should be able to mount a
overlooked for this reason. It is unfortunate that the pleasing group; as we know from our experience, the
ubiquitous Echinopsis is so tolerant; it suffers neglect only real trouble is transporting them to and from West-
and maltreatment because it will stand it. However, if minster.
it is repotted regularly and given something nutritious
in its compost (a little well-rotted manure is not out Another plant that is useful for our June group is
of place) it will respond with a bumper display of Bergerantlnis scapiger; this attractive Mesembryanthe-
blooms). Although space is at a premium with us we mum with its gay yellow flowers is early in flowering
have managed to retain all our Echinopsis specimens and both in age—ours flowered first at just over a year old—
in 1968, as in previous years, they really earned their and in time of year, before the real Mesembryanthcmum
keep. "season". However, a few others flowered earlier than
usual this year, maybe owing to the warmer than nor-
The number of readily available Parodia species has mal temperatures in May. Conophytum flavum was
increased by leaps and bounds of recent years so that one of these; with its pale green body and bright
most of us must make a choice and not attempt to grow yellow flowers it is very distinctive. This year the
them all. With so many new names to be found heads were quite small, so different to previous years
when the heads have been large and unsymmetrical. sunny spells occurred. The 9th to 14th September was
We find this happens with other Conophytums and obviously one of these; about 20 plants opened their
some Lithops from time to time; have other people flowers on those few days, mainly Lithops and Conophy-
noticed this; tums but two Ophthalmophyllums as well. It is sur-
What we have also noticed is that Conophytums prising that this genus is not grown more; these delight-
obviously do not require so much light to flower as do ful little plants grow quite easily from seed and will
Lithops. Our larger Lithops and Conophytums are on a produce quite large flowers when still single-headed.
shelf close to the glass and they all flower very well but The Faucarias flowered well, including some two-
the younger and smaller plants have to be accommo- year-old seedlings, and they were earlier than usual;
dated on the floor (we have glass to the ground). Here, however, the white-flowered Lithops seemed much
the Conophytums flower just as well and not much later than usual. Though they generally do flower
later than their close relatives on the shelf, but we have after the yellow ones, in our experience it is unusual
not yet managed to flower a Lithops under the staging to see L. marmorata and L. Bella in flower when L. optica
although we have had some bigger four-year-old plants rubra opens its buds. Perhaps stranger still was sighting
there this year which flowered when they had a position buds on our Pleiospilos nelii at the end of October.
on the staging last year. This plant has been awkward in recent years as the
buds have appeared in spring but never opened.
Another flowering problem in the past has been our However, this time their arrival coincided with another
Carallumafrerei; generally the leaves and then the flower rare sunny spell and we were able to admire the rather
buds are so long developing that it is too far into distinctive salmon-coloured flowers. We will not mind
autumn for the flowers to open properly. This year we so much if there are no buds or flowers at the usual
had flowers on one plant in the middle ofJuly merely by time in February. Cerochlamys pachyphylla is anodier
giving the plant a little extra heat in winter, and it has Mesembryanthemum which flowers easily from seed and
continued to flower well into the autumn. The plant these flowers come along well into November. The
was placed, in fact, in what we term our "warm enclo- purplish pink petals are very bright and seem to grow
sure"—a stiff" polythene tent over part of the staging larger the longer the flower has been open, and in the
with thermostatted cable heating inside. We find this dull, dark weather at the end of the year they lasted a
ideal for more tender species particularly Mammil- long time.
larias that come from Central America.
Although the late summer to autumn is the time when
We seem to have had a good year for the Asclepiads
many of the other succulents, particularly the stemless
altogether. We have had a Hoya bella for several years
Mesembryanthcmaceae, really come into their own the
but the buds have always aborted until this July. When
cacti are by no means eclipsed. So far as flowers are
the buds were seen, the plant was placed indoors on a
concerned there are three types of plants; those whose
south facing window-ledge; this change of air obviously
principal flowering occurs at this time, ones which
suited it as the delicate little florets opened and lasted
continue flowering after their main flush earlier in the
for some time and we had a second flower in November.
season and a group which have a second well-defined
Another success was Ceropegia sandersonii which, after
blooming season in the autumn. The most obvious
a year of hardly any noticeable movement, suddenly
example of the first type is a group of Mammillarias of
curled its way right up the drain pipe in the con-
which kewensis, rhodantha and tctracantha are typical.
servatory. It produced one fascinating, large "balloon"
The flowers are rather uniform in colour and not
flower on route but, alas, in such an inaccessible position
that it could not be photographed.
Many people admired our Kalanchoe nyckae in the
group at the autumn show at Westminster and a strange
and interesting plant it is. It was sent to us from America
a few years ago as a small cutting and soon grew to a
fine plant, and, what was most intriguing was that the
sixth and seventh pairs of leaves on the stem were
carunculate at the centre. We cut it down and re-
rooted the top this year, and the same thing has hap-
pened again. We are now awaiting with interest the
growth of the various offshoots that we have given
away—will they too be carunculate on the sixth and
seventh pairs of leaves; Lucky recipients please let us
know.
With thoughts of the autumn show, we are really in
the "Mesembryanthemum season" and looking back on
our flowering record we can soon see when the rare Notocactus Haselbergii
particularly large but they appear freely. There are therefore understandable that our plants of this group
other autumn-flowering Mammillarias such as MM. should have come into flower earlier than usual. The
camptotrir.ha, dccipicns, rettigiana and schiediana with same can be said of Mammillaria picta and, we feel, of
cream flowers and they provide an interesting contrast. M. plumosa. This latter flowered for us in the 1967/8
The period from mid-September to mid-October is winter, commencing around Christmas and continuing
the time when one hopes for flowers on the Ariocarpus until mid-February. This year it got under way early in
species. We have always been successful with A. November and is really excelling itself. Of course, it may
kotschubeyanus but only occasionally with the others. simply be that the plant is one year older and corre-
In view of the poor summer and consequent lack of spondingly more mature but we incline to the belief
sunshine we had no great expectations when September that the level of daylight is a contributory factor.
arrived and it was therefore a particular pleasure to find It is very probable that the autumn flowering cycle
that A. retusiis was in bud towards the end of the month. of a number of Mammillaria species, such as MM.
It had one flower open on the occasion of the October hahniana, karwinskiana, saetigera, sempervhn, solisioides
meeting in the R.H.S. Hall and earned a first prize in the and woodsii is also a short-day process. In this case,
Table Show. However, it really reached its peak the unlike that of M. plumosa, there must be two opposing
following weekend and gained the award for the best factors at work; a short-day period is required to
plant in the show at the Croydon N.C.S.S. Autumn induce bud formation but sunshine is then needed to
Competition. This naturally provokes the question—do mature them. Because this latter has not been forth-
Ariocarpus species really need long spells of sunshine coming of recent weeks, we have not done so well as
to induce bud formation as is so often stated in print; usual with this group of plants; the buds are to be seen
The way in which specimens of many other genera but are simply not developing. Perhaps the most
continued to flower well into the autumn also suggests surprising example of a second flowering cycle, and a
that the comparative absence of sunshine was no suitable one to end an article which is deliberately a
deterrent. The plants in question included species of little out of the ordinary, is our plant of Notocactus
Astrophytum, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Lobivia, haselbergii; this produced one of its lovely flowers
and Rebutia; Hmnatocactus setispinus, as always, con- towards the end of November. Many members will
tinued on its productive way until well into the autumn. know from personal experience that its blooms are
The poor summer has given us evidence which long-lasting but we fear that it is too much to expect it
confirms our earlier belief that quite a number of cacti to be still with us on Christmas Day. Nevertheless, it
arc short-day plants so far as flowering is concerned. serves to focus our attention on two points; that there is
In other words, they need a spell during which the always something interesting to be seen in our green-
intenity and duration of light is at a certain minimum house and conservatory from which lessons may be
level to induce bud formation. This is undoubtedly learned, and that although we may be at the close of one
true of the Christmas Cactus and its allies, and it is season we are already on the threshold of the next.

Additional Notes to Succulent Plants

in West Tropical Africa
(L. E. Newton, Journal C. & S.S. of G.B. Vol. 30 No. 2.)
Based on an impromptu talk by Mr. Newton at a Meeting of the Essex Branch, 6th July 1£68.
by D. V. Brewerton
TRAVELLING within Ghana and into the neighbouring Items 1 and 2 can be dealt with together as the factors
territories, quite a number of succulent plants may be bearing on them are very similar. There are few if any,
encountered, far more in fact than the speaker had succulent plants in the tropical rain forest, except
expected to find. Many of these plants are extremely rare perhaps the occasional epiphyte. These forests are not
in collections and in some cases have yet to be described. dense impenetrable jungle, but have a continuous leaf
There arc three ma ; n reasons for this state of affairs :- canopy which makes dull conditions at ground level for
1. Difficulty of access. plant life and is certainly not suitable for the growth of
2. Difficulty of collection. succulent plants. Further north, the forest thins out to
3. Difficulty of cultivation. give way to the savanna (grasslands) and to country with
Taking these three items into account, it is not surprising rocky outcrops, where most of the succulent plants arc
that so few of the succulent plants of West Tropical to be found. However, to reach these areas involves long
Africa find their way into our collections. and arduous journey, which can be undertaken only

10
during the dry season when the roads, little more than grow very well at all and are extremely shy of flowering,
rough tracks, are hard, bumpy and very dusty. During which is probably due to the fact that they are not
the rainy season ic is quite impossible to travel far as these subjected to a cold, dry period such as is usual in the high
roads for the most part do not exist at all, as they often mountainous regions oftheir country of origin. Similarly,
follow or cross rivers which are torrents for half the year it is noticed that Mesembryauthemums are not very happy
and dried up for the other half. Having reached the area, in the climate of Ghana and do not grow and flower as
a collector must trek hopefully in search of succulent they do in England. This is almost certainly due to the
plants, which will not be in growth during the dry season near constant night-day pattern of the region, which
and consequently difficult to find, and of course the seed being only just north of the equator gives approxi-
of such plants will not be available. The collector must mately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness
then select small plants or cuttings of plants, to carry throughout the year. It is well known that many plants
back, often over many miles of hard country, to the (non-succulents) require longer or shorter days to induce
transport vehicle. To add to the difficulties of the collec- flowering and it is probable that the mesembryanthe-
tor, many of the plants are connected with local mums are among those needing this changing pattern of
religious rites and are planted on family graves. day length.
Euphorbia poissoni, illustrated on page 28, has been used The problems of obtaining plants, and of their success-
for this purpose. These plants may be easier of access as ful cultivation are not confined to growers in this
they are often near to, or in, a village, but it can be a country, and these few words on the subject are not
difficult and delicate task to obtain permission to take a intended to solve any of these problems, but it is hoped
cutting from a plant that is guarding the grave of the that they may help to explain why many of the plants
headman's father! Again, many of the plants are used in indigenous to West Tropical Africa are so little known
ceremonial festivals or as fetish, and are consequently in cultivation.
scarce. Obtaining plants of this type is difficult and not
without danger in some instances. Botanists that do
visit these areas are usually more concerned with
collecting only sufficient plant material for the prepara-
tion of herbarium specimens and rarely bring back Connoisseur's Corner
surplus plants for propagation and eventual distribution THERE are now available several thousand species and
to other growers. This is not surprising when one varieties of cacti and the other succulents, far too many
considers the difficulties of reaching any particular for all but the wealthiest and most enthusiastic of us to
locality—difficulties which also include the man-made assemble in one collection. The great majority of us
hazards of the passport, the visa and frontier guards. must therefore make a selection and although tire
personal factor in the matter is clearly paramount we
Item 3, Difficulty of Cultivation, must now be con- learn by what we see and read. Some of our choices are
sidered. The plants which originate in West Tropical almost obvious—plants which have beauty of form or
Africa usually require higher than average temperatures flower, are not demanding culturally and are readily
when grown in this country, as the temperature in their available. However, there are many others which
native habitat is fairly constant throughout the year, although not so widely known are equally deserving;
rarely dropping below 6o°F., and the humidity is very perhaps they are not fashionable for one reason or
high during the rainy season. Consequently they will another, or they may be recent introductions. This
take plenty of water when in growth, and with a high series will bring to the attention of readers some such
winter temperature will grow for most of the year. This plants, not necessarily rarities or guaranteed winners on
need for a constantly high temperature leads to many of the show bench, but ones which are worthy of a place in
the plants, laboriously brought back to this country, any collection.
succumbing to the miseries incurred by the long
English winter and few of us can afford the luxury of a
greenhouse heated to 65 °F. or more throughout this I. Echinocereus Subinermis
period. A small section of a greenhouse can be parti- The Echinocereus species divide into three types or
tioned off and kept warmer, but this often leads to the groups: prostrate or procumbent plants of untidy habit
etiolation of plants due to the low light intensity. but, at best, very rewarding with their magnificent
flowers; the pectinate types valued for spine colour,
Problems of growth are not, however, confined to formation and flower alike, and a small group of
the plants introduced to this country. Plants taken to globular or short cylindric species. The best-known of
Ghana by the speaker have in general settled very well in these latter is E. knippelianus, a slow-growing species
their new environment. Epiphytes grow completely in but not so difficult of cultivation as has been stated by
the open and flower well. Species of Pachypodium seem some writers. Of recent years E. pukhellus has also come
to thrive in the humid atmosphere; they grow well and to the fore and this certainly has much to commend it.
present no problems at all. Not so, however, with the However, once it is more widely known E. subinermis
South American cacti taken into Ghana. These do not will probably gain the popular vote.
 Plants of this species arc globular in youth but
become moderately cylindrical at maturity and also
offset. The body is deep green or blue-green, reaching
8-10 cm. in diameter and there are six to eight well-
defined ribs. The aeroles are small and the spines are
short and weak but, none the less, the body has elegance,
symmetry and appeal.
However, its greatest merit lies in the flowers which
are of a size typical for the genus, some 3-4 inches in
diameter, but are of a quite unexpected colour, a clear
and brilliant yellow. The first hint of this rewarding
display is seen in the form of small, woolly tufts in
April but as the development of the buds is rather slow
the blooms do not appear until late May or June.
This species is easily raised from seed and presents no
cultural difficulties. Flowers may be expected at four or
five years of age but if the buds fail to mature when they
appear for the first time this bodes no ill consequences.
Once the plant has begun to flower regularly it will
produce several blooms each year and, like E. pulchellus,
it is decidedly more predictable in this respect than
those of the procumbent and pectinate types. Echinocereus Subinermis

Your Queries Answered

Notocacti brown spines, and another form with fewer broad ribs
With reference to the query in the last issue on Identification ca. 12-15, has almost black spines and a large yellow
of Notocacti (Page 80—Mr. Trise) we have now received flower. The true muricatus HU 19 can be obtained from
the following further comments from Mr. J. D. Donald, who W. Ucbclmann in Wohlcn, Switzerland.
is well known as a student oj Notocacti and he and Mr. There is little doubt that the apricus-tabularis-concinnus
Halstead have collaborated on this genus. complex from Uruguay needs very careful considera-
The muricatus problem was a very puzzling one tion and its quite impossible to make meaningful
until the recent rediscovery by Leopold Horst of the decisions on the plants in cultivation at present. As Ken
true "Otto" muricatus. Muricatus is essentially South Halstead says they are almost certainly now all hybrids
Brazilian in location, whereas the tabularis-apricus of the original species. Still there is some good news off
complex centres on the Rio Plata coast of Uruguay— the ground—the plants have been rediscovered in their
quite a distance apart and so unlikely to form part of the old habitats by Albert Buining and Leopold Horst so
same species population. The chief separating character that proper examination of the genuine species will now
of muricatus from any other Notocactus is its very short be possible.
tubed and comparatively small flower rarely more than The separation of rutilans from mueller-melchersii is
20 mm. long and 30 mm. wide at most fully open. The quite easily done by the characteristic flower colour
buds also appear particularly squat and orange yellow in described by Ken Halstead, pale yellow with more or
colour. The plant body is multi-ribbed 15-30 or more less pink or red tips—some forms arc much pinker than
but they are comparatively narrow and somewhat others, for rutilans and pure yellow for mueller-melchersii.
obtuse, in fact somewhat like the ottonis form uruguayensis. However to describe mueller-melchersii as having
The spines are relatively short, white or pale yellow shorter spines than rutilans must be wrong even in
not very numerous and certainly do not conceal the cultivation. In rutilans the radials are about 5 mm. long
bright green body. and the centrals barely more than 10 mm. usually less,
A proposal by Mhr. Dick van Vliet to name the old whereas in mueller-melchersii the radials arc between
cultivated apricus-like form called muricatus, N. 5-10 mm. long and the centrals (flattened) can be 20 mm.
bommcljei has NOT been validly published. In any case or more in length. I suspect that Ken has the form
it has not been established as a genuine species. "mueller-moelleri" which is much finer spined and could
A number of collected plants from Brazil and be thought to be shorter spined than rutilans.
Uruguay sold by a certain continental firm as N. muri- N. albisetus HU 48 is not a variety of haselbergii
catus arc not the true species but nevertheless arc quite officially but of graessneri. I believe it has small yellow
new plants—one form has barely 30 ribs and a small flowers (graessneri has greenish and haselbergii orange-
flower on quite small plants and beautiful reddish scarlet flowers).
 Epiphyllum Hybrids and their Hybridizers
by F. Braun

EPIPHYLLUMS and their hybrids are to the majority of Knebel's family are also remembered in his hybrids
cacti enthusiasts, poor Cinderellas, relegated to dark with the varieties Frau Selma Knebel, his wife; Oswald
corners of the greenhouse except when the plants bear Knebel Jnr., his son; Andcnkcn an Bahnmeistcr (In
their beautiful blooms. The very word hybrid is a name memory of the Stationmaster) Knebel, his father;
looked upon with distate by some collectors of our Frau Martha Siepkc, his daughter and Frau Emilie
plants and in fact Epiphyllums are very poorly served Knebel, his mother and many others.
by our journals. This article is intended to redress the He also, in his later years, distributed seeds to
balance. American hybridizers which were subsequently intro-
The first record of hybridizing Epiphyllums was in duced by R. W. Poindextcr and Mrs. Clarion Steele.
1830 in England when Jenkinson and Smith mentioned Some of these arc Bagdad, Dolores, Imp, Indoxol,
numerous crossings. They were quickly followed in Nellie, orchid Supreme, Paradise and Wonderland.
1932 when the gardener of Lord Liverpool and Pressley So far as America was concerned, the hybrids
also carried out some hybridizing with true species. were not well known at all and only a few
The Germans then started hybridizing independently dealers listed plants, notably A. Blanc & Co. of Phila-
and further English crossings were made shortly delphia in 1891; in 1896 by Mrs. Theodosia Burr
afterwards by Sillow, by the gardener of Walter Boyd Shehcrd of Ventura California and by Mr. E. O. Orpct
and by the two brothers called Baumann. of Santa Barbara, California, subsequently a founder-
At this time there was considerable interest in these member of the American Epiphyllum Society.
originations because in 1846, Forester and the well- Between 1892 and the late 20's Franz de Laet of
known Chelsea firm of Veitch raised many hybrids Contich, Village lez Anvers, Belgium, raised a number
using the best of the French varieties that had been of hybrids and listed over 100 varieties in his catalogues.
raised after 1845 by Charles Simon a cactus grower and Joseph de Laet and Madame William de Laet are two
Lorenzo Courant his client. well known examples.
In 1890 Johannes Nicolai started hybridizing in When he died, the business was continued by his
Germany but died in 1901, before he had the daughter and son-in-law but was gradually dispersed
chance to see the result of his many crossings. until finally the remaining collection was acquired by
He raised nearly 300 varieties and although his brother various Dutch and Belgian growers and collectors.
Woldemar carried on with the work, nearly all the In recent years, a Mr. Legrclle of La Louviere, who used
plants were lost during the First World War. to be de-Laets' foreman gardener has been located and
In 1894 George Borneman started a large horti- found to have in his possession a collection of de
cultural business at Blankenberg and by crossing Laet's original hybrids. Unfortunately the names have
Nicolai's hybrids with the best English varieties he been mislaid over the years and as de Laet listed his
united the English, German and French strains. plants under colour groupings without individual
Curt Knebel, the greatest German hybridizer, was descriptions, a somewhat forbidding task lies to anyone
born on the 16th June, 1871 and died in 1952 aged 81 attempting to name the varieties discovered.
years. In 1894, after some distinguished gardening In 1905 an event occurred which gradually resulted
appointments, he started his own nursery at Erlau in in the Americans realising the potentialities of the plants
Saxony and by acquiring a small number of Nicolai's growing on their own doorstep. Mr. H. M. Wegener
plants and subsequently some of Borneman's and W. O. of Los Angeles went in this year to Germany for his
Rothers originations, he had, by the First World War, honeymoon. Whilst there, he visited Saxony and
a very good collection of his own hybrids. Virtually spotted some hybrids in a peasant woman's cottage. He
the whole of his collection was lost as a result of the war acquired cuttings and brought them back to America,
and he painstakingly started again, evolving over 400 but had little success with them until he moved to
hybrids. During the Second World War, he again California, where the plants thrived rapidly. The
lost nearly all his plants but many of his hybrids are still plants were subsequently named by Wegener and are
available. such well known varieties as Goliath, Hermossissimus,
Knebel's name will long be remembered through his Flor de Sol, Paul de Longpre also known as Yellow
lovely hybrids notably Professor Ebert, Stern von Stripe and others. Dr. Rose of Britton and Rose fame, a
Erlau, Augusta von Szombathy, Friedrich Werner personal friend of Wegener's sent him 20 plants col-
Buel, Adolph Hitler (now renamed Sherman E. lected from the wilds to experiment with.
Beahm) and many others. He also managed to raise Some time after this, Wegener was vis ted by the late
several notable F.i and F.2 hybrids thus extending Dr. Arthur Houghton of San Fernando, California
the flowering period of these plants to virtually the (Author of the Cactus Book publi hed by Macmillan in
whole year. 1930) and on seeing the wonderful plants he became

13
 enthusiastic and subsequently formed a good collection. Another prominent hybridizer was the late Dr. R. W.
During the visit he conversed with Wegener in German Poindexter of Compton, California. He became an
and on seeing a vivid red-flowered plant asked if it was enthusiast after seeing the collections of Wegener and
named. On learning that it was not, and as French Houghton. Prior to his death on the 16th March, 1943,
names were fashionable at the time, he named the plant he sold his nursery and moved to Carlsbad, California,
Vive Rouge. taking with him his choicest plants and seedlings. His
Wegener imported varieties from Kncbel and de hybrids, with certain exceptions, are mainly giant-size
Laet and in 10 years raised many new varieties. In later flowers such as Marina Special, one of the best whites;
life he travelled extensively to Mexico and Europe and Peachy, a deep pink; Dolores and Indoxal, dark red
died in Germany in 1958. varieties raised from seeds supplied by Knebcl; Nellie,
another Knebel seedling; Thundercloud and one of the
Mrs. Clarion Steele of Los Angeles was also a promi- best purples Blackamore.
nent hybridizer in the 1930's and at first started with
seeds imported from Europe. She raised many well Mr. Leslie C. Parker of Lessar Nursery, Highway 101,
known varieties some of which are Shasta; Welcome, Encinitas, California 92204, specialises in Poindexter's
very highly scented; Polar Bear; Ensemble; Carnation; varieties, for those interested in impressing their
Sunburst; Topsy Turvy and Flamingo. In 1934 her neighbours.
catalogue listed more varieties than any other dealer Other enthusiasts were the late Mrs. Georgina Russell
and she continued to increase her collection over the of Bell, who will be remembered due to her naming an
years until her stock was purchased by the Beahm un-named plant in her garden Pride of Bell. The late
Gardens, who continue to list many of her originations. C. P. Sherfy of Long Beach, California; the late
During this period other Americans became aware of Richard Diener, who carried out numerous experiments
the developments in the hybrids namely R. W. Kado, a on the hybrids and who is mentioned in the Epiphyllum
Japanese nurseryman of Wilshire Rockcraft and Cactus Handbook; Capt. W. W. Weston, also deceased, the
Gardens who secured plants from Wegener and Dr. former secretary of the American Epiphyllum Society
Houghton. Some of his hybrids are Yellow Violet; and commemorated by Knebel in the hybrid named
California Beauty; Miss Santa Monica and Countess after him; Mrs. Bethel Darling who died in 1954, a Mr.
Estelle Doheny. Callender who raised Rosetta and Callenders Pfau (not
Another Japanese grower prominent with these to be confused with Belgian Pfau), the late Mrs. L. K.
plants was Mr. C. Ito of Phyllocactus Farm, Leucadia. Williams (Peggy Williams) of 1314 Puterbaugh, San
Both Kado and Ito were forced out of business when Diego 3, California. She was a wonderful enthusiast
World War II commenced, when they were placed in and had many beautiful plants. On her death, no one
Japanese camps out of California for the duration. They was allowed to tend to the plants whilst her estate was
never returned to California when the War ended. probated with the result that many of her plants died.
Her records however have been preserved and it is
D. W. Coolidge of Coolidge Rare Plant Gardens, 889 hoped that these may be published in the not too distant
North Alterdena Drive, Pasadena, was another impor- future.
tant hybridizer, although this formed only a small
part of his business which was a very high class establish- Chauncey Stoddard, who has also died, raised the
ment specialising in raising Orchids, Camellias and other variety Chauncey and many crosses of Aporocactus
choice shrubs. On his death, the business was carried on which have been introduced to the trade by Beahm
by his daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Mulvihill. Gardens. He managed to grow his plants in rock hard
On her death in 1955 the site was acquired by a Church adobe soil but I understand he knew how to water this
and the entire stock sold on the site to persons fortunate type of soil and presumably did so with success. Other
to be present and with knowledge of the sale. Coolidge growers were Mr. Edlefson of Edlefsons Nurserv and
introduced his hybrids through commercial growers of R. W. Kelly.
these plants and some of the hybrids are Dennis Kucera, The two growers who are probably the most well
Flamenco, Cabochon, Flaming Comet and one of the known to Epiphyllum collectors are Mr. and Mrs. Peter
best modern hybrids Pegasus. Vinkemulder better known as the Cactus Petes, who
In 1936 Mrs. Therasa M. Monmonier of the Ventura for 34 years raised many fine varieties in Los Angeles
Ep:phyllum gardens started hybridizing. Some of her and whose business, on their retirement, is being con-
originations are Bambi and Purple Heart. She had a tinued by their son Cactus Pete Jnr. at 4949, Valley
very fine collection of plants but due to prolonged Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90032. The other
illness, her plants were neglected and she sold the residue growers are of course the Beahm Gardens of 2686, East
of her collection to Mr. and Mrs. John B. Cox of 90 Paloma Street, Pasadena, California 91107. Mrs. Beahm,
McNeill Street, Encinitas, California 92204. I under- who was blind for over 20 years and confined to her
stand that Mr. and Mrs. Cox are now getting some fine bed for the last 10 years of her life, edited the Journal of
results and given time some of Mrs. Monmonier's the Epiphyllum Society for 18 years until her death
originations may yet be re-introduced. in 1962. She will always be remembered by the Epiphyl-

14
lum species gcrtrudianus, a lovely plant with deeply Other prolific hybridizers of recent years were Ed
indented branches and midway in appearance between Stephens late of the Blue Bird Nursery and Leo M.
darrahii and anguliger. The business is being carried on Daly who raised over 500 varieties. Mr. Daly had a
by Mr. Bcahm and his family and they list many of the stroke a few years ago and Nelson Ross of 753 Oakwood
hybrids mentioned in this article as of course do the Street, Orange, California 92667 bought Mr. Daly's
Cactus Petes. collection. W h e n Ed. Stephens had to sell his nursery,
The most prolific hybridizers of the last decade were because the land was wanted for development by
undoubtedly Paul Fort and Garland O'Barr. They W . R. Effrnger, a building contractor w h o knew
raised 984 hybrids and many un-named pans of seed- nothing about Epiphyllums, Nelson Ross became the
lings, including the best yellow Epiphyllum so far manager of the new nursery and apart from a small
introduced called Reward. To those unacquainted with part of the collection being acquired by R. W . J.
the modern hybrids, the new varieties come as a con- Stanley of 2730 E. Broadway, Long Beach, California,
siderable surprise, as in many cases the colourings are I understand that the bulk of Stephens collection is
unique and the form far superior to many of the old intact.
hybrids. Many of the flowers have ruffled petals and well Some of the other hybridizers are Mr. and Mrs. T. D.
defined bi and tri-coloured blooms. Their white variety Harmon, Dr. Irwin, Clarence Mendelson, Frank Stern,
Dolly Madison is particularly outstanding and remains Louis Vasseur, Ralph C. Shucy and True Sipe w h o have
open for nearly a week. The nursery did not retail its jointly raised numerous hvbrids, Howard L. Jones,
plants but released them to commercial growers of Floyd Nahigan of the Village Gardens, 109 E. Lyell
Epiphyllums. They have disposed of their entire stock Street, Los Altos, California, E. J. Robertson, Mr.
to private growers of these plants and now do not have Drake, Martha Maxwell who took over the secretary-
a single epiphyllum at their new home in Laguna. Cali- ship of the American Society after Capt. Weston, Mr.
fornia. Persons acquiring the plants were the late Clark Howard, F. C. Pozoni of Glendora, C. L. Wright,
Malcho, Ed Stephens late of the Blue Bird Nursery, E. C. Dittman, Ed Hummel of Inglewood, R. A. Fields
Sherman E. Bcahm, Dr. H. S. Irwin, the present editor who raised that lovely variety "Pride of San Gabriel",
of the American Journal and who also holds their Mr. Dennis who raised "Canadian Ruffles" and finally
records, W . J. Hathaway of 5340 Brittain Street, Long Dr. Troxell.
Beach, California 90808, Mr. and Mrs. T. D . Harmon
Commercial growers are Harry Johnson's Cactus
of 3601 West 102nd Street, Inglewood, California
Gardens, 16613, South Garfield Avenue, Paramount,
90303, and finally Holland.
California. The Lessar Nursery, previously mentioned.
Ace Nursery (Mrs. Catherine McCollum of 2393
Lincoln Avenue, Altcdena, California. Terry Gardens
(Mrs. Helene Terry) 2597, Crest Drive, Carlsbad,
California and of course Bcahms and Cactus Petes. The
late Mr. Ash of 1215 North Nopal Street, Santa Barbara,
California also grew plants commercially and on his
death, his widow, Mrs. Lcona Ash endeavoured to
continue the business. She was however unable to do
so and another source of supply had ceased.
In England immediately following the last war, it
was virtually impossible to obtain the new varieties due
to the Treasury restrictions on sending dollars out of the
country. However the situation improved when J. T.
Barber of Chelford, Cheshire listed virtually the whole of
Bcahms catalogue and was followed shortly afterwards
by Worfield Gardens of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, upon
Sir Oliver and Lady Leese returning from America
with some of the newer varieties.
During this time, Mr. F. R. McQuown, the well
known Carnation and Pink expert, started hybridizing
with some of his plants and introduced numerous
plants prefixed with the name "London". These were
subsequently introduced to the trade by Worfield
Gardens and Auger Epiphyllums.
Harry Auger of Auger Epiphyllums, The flat at
Wacousta, The Bishops Avenue, Hampstead, London,
Epiphyllum "Arcadia" N. was the first commercial grower since the war

15
to stage an Epiphyllum exhibit at the Chelsea flower
show. This attracted considerable attention in the
gardening press and on the easing of the Treasury
restrictions he quickly built up a very large collection
of the newer hybrids from America. He has raised
several new varieties which are usually prefixed
"Eastern".
At the same time, another commercial grower of
these plants, Mr. Clive Innes of Holly Gate Nurseries,
Ashington, Sussex was also increasing his collection
of plants including some of the unnamed de Laet
varieties.
In Belgium, Gregoire Hoeckx of Manebruggestraat
257, Deurne, Antwerp has a large collection of plants
including some of the unnamed de Laet varieties. Epiphyllum "Maharajah"
German growers are somewhat difficult to locate due
to the two zones, but Walther Haage of Erfurt is article could not have been written. Much midnight
concentrating on producing dwarf, free flowering oil was burned and much literature pored over to collate
varieties, having been interested in this work since this article. It was for me an enjoyable task and one
1925. For 30 years Haage worked closely with Knebel which I feel will be of some value to future researchers
and has introduced Montezuma and that beautiful to enable this record to be amended in due course.
clear red variety called Rotkaeppschen (Red Riding My personal thanks are also due to Mr. C. E. L.
Hood). Mr. Innes is in contact with Mr. Haage and it is Gilbert of Romford, who first set me on the road; to
hoped that some of Haage's newer introductions will Teddy Young, our late hardworking Treasurer, who
become available in the future. never objected when I entered his greenhouse with a
In Australia the firm of Dawson and Gill of 263 knife and who is n o w enjoying a well earned retirement
Napier Street, White Hills, Bendigo, Victoria have a amongst his Epi's in Sussex; to Ken Grounds for
very full list including one of their own introductions supplying true species and finally to Mr. Auger for his
which might prove too violent for the greenhouse as it generous help in filling the large gaps in my collection
is described as white with a black eye. following the bad winter of 1962-3.
In conclusion, I must express m y gratitude to Scott Last but not least I must express thanks to Mr. H. W .
Haselton of Epiphyllum Handbook fame and the Dobson, well known to our American friends, for the
Epiphyllum Society of America without w h o m this valuable help he has given me over the past decade.

Succulent Snippets
by Sally Cornioides
THREE cheers for the Editor, twice over! Her article in namely poor photographs and loss of detail in preparing
the November 1968 issue is very welcome and I trust the blocks used for the illustrations although the original
that the remainder of it will appear at an early date. It photograph is of adequate quality. Miss Drage's guide
seems to be a common supposition that an Editor only to photography without tears should help to eliminate
writes if he or she does not have available sufficient the first of these faults; so far as the second is concerned,
material to fill a particular issue when, in the extreme this must be the subject of negotiation between the
case, the unfortunate occupant of the Editorial chair Editor and the printers.
should be prepared to do the lot. I believe it was the Those w h o think I am making a mountain out of a
late Mrs. Higgins w h o was responsible for envisaging molehill have only to consult two recent publications.
this last-named dreadful state of affairs, one which I am For sheer virtuosity the illustrations in "Stadtische
sure our present Editor shudders to contemplate. Sukkulenten Sammlung Zurich: Katalog der in Kultur
I believe that an Editor should write whenever the stehenden Arten" (Catalogue of the plants in the State
contribution is likely to prove of value and there are Succulent Collection at Zurich) take some beating. It
few topics on which Miss Drage is better qualified to is difficult to single any of them for particular mention
comment, or for that matter, where some advice is but my favourites include Testudinaria elephantipes and
needed. In general the quality of the illustrations in Normanbokea pscudopectinata. Incidentally, with all due
various cactus Journals varies from mediocre to pretty respect to Dr. Norman Bokc, whoever wants to use
appalling, and this Journal is no exception. From my this generic name in preference to our old friend,
experience I suspect that there are two sources of trouble, Pelecyphora! At the other end of the scale, qualifying

16
 for my putty medal, must come the illustrations in the members in all parts of the country and many of them
N.C.S.S. booklet on Echeverias; they really are too bad are busy with activities, too. It was good to read of some
for words and rightly earn the strictures of a reviewer of the doings of the Northern Counties Branch in
in the September/October issue of the American the November Journal; I have managed to see a few of
Cactus Journal. It is particularly surprising to read in their newsletters and, without doubt, they are a lively
the acknowledgements that the photographs were taken lot up there. What about some of the budding authors
by "Garden News" photographers; the backgrounds having a go at writing some letters or articles for this
in many have the stamp of a beginner. Talking of "Gar- Journal; How about you others outside the London
den News", they have not perhaps put their foot in it Area; what are you doing or what would you like to
but rather made a "leap" in the wrong direction in their doe
book reviews in a December issue: "Starting with From an Evening Standard book review page—
Cacti by ARTHUR BOUNDER"! "Haldane a Cuddly Cactus". I can think of a few cuddly
Perhaps this was not quite so bad as a sentence in the cactophiles, but a cuddly cactus, no. Even the beautiful
latest "Epiphytes": "I now grow my Epiphyllums in Espostoas and Oreocerei have that lurking spine hiding
plastic".—Well, we are always glad to hear of experi- amongst the wool—or perhaps that was what the
ments with new composts! review was implying;
The same author constantly refers to her "epis"— That's it for another issue and whether you consider
what a horrible word! I find "Mamms." rather a yourself cuddly or not let's have a comment or clipping
wince-making word, too, particularly when used in from YOU.
quite learned articles and yet "Mesems." seems just
about all right. Maybe this is because I find difficulty in
spelling Mesembryanthemum! Correspondence
Quite a number of Mesembryanthemum growers are To the Editor:
finding strange occurrences amongst their plants this Errors in journals, because they remain forever
season. They think they are unique until they talk to fossilised in print, are perpetual reproaches to their
fellow enthusiasts and find the same oddities have originators. One's only recourse is to publish a retrac-
happened to them. Perhaps the cases of single-headed tion in the hope that it will be read and noted, though,
Lithops becoming three-headed the following year is as happens with the daily newspapers, the original
not so rare but when the flowers crack the heads across error tends to be remembered better than the subsequent
and sometimes themselves in their attempts to come correction!
through, the resultant plant looks a sorry specimen. I would like to correct two errors and comment on
Other plants have produced flowers on one or two a possibly misleading statement, all of which concern
heads and then there has been a time-lag of a month the genus Gymnocalycium and which have appeared in
or even more before the other heads have flowered. fairly recent issues of the Journal.
Still others have produced new heads where flower Firstly, and appropriately, I must correct a statement
buds were expected. The strange weather in the second I made in an article entitled " The Genus Gymnocalycium"
half of 1968 can, no doubt, take some of the blame. (Journal, 29, 1, p. 14, February 1967). In referring to
Chase Bugs Flavor Food—a short article under this Gymnocalycium leptanthum I perpetuated a mistake made
title in Chemical and Engineering News 26th August, by several other, far more eminent, authors. In distin-
1968 told of a new patent taken out for a material that guishing G. leptanthum from G. platense, it is G. platense
can be used simultaneously to ignite a fire, flavour food which has the unusually long flower tube. The full
cooked on it and repel insects. story of the muddle over the identities of G. leptanthum
Just imagine the possibilities for the cactophile. One and G. platense was unravelled recently by Walter
could use this wonderful material to heat the green- Haage in the journal "Kaktcen und andere Sukkulenten"
house, go down and cook a tasty lunch over it and know and a translation of this article together with a photo-
all the time that the mealies and greenfly were all being graph of an authentic G platense appeared in the
frightened away—that's what I call a package deal. September 1968 issue of the National Cactus and Succu-
Those at the Westminster meeting in November had lent Journal.
a good "package deal", too. We had much regretted My second correction concerns a photograph cap-
the passing of Mr. Groundsell who should have given tioned "Gymnocalycium kunzeanum" which appeared
the talk, but were greatly rewarded when Dr. Hardy on page nine of the February 1968 issue of the Cactus
took his place. His fine illustrated talk was beautifully and Succulent Journal oj Great Britain. The plant depicted
balanced between showing panoramic views of Arizona appears to me to be very like G. gibbosum. The name
and California, cacti in habitat and plants in National "G. kunzeanum" is not known to me at all and is not to
Parks and Botanic Gardens in those States. Seeing fine be found in any authoritative literature on the genus.
transparencies of these colourful places and plants gave I imagine that it has come from a misreading of the
a wonderful warm glow to the chilly autumn evening. name "G. kurtzianum", although the plant shown is not
1 must not be too parochial though, as there are this species.

17
 In the same (February 1968) issue, in the report of the The members of the Show Committee appreciate
Gymnocalycium Study Meeting, there are references the interest shown in the Schedules. Each year, every
to the name G. curvispimim. Both Mr. Donald and class is considered carefully and discussed with a view to
myself were nonplussed by this name. From some improving the Schedule wherever possible. Personally,
research of the literature I find that, whilst invalid, I have yet to see the perfect Schedule, but can assure
it has existed in the past, being a notnen nudum of A. V. members that this is the aim of every Show Committee
Fric. Backeberg considered Fric's G. curvispimim to be and I would add that there is always room for new or
identical with G. nigriareolatum. extra members on these Committees—help is always
E. W. Putnam, welcome. „ . 1 ,. „
Coulsdon, Surrey. David V. Brewerton,
Upminster, Essex.
To the Editor: To the Editor:
I would like to comment, as a member of the Show The Show Committee have considered the points in
Committee, on the selection of letters in the November letters which relate to the Shows. It is very apparent,
Journal on the subject of Show Schedules. however, that some writers are speaking as specialists,
To begin with, I would point out that the members whereas the majority of members and exhibitors have
of the Show Committee are all very experienced people more general collections including both cacti and other
in drawing up Show Schedules, and in assessing, in succulents. I have visited a number of such collections
general, the plants which are likely to be available—an during the year and another fact I can guarantee is that
assessment based on the combined knowledge of the in each of them there have been several Mammillarias
collections of members who support the Shows. In in good show condition, so it is certainly worth includ-
addition most of the Show Committee are experienced ing special classes for this genus as has already been
judges of plants and have many years of experience in mentioned in several letters.
growing the plants. The pot sizes were introduced to the Novice classes
Mr. Jeffries remark—"It is only possible to compare to enable those who had recently started collections to
like with like" is certainly not true when judging the be able to show their plants without them being
merits of cacti and other succulent plants. Each plant is dwarfed by, for example, large Aloes and Haworthias.
assessed individually for Condition, Rarity and Diffi- They will have the chance later on to show the bigger
culty, and it is therefore possible to judge plants quite plants; moreover, a small, well-grown plant is far more
satisfactorily whether they be similar or completely worthy of exhibition than some of the large overgrown
different in type and appearance. It seems to me that this plants that have appeared in the Novice classes before
should attract the "unusual and inspiring plants" that this restriction was imposed.
Mr. Jeffries wishes to see. However, the 1969 Schedules have some changes
The "restriction" of novice classes to five inch pots, from those of 1968 and those members raising the
may eliminate a few well grown common plants, but complaints may well find something to their liking this
by the same token it also eliminates the badly grown Mrs. B. Maddams,
common plants, which, with all due respect to the Banstead, Surrey.
growers, do not bring credit to the Show or to the To the Editor:
Society. Mammillarias seem to be a sore spot with Mr. I must take issue with Mr. Jeffries over the un-
Jeffries. Class five is intended to attract the smaller mitigated nonsense he has written about Class five (for
growing species of this genus. There are many newer six Mammillaria species in four and a quarter inch pots)
Mammillarias becoming available that will not outgrow at the June 1968 Show. What constitutes show worthi-
a four and a half inch pot, such as M. saboae, M. shurliana ness is a very debatable point but what is beyond argu-
etc. In addition there are many of the rarer Mammillarias ment is that the genus includes a goodly number of
which will take 10 to 15 years to fill a pot of this size. little gems that are as desirable and deserving as the fine
This class is certainly not intended for beginners with specimens of MM. bomhycina, hahniana, plumosa and the
fast growing, immature Mammillarias in small pots! like which we see in the open class. However, by the
The class for a single Specimen Mammillaria is with us very nature of things these diminutive species, even at
for the life of the Society, as a Cup was donated for this maturity, simply cannot compete against the giants and
class. this is not just a personal opinion but the verdict of
To Mr. Southern I would point out that holding the several experienced judges with whom I have discussed
Society Show on a Saturday is out of the question, as the the matter. Are we then to banish from the Show
RHS Hall is not open for Flower Shows on that day. benches that group which includes such choice species
To Mr. Maddams I would explain that both Schedules as MM. dawsonii, egregia, goldii, herrerae, humboldtii,
were sent out in May because no firm assurance could lasiacantha, lenta, magallanii, napina, pottsii, saboae,
be obtained that the August Journal would be delivered solisioides and theresae?
soon enough to allow the Schedules for the September Likewise, anyone who has grown a representative
Show to be distributed in time. range of Mammillaria species knows that some of them

18
 present considerable cultural difficulties; indeed, it is those of the yellow-spined form of M. cowperac. It will
not unrealistic to say that there is no certain way for bejmuch in demand once it is more widely known.
succeeding with some of them. By and large, the mem- The interesting history of M. crcetacantha provides
bers of the group which includes MM. alamensis, another example of little known Mammillaria species,
earretii, densispina, fasciculata, fraileana, gnelzowiana, apparently lost to cultivation, reappearing many years
longijlora, microcarpa, pcnnispinosa, tetrancistra, wilcoxii,after they were first described. "The Mammillaria
wrightii and zephyranthoides, are also comparatively Handbook" lists about 100 such plants and there have
small and anyone who has grown a specimen which been suggestions from time to time that these should be
balances a four and a quarter inch pot deserves to have discarded as useless names cluttering up the literature.
it on the show bench. However, several of them have come to light again
Thus, the Show Committee were perfectly justified in the post-war years; MM. cschanzieri (with which M.
in inserting Class five and the number of entries (13) monancistracantha is almost certainly synonymous),
must have pleased them. It is true that some of the glareosa, grusonii, hamata, leucocentra, microthelc and
plants which were to be seen were immature specimens roseocentra are al! good examples. Now we have the
of larger growing species; there is no justification for reappearance of M. crcetacantha, first described by
including plants of MM. hahniana, marksiana, neo- Foerster in 1847. His description, although by no means
mystax, wiesingeri and winteriae. However, sensible complete, is sufficient to show that the plants now
judging and experience over a period of years will coming from Mexico tally with those he wrote about
doubtless eliminate this short-coming. 120 years ago. My specimen has now become estab-
W. F. Maddams, lished and was making growth before it went into its
Banstead, Surrey. winter's rest; I must reservefinaljudgement until I have
To the Editor: studied it more carefully and, in particular, until it has
Perhaps I may be permitted to offer some comments flowered but I am inclined to regard it as a good species.
on the Mammillaria species which Mr. Bastow men- It is not one of those plants which catch the eye particu-
tions in his letter in the November 1968 issue. My larly and, assuming it becomes freely available in due
qualifications for doing so are that I have devoted a course, it will probably be of interest mainly to Mam-
good deal of time to the study of the genus Mammillaria millaria enthusiasts.
and that I have been fortunate enough to obtain some Finally, a word or two about M. vetitla. This has not
of the plants about which Mr. Bastow writes, from the been at all common in cultivation until recently but it
same source. is now to be found in many more collections and it is
To deal first with M. solisioides; this is not a rare not particularly difficult to obtain. This is not surprising
species and not even particularly uncommon. Both because it is caespitose in habit and is easily propagated
seed and plants have been available latterly and, in all from cuttings. It does not seem to flower so prolifically
probability, there are two or three hundred specimens as most Mammillaria species; anyone obtaining flowers
in this country. For those who are not acquainted with should note down the details because there's some doubt
this plant it is one of the smaller growing Mammillarias as to the correctness of what is recorded hi the literature.
and it is not unlike Solisia pectinata in appearance. It was W. F. Maddams,
described by Backeberg in 1951, and, as with many Banstead, Surrey.
of the 80 or so Mammillaria species which post-date the
publication of Craig's "The Mammillaria Handbook"
(and the most recent edition of Borg's "Cacti"), the News from Branches
original description was not in English. In addition to its North Surrey Branch
attractive appearance this species ought to be in every The Branch continues to flourish, with increasing
collection on account of its lovely yellow flowers. It is membership and a number of keen juniors. We
prone to make buds in the autumn but often these do have continued our practice of putting on a display
not come to maturity because of inadequate light and of cacti and succulents at one of the local Flower
the usual flowering period is April/May. Shows, in fact for the first time we staged a display at two
Mr. Bastow does have something decidedly more shows, one in June and one in September in different
uncommon in M. magnified. This species was described parts of the region. Great interest is usually shown by the
about two years ago by Senor Buchenau in Cactaceas general public, as we naturally try to make sure that we
y Suculentas Mexicanas and, as yet, it is seldom found have a number of plants in flower, which catch the eye
in cultivation. In all probability the number of speci- of the passer-by. Many people express surprise and the
mens in Great Britain has not yet reached double stewards on the stand are kept busy answering questions.
figures. M. magnified belongs to a group of columnar We are sometimes allowed to sell plants which gives
species with hooked central spines, the best-known members an opportunity of disposing of surplus seedlings
member of which is M. hecriana [hamata). It is an impres- etc. and as the branch takes a small percentage of the
sive plant, as the name implies, largely because of the proceeds Branch Funds also benefit. The Society booklet
central spines which are yellow in colour, much like is also usually very popular, and we have hopes of a still

19
further increased membership as a result of these shows.
The Branch has also again supplied Judges for the
Book Reviews
Cactus and Succulent Classes at several of the local shows. Breitung, A. J. The Agaves, 107 pp. 260 text figs.
The Cactus and Succulent Journal 1968 Yearbook.
Price $4.35 from Abbey Garden Press, Box 167,
Reseda, California 91335, U.S.A.
Bucks, and Berks. NOT surprisingly, the genus Agave has never enjoyed
popular appeal in a country where window-sills and
THE Bucks, and Berks. Branch held their Annual Dinner small greenhouses house the majority of collections.
on Tuesday 10th December at the "Queen of Hearts" However, the smaller species are well worth growing
Restaurant, Eton, Bucks., at 7.30 until II.15 p.m. (see the May 1966 issue of this Journal). For those
Replicas were presented to the previous year's cup wishing to know more about the genus, the American
winners and holders of the Table Show Shields. The Society has now reprinted the series of articles which
dinner was followed by a very enjoyable Social Evening, first appeared in the American Cactus and Succulent
full of fun and games and the usual Christmas Spirit. Journal from 1959 to 1964.
The Secretary, Mrs. Muriel Stillwell was presented with
The book consists of descriptions and illustrations of
a gift voucher on behalf of the members, in appreciation
Agave species, arranged in a modified version of Berger's
of work done during the year. In replying Mrs. Stillwell
system. Only the subgenera Littaea and Agave are
thanked all the Committee and members for their
included; the Manfredas are omitted. The author deals
loyalty to the Branch.
with approximately n o taxa, representing about a
third of those given in Jacobsen's Handbook, though
some of the names listed by Jacobsen appear here in
Northern Counties synonymy. Several new descriptions and name changes
were included in the original articles and these are
THE Northern Counties Branch Second Annual Show erroneously reprinted without adding citation of the
was a great success this year passing by far the expecta- original publication. One new taxon, Agave victoriac-
tions of the organising committee. reginae forma ornata, was not validly published because
Held in the Social Service Centre, Whitley Bay, just no type was indicated, and this has not been rectified
off the seafront the show drew a total entry of 1,607 in the reprint.
plants and of these 1,448 were in pots and the other The grower wishing to identify a plant will be disap-
159 in planted containers for effect. A total of 500 entries pointed to find that there are no keys in this work, and
had been set as a target and the amazing figure of 666 even the characters of the sub-generic groups are not
which were staged brought a last minute panic for given. However, the author had photographed every
spare staging cards. species, variety and form described in the book, and so
The judges Mr. W. May of Sacriston and Mr. B. this is a most useful reference work.
Tunnard of Gosforth had a hard task to sort the winners L.E.N.
out but after a great deal of hard work the job was
finished and the trophy winners were:
The London Cup: E. L. Jennison. The Journal of the Mammillaria Society
The Secretary's Trophy: G. W.Jackson. Volume VIII, No. 5, October 1968
The Chairman's Trophy: Mrs. B. Hopkins. THIS was the 50th issue of the above journal and as such
The Treasurer's Plaque for Bowl Gardens: G. W. represented something of a landmark. Robert Grasner's
Jackson. most impressive photograph of Mammillaria centricirrha
The Ellis Memorial Bowl for Epiphytes: Mrs. A. adorns the lower half of the front cover and a short
Carru triers. article within by the same gentleman describes the
The Harry Gordon Cup: E. Bruce. wool tufts and red blooms of this species in the winter.
Almost 400 members of the public visited the show This is translated and reprinted from the July 1968
and from the comments overheard thoroughly enjoyed issue of "Kakteen und andere Sukkulenten".
it and considered it excellent value for the shilling The main article by Robert Foster and Charles
charged. Glass and entitled "Four is what we wanted. . . ."
Financially the show was also a tremendous success describes a breathtaking expedition into the S.E.
and after all had been balanced up a total of £22 19 4d. portion of the state of Texas and the N.E. quarter of
was left for Branch Funds. the country of Mexico. Right from the outset the
authors themselves state that the article is not meant
to be a long, dry treatise on Dolichothele but a "fast
moving, plant finding, tequilla drinking, photo taking,
Small Ads. note writing, hill climbing, heck of a good trip".
Where are your wants and surpluses ? ; ; The article itself consists of six full pages and lives up

20
to the authors' description. The four plants originally systcmatics and morphology could have been avoided.
sought were all found and n-u-m-c-r-o-u-s others en The authors have seemingly little to offer on their own
passant. account in this respect and leave many descriptions
The finding of Mammillaria <<lassii proves one of the incomplete, in fact as incomplete as when they were
Highlights of the expedition as was the discovery of a published originally, in many cases as much as thirty
plant of Mammillaria magallanii vat. hamatispina which years ago! This is inexcusable as most of the plants,
had eluded collectors for many years. mentioned in the text, have been freely available over
The Editor's wife contributes the 19th instalment of the last ten years.
her series " A m o n g our Mammillarias" (a Cactophile's The descriptions have been standardised to some
Diary). Readers have come to look forward to the extent and arranged alphabetically irrespective of genus.
next instalment with real zeal and we learn from a They suffer as being very literal translations of the
later issue that this series attracts the most fan mail. original diagnosis or other source material, which in
Dr. Hunt contributes the ninth part of his "Review themselves were frequently too brief and restrictive
of Mammillaria Names in Current Usage" and L. E. or narrow in concept, making positive identification
Newton writes on " T h e Experimental Approach to of many plants extremely difficult. A popular book
Mammillaria Taxonomy". should make an attempt to remove such difficulties by
There are some interesting Notes from New Zealand pointing out how the plants in cultivation are known
by Mrs. E. Graydon and other small articles on such to, or can be expected to, vary from the original
subjects as "Stamen Irritability" and "A Note on description, however, in this book the reader has no
Mammillaria crcctacantha" as well as the usual corres- such guidance. The inclusion of a simple key would
pondence, notes and, of course, the always interesting have been more than helpful.
and stimulating Editorial. The chapters on cultivation and propagation appear
All in all this is a splendid number and one that the unnecessarily complicated. As the authors state Rebutias
Editor can be proud of. It is well balanced, there being are probably amongst the easiest cacti to cultivate—
something for everyone, well produced and, considering why, then, confuse the issue by giving very detailed
this is a specialist society magazine, it augers well for instructions on special composts to be used according
the future that the Editor states that material has not to the length and number of spines!
been difficult to find and the cost not an embarrassment. An authoritative text in English on Rebutia has
PISCES. been clearly needed for some time, but it is extremely
doubtful if this book has met that need.
Rebutia including Aylostera and Sulcorebutia
C. Marsden and H. S. Jackson, Macmillan 42/-
A review by J. D. Donald, Member of the I.O.S.
This expensive little book can only find favour
with the uncritical and the easily satisfied. For Rebutio-
ESSEX Succulent Review—With the December issue the
philes it must be one of the greatest disappointments in
Essex Succulent Review completes its fifth volume. This
the whole history of books on the cactaceae. It contains
is a very ambitious and successful journal to be published
descriptions of only those species belonging to Rebutia
at Branch level, containing in addition to reports of
and Aylostera, together with Sulcorebutia, in the
meetings and other semi-parochial matters useful
narrowest sense, leaving out the very large number
articles on various aspects of Cactus and Succulent
of 'species' belonging to Mediolobivia, Digitorebutia
culture. The Branch is to be congratulated on this g o -
and Cylindrorebutia, which surely under any system
ahead publication and we wish them success in their
of classification cannot be divorced really from Rebutia
sixth vrar.
and Aylostera under a general heading 'Rebutia'?
In fact the three 'genera' omitted arc more entitled
to be so included than Sulcorebutia, which every
leading authority n o w (1968) acknowledge not to be D O N ' T FORGET THE N O R T H E R N COUNT-
very close in relationship with Rebutia, sensu latu. IES S H O W will be held on May 31st and June ist
The closest relatives of Sulcorebutia appear to be in the Social Service Centre, Park Road, Whitley Bay.
Weingartia and the 'cinnabarina' group of Lobivia. All letters and requests for schedules to the Branch
Secretary, Eric L. Jennison, Alric, 7 Sandficld Road,
One of the chief criticisms of the book is that the Tvnemouth, Northumberland.
authors seem to have followed preferentially only one
authority for the bulk of the descriptive material
presented, and to have paid little heed to or at least
Important
have not mentioned any of the taxonomic work on
Rebutia published since 1955. Had they looked a little Please note that in future all subscriptions and letters
more widely about themselves, many of the errors that re membership should be sent to Mrs. A. Whicher,
occur, particularly concerning identification, authority, 10 Chanctonburv Close, Rcdhill, Surrev.

24
 Secretary's Notes
As a result of my appeal in the August, 1968, Journal,
for contributions, an extra three Journals of each issue
this year will be going to Czechoslovakia, making a
total of six. The response was somewhat disappointing
and not sufficient to allow for any Journals to be sent
to other countries behind the Iron Curtain.
Rebutia
The task of distributing this Journal has been in the
hands of Mr. E. R. Brewerton for the past two years.
including Aylostera
Earlier this year Mr. Brewerton spent some time in and Sulcorebutia
hospital, undergoing an operation. This, combined with
lack of storage space at home has brought about a
situation where Mr. Brewerton feels he can no longer
C Marsden and
continue with this duty. This was announced at the
December meeting of the Society and an immediate
H S Jackson
offer to take over come from a comparatively newcomer This third book in the Cacticulture
to the Society, Mr. H. Miller of 7 Lincoln Road, Series will find a warm welcome
Hanworth, Middlesex. May I express the thanks of all among the large number of enthusiasts
members to both Mr. Brewerton and Mr. Miller. who have long awaited it. It provides an
up-to-date guide to the cactus genera
This is the last time that I will be writing these Notes, Rebutia, Aylosteria and Sulcorebutia.
because when the next issue of this Journal is made in
May, I will not be the Secretary of the Society. My 100 pages 2 line illustrations
decision not to accept nomination for 1969 was made in 8 pages colour 42s.
the best interests of the Society and I trust that my
many friends will accept this statement at its face value.
I am not, however, resigning from the Society, and will
On publication of the first volume in the
remain as active within the Essex Branch as I have Cacticulture Series, the Cactus and
been for the past 17 years. Succulent Journal of Great Britain
We have been most fortunate in that Mr. A. F. Clare announced that "the complete set will
of 26 Albert Street, St. Albans, Herts., has agreed to be about the most valuable contribution
assume the office of Hon. Secretary and it is the wish to our subject for a considerable
and hope of all the Council that the members will number of years."
endorse his position at the Annual General Meeting
later this month. I very much hope that these Notes
will continue under the pen of our new Secretary. The First Two Books in the
Cacticulture Series by C Marsden

PRESERVE YOUR JOURNALS with a binding case,

in which each issue is fixed with a wire. The case is
Grow Cacti
finished in green cloth with gilt lettering on the sp'ne. A Practical Handbook
Price: 12s., post free to members.
Second Edition
184 pages 27 illustrations 15s.
IDENTIFY YOURSELF with the Society's lapel
badge. Price: 4s. 6d., post free.
OR with the Society's blazer badge. Price: 10s., post
free. State whether black or navy background required.
Mammillaria
IDENTIFY YOUR PLANTS with triangular, white 412 pages 20 illustrations 35s.
ivorine labels, which can be read without turning the
head. Price: 4s. per ico, post free.
Macmillan
All the above are available from the Hon Treasurer— Little Essex Street, London W.C.2
Mr. I. F. Newman, 101 Dukes Avenue, New Maiden,
Surrey.
 CACTUS SEEDS HARVEST, 1968
Besides a large selection of excellent commercial sorts of guaranteed FRESH and well
CLEANED cactus seeds for growers, our new illustrated catalogue contains also many
RARITIES for amateurs, such as:
Mamillaria pullihamata, M. microcarpa v. auricarpa, M. humboldtii, M. wilcoxii, M. insularis, M
hcrrerac, M. roseoccntra, M. solisioides, Phcllospcrma tetrancistra, Utahia sileri, Sclerocactus wrightiae'
Sclerocactus polyancistrus, Coloradoa mesaverdc, Toumeya papyracantha, Ncogomcsia agavioidcs'
Ariocarpus scapharostrus, Echinomastus kakui, Echinom. johnsonii and var. lutcsccns, Echinom. acunen-
sis, Pelecyphora pseudopcctinata, Pelcc. valdcziana, Solisia pcctinata, Aztckium ritteri, Epithelantha
pachyrhiza, Echinoccrcus subinermis and var. lutcus, Echinoc. rocttcri, Copiapoa barquitensis, Cop.
tcnuissima, Ncochilenia nigriscoparia, Ncoch. glauca, Neoch. saxifraga, Ncoch. residua, Islaya maritima,
Islaya paucispinosa, Islaya divaricatiflora, Submatucana myriacantha, Parodia taratensis, Par. otuyensis,
Sulcorebutia candiac, Sulcor. menescsii, Sulcor. polymorpha, Sulcor. totorcnsis, Sulcor. wcingartiana,
Sulcor. breviflora, Krainzia, Turbinicarpus, Encephalocarpus, Obregonia, Lcuchtcnbcrgia, and many
other rare sorts at very REASONABLE PRICES.
For a free illustrated catalogue write to:—
MR. C. DE HERDT,
KAPHAANLEI 80,
MORTSEL-Antw.,
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WHEATNAMPSTEAD • ST. ALBANS • HERTS.
 Cactus and
The

Succulent Journal
of Great Britain
Established 1931

Vol. 31 MAY, 1969 No. 2

Published Quarterly by The Cactus and Succulent Society of Great Britain

at 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
 President: Mrs. D. SHURLY
Vice-Presidents; P. V. COLLINGS, K.ST.J.,
A. W. HEATHCOTE, r.c.i.s., Mrs. M. STILLWELL.

COUNCIL
A. BOARDER, Chairman W. F. MADDAMS, M.sc, A.INST.P.
H. AUGER Mrs. B. MADDAMS
Mrs. R. J. DYSON B. MAKIN
Mrs. H. HODGSON I. F. NEWMAN
Mrs. S. G SHARMAN
Show Committee: D. V. Brewerton, C. G. Brown, K. Grantham,
Mrs. H. Hodgson, Mrs. B. Maddams

Secretary: A. Clare, 26, Albert Street, St. Albans, Herts.

Membership Secretary: Mrs. A. Whicher, io, Chanctonbury Chase, Redhill.
Treasurer: R. H. I. Read, 5, Wilbury Avenue, Cheam, Surrey.
Show Secretary: Mrs. H. Hodgson, 16, The Braid, Chesham, Bucks.
Meetings Secretary: Mrs. S. G. Sharman, 107, Sunnyfield, Mill Hill, N.W.7.
Editor: Miss E. M. Drage, B.A., 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
Librarian : G. G. Leighton Boyce, 220 Leigham Court Road, London, S.W.16.
Liaison Officer:
Plant Exchanges: A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.
Seed Purchases: W. F. Ma<idams, 26, Glenfidd Road, Banstead, Surrey.
Seed Distribution: Miss E. Brown, Greensands, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Branch Secretaries
Berks and Bucks: Mrs. M. Stillwefl, 18 St. Andrews Crescent, Windsor.
West Kent: Mrs. M. R. Dobson, 13, Montague Avenue, Brockley, London, S.E.4.
Esstx: Miss I. E. Potton, 25 Vicarage Road, Hornchurch, Essex.
North London: Mr. John Marshall, 9 Warners Avenue, Sheredes, Hoddesdon, Herts.
Hertfordshire: Mrs. B. Massey, 86 Auckland Road, Potters Bar, Herts.
North Surrey: W. F. Maddams, 26 Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
East Essex:
Northern Counties: E. L. Jennison, Alric, 7 Sandfield Road, Mardea Farm, Tynemouth, Northumberland.
North Staff's: C. Jackson, F.C.I.S., 67 Barnard Grove, Meir Heath, ST3 7NZ

CONTENTS

Obituary—E. W. Young .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23
Senor F. Buchenau .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23
Editorial .. 23
Cultural Notes—Cacti by A. Boarder 24
Cultivation Notes—Other Succulents by Mrs. M. Stillwell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26
Notes from San Diego by Richard Russell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28
Charles Lemaire (1800-1871) and the Genus Schlumbergera by W. L. Tjaden 29
Photographing your Plants (II) by Eileen M. Drage .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31
Connoisseur's Corner .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 33
The Agave, an Emergency Food Plant by Larry W. Miticli .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34
Growing and Resting Periods for some Genera in the Mesembryanthemaceae by J. D. Harding .. .. 36
Raising Mcscmbryanthcmums from Seed (Mimicry) by P. Bent .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 37
The Summer Show 1969 .. 38
Succulent Snippets by Sally Cornioides 39
Botanist Building Cactus Garden Near Escondido .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40
Oddities .. .. 41
Cactus Makes British Postal History .. .. ., .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. 41
Correspondence .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ^J
Book Reviews .. 43
Secretary's Notes .. 43
 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN
Vol. 31 May 1969 No. 2

OBITUARY
Mr E . W . Y o u n g his enthusiasm and tenacity that he was able to travel and
IT is with deep and sincere regret that the death of collect in inhospitable regions at a time of life when
Mr. E. W . Young on Saturday 29th March, 1969 must many are looking for relaxation.
be recorded. Mr. Young, known as Ted to so many Senor Buchenau led an active business life, being a
friends and members, was Treasurer of the Society from much-respected figure in the poultry farming fraternity
1952 until relieved of the office last year. At the Annual in Mexico. At the time of his sudden demise he was
General Meeting of the Society in February 1967 he negotiating the sale of his business and was looking
was elected a Vice-President of the Society in recog- forward to more leisure time to devote to collecting
nition of his long and devoted service. He was a trips and to writing up his ideas on a number of groups
founder member of the Essex Branch and was the of Mammillaria species showing particular variability,
popular and hard working Chairman of that Branch such as the M. elegans complex. It is a tragedy that he
until 1964 when he retired from business and soon after was denied the opportunity to do both but those of us
moved home to Sussex, where he spent the remaining who were fortunate enough to have known him arc
years of his life among his plants. consoled by the thought that wc did have some personal
contact, brief though it was.
Ted was deservedly popular and well liked wherever
he went. His enthusiasm for the hobby, his friendliness W.EM.
and willingness to help were well known. His physical
handicap, brought about by poliomyelitis in 1950,
seemed never to stop or prevent his active participation
in Society affairs, and was indeed the prime reason for Editorial
his initial interest in collecting succulent plants.
His work for the Society cannot be measured by the FIRST of all I must apologise for the slightly late appear-
usual yardstick, as he undertook numerous tasks ance of the Journal this time. This is due to the fault of
outside the accepted office of Treasurer, and his large nobody but the ill-wind which blew a germ of Epidemic
personal correspondence with members and with Parotitis (otherwise known as Mumps) in the direction
prospective members must have fostered much interest of the Editor's desk, thereby laying her low and putting
in the Society and undoubtedly helped to keep the her completely out of action just at the time when she
steady flow of new members into our ranks. Few people should have been dealing with proofs and page layout
can have done more than Ted to propagate the aims of this issue!
and interests of the Society. Some of you may remember articles which appeared
The sympathy of the whole Society is extended to in the Journal some years ago from Richard Russell in
Mrs. Young and the members of her family in their sad the U.S. and I am happy to say that he is n o w starting
loss. D.V.B. a series from San Diego of which the first appears in this
issue. He also sent the article reprinted from the San
Senor F. G. Buchenau Diego Union about Paul Hutchison's venture, so it
looks as though we may be kept informed about
THE passing of Francisco G. Buchenau on 10th March
American matters through this contact.
has caused sorrow in a much wider circle of cactophilcs
than his immediate associates in La Sociedad Mexicana I must further apologise for an error which crept into
de Cactologia, although this organisation will miss him the February number of the Journal. Will you all
particularly, because he was one of its staunchest and please note that Mrs. Whicher's address is 10
and most active members. His two visits to England in Chanctonbury CHASE, Rcdhill, and not Chanctonbury
1965 and 1967 endeared him to many enthusiasts in Close as given in the February issue.
London and the H o m e Counties because of his pleasant The Society is taking a new step this year, in that it is
and likeable personality, and his extensive knowledge of putting on a sole show at Chelsea in May and all
Mexican cacti particularly Mammillarias, in habitat. He members visiting Chelsea should make a point of
also visited Germany on several occasions for family coming to see it, and bringing all their friends along.
reasons and was well known to German cactophilcs. Also I am sure Mr. Clare will be glad of any offers of
Those of us who saw his colour transparencies will not help as regards stcwarding during the period of the
forget the vivid way in which they covered the very Show.
varied terrain of Mexico and the extraordinary positions By the way, mind you read the article on page 41.
in which some of the plants grow. It speaks volumes for E.M.D.

23
 Cultural Notes
Cacti—by A. Boarder
BY THE time that you get this journal we shall be well several roots from the widened base and then make
into the growing season and no doubt will have plenty rapid growth.
of flowers and your plants will be making good growth. It is possible that the root part may be able to send out
N o w is a good time to take any cuttings which may be fresh off-shoots which in turn can make new plants.
required as these always root quicker when there is W h e n dealing with Mammillarias it will be found that
some sunshine and the days are longer. It is quite simple the plant which has been re-rooted will flower better
to take cuttings from many of the cacti which are than before as more fresh growth will be made and it is
grouping or caespitosc as they are called. It is when more only the new growth which will flower well with the
plants are wanted of the kinds which do not often make Genus Mammillaria. Watch the fresh seedlings to make
off-sets that difficulties may arise. Such plants as Astro- sure that no pests arc present. The larvae of the sciara fly
phytums do not normally make any off-sets and so one still appear to give growers trouble. The tiny flies can be
must grow new plants from seed. Fortunately these arc seen running around over the pans and treatment with
not difficult to raise from seed, with the exception of such powders as D.D.T. and Malathion dust can keep
A. astcrias. This one always provides more of a challenge, them in check although I have seen these flics running
why this should be so I do not know as the others will about over the powder but probably they would soon
usually be up from seed in a couple of days providing the die. The only other course of treatment is to water with
temperature of the propagating frame is about 70°F. a solution of Pestcx. This is an insecticide which is taken
Some of the Mammillarias are also single or simple as in by the plant so that the sap is impregnated with it. It
they are termed and these must also be raised from seed. is then assumed that any larvae of the flies will be killed
O f course it is possible to propagate these if seed cannot if they suck the sap from a seedling. It is difficult to
be obtained by beheading them. This is an operation assess the amount of such an insecticide for such young
which should only be performed with care and only plants but a milder solution than that recommended by
when two plants of the same species are in the collection. the makers appears to do the plants no harm but
W h e n cutting through a plant one must be very careful to whether it will actually kill any fly larva; inside the plant
keep well away from the growing centre. This dip in the is rather problematical.
top of the plant often goes down deeper than is out- The raising of cacti from seed gives great pleasure to
wardly apparent, as spines can hide the actual point of many growers. Each year I advertise some mixed cactus
growth, if a plant is beheaded make sure that the cut is seed for sale in a few gardening periodicals and although
made well below this point or the top will not make new I do not do this for profit I find it very rewarding and
roots but die. The lower part of the plant should soon I do have the satisfaction of knowing that I am inter-
send out off-sets which can be removed for rooting as esting many more people to the hobby. O n e does not
fresh plants. D o not take these off-sets away too soon but always hear of the success or failure which the applicants
allow them to get a fair size so that they may contain obtain but this year many who have had seed from me
enough sap and nourishment to encourage fresh roots. in the past have written to tell of their success. One such
Also at this time of the year it is possible for the said that he had 200 nice plants from my seed, many
owner of a large collection of mature plants to look over of which had flowered and he thanked me very much
them well to try to assess their rate of growth. Many for introducing him to such a fine hobby.
plants which may have been raised from seed have a This sending out of seeds has also meant that people
very small base to them. As the plant grows larger this have joined our Society through getting interested in
lower stem appears to get smaller than ever and it is my these plants. If only every member of our Society
opinion that many such plants grow at a reduced rate. would endeavour to get just one new member the
This is especially so with some of the simple M a m - advantages to every member would be very substantial
millarias and one can find plants which are three or four May I therefore appeal to all readers to try to do just
inches across which are only half an inch near the soil this.
level. Such plants can be rejuvenated by cutting through I have had a letter from a member in Ohio recently
near the base but only where the base can be at least an asking about the blue flame lamp I have sometimes
inch across. W h e n the base is dried for a few days to described in m y notes. He has tried to get his ordinary
form a skin, it can be placed on some sharp sand and white-flamed lamp to burn with a blue flame. This is
peat for rooting. Equal parts of these will give a good not possible as the latter must have a round wick with a
medium for rooting and as the mixture is so loose it is spreader in the centre which throws the air over the
possible to lift the plant up occasionally to see if roots are wick as it burns and so gives a blue flame. N o blue-
being formed. Once a good system is evident the plant flame lamps appear to be available in the U.S.A. but
can be potted up in your usual compost. I have found these can be obtained from:—P.J. Bryant, Forest Road,
that any plant which has been so treated will send out Fishponds, Bristol. He has been making lamps for many

24
 these plastic pots cut down the watering as the soil
remains damp for about twice as long as it would in a
clay pot. The old clay pots can be broken up to be used
as crocks, although I prefer broken brick and or broken
charcoal for the base drainage.
Try to pollinate most of the flowers as you will then
stand a very good chance of getting seed pods to form
later on. The seed pods on many of the Mammillarias
arc very colourful and can stay plump and red on some
of them for over a year. The common M. prolifera and
M. multiccps are especially good plants for holding their
pods. I had my first plant of these two species in 1905,
and still have them or their progeny. I also have two
varieties of the latter and also plants named M. stellaris
and M. castcnoides, which are rather similar to the
M. inultici'ps, but whether they are valid names I do not
know, but they are handsome plants when covered
with fruits. It may be interesting to some growers to
know that the two first mentioned names, cost me three
pence each, potted up, from a florist in a London suburb.
W h e n one compares some of the prices of imported
plants today, one realises how times have changed. It is
Matnmillaria geminispina
not only the cost of plants but also the cost of heating
which has soared so much. In my early days coke cost
years and only sells direct from his factory, they are not a shilling per cwt., whereas it n o w can cost nearly one
available at shops and he sends to all parts of the world. pound. Paraffin was also much cheaper. I now pay 12/6
I have had some of his lamps for at least 40 years and for five gallons and I burn two gallons in three days.
have been well pleased with their performance. The For those wishing to try the "Monster" blue flame lamp
present "Monster" blue flame lamp which heats water I have written about, this is the rate of burning of paraf-
pipes is excellent and keeps the temperature of my fin of this type, roughly one gallon for 36 hours. Added
20 X 9 foot greenhouse at between 45° and 50°F., all to this I use quite a lot of electricity, mostly in my frame
night. which is heated by three 80ft., cables. Heated is hardly
I still find that the plastic pots are very good and the the word as the thermostat is set at 40°F., but even at
half pots excellent for caespitose plants. I have had one
apparent failure however and my experience may help
others. I potted a large Echinocactusgrusonii into a 12 inch
plastic pot. After some time the plant did not appear to
be growing as well as I expected and so I turned it out
of the pot. I found that there was only one small
drainage hole in the base and this was quite insufficient
for a pot about the size of a bucket. I then made seven
more holes of about an inch in diameter in the base,
crocked the pot well and repotted the plant. Time will
tell if this will improve matters. I do not know how I
came to use the pot with such a small drainage hole, but
as it was in the centre I expect that I omitted to make
fresh holes. Practically all the plastic pots I have used
have had no centre hole and so I have had to make one.
These smaller pots have plenty of holes in the base as a
rule but no central hole and I like to make one so that
it is much easier to push the plant from the pot when
repotting.

The only grouse I have with the larger half pots is that
one has to be very careful how they are handled if a
large plant is in it. If one tries to lift the pot by holding
one edge it can crack and so two hands should be used
with large pots. There is no doubt in my mind that Coryphantha elephantidens

25
 this the electricity was on most days and nights during about five inches across mam' of them divide at the
February, and also for many other nights of the winter. growing point and become double headed. This in
At a reasonable estimate I think that I use 30 shillings itself is a very good point although it might rather spoil
worth of electricity and paraffin every week for about the general appearance of the plant. The benefit arises in
six months of the year. the fact that the plant can n o w carry two lots of flower
For those growers who arc out of the beginner's rings instead of one and so the amount of flowers on a
stage I recommend that they try growing some of the plant can be doubled. Some species always make extra
Coryphanthas. Although these are not difficult to grow heads once they get a fair size. Such species as M.
they are rather slow and I find that some of them are parkinsonii will always make two heads which in time
very difficult to flower. It is very probable that they divide again to four. I find that this also happens with
require plenty of sunshine to encourage flowers to some of the M. rhodantha plants. I have one which is 12
to form and as some of our summers do not give us inches high and made two heads some years ago. N o w
much of this, it certainly does provide a challenge to one of these has doubled and the larger single head is
growers to obtain a good show of flowers on plants of four and a half inches wide and the other two nearly as
this Genus. I find that some of them flower every year wide. I have another of the same species wliich is nine
once they reach a flowering size. It would be rather inches high and has four heads each four inches across. A
optimistic to expect to flower any Coryphanthas within M. elongata is 13 inches wide and a M. plunwsa is nine
at least four vears from seed sowing. Some could take inches wide and five inches high with at least 100 small
even twice as long as this. Certain types such as C. heads.
andraea; C. bumamma; C. botumtii and C. difficilis can A M. canelensis raised from seed is now five inches
flower with little trouble but some of the others are across and is about eight years old. A M. neopotosina has
more shy. I have been growing two caespitose types, one head four inches across with two more at four inches.
for many years and have yet to get a single flower. The I find that quite a few of the normally single types of
two difficult ones with me are:—C. runyonii and Mammillaria do make an extra head or so once they get
C. macromeris. I have never even seen a bud forming on to over four inches across. Some of those like M.
these and I would be very interested to hear of any geminispiua can make groups two feet across in their
grower w h o has flowered either of them. native habitat and so one would require a very large
Most of the Coryphanthas have yellow flowers but greenhouse to accommodate a large collection. My own
C. elephantidens has a pink one. Most of the stamens of Mammillarias, n o w occupy a 36 foot run of three foot
these flowers respond to a touch and curl inwards when wide staging. In addition there are many new young
even a slight touch is applied. It can be that this is ones on a shelf which will join the main collection when
natures way of transferring the pollen on to the stigma a little larger. O f the 600 Mammillarias in the collection
for fertilising the seeds. at least 99 per cent have been raised from seed by me.
The Mammillarias are so attractive not only with Remember to give all the fresh air possible and if
their varied coloured spines but also with their numer- going away during the summer, leave some windows
ous red seed pods. Some of the simple (single headed) open day and night. The more air available the less
ones are particularly attractive but when they get to likelv will be the incidence of scorch.

Cultivation Notes
Other Succulents—Mrs. M. Stillwell
AS I am writing these notes, the first sunny days of spring old dead leaves around the base, and generally clean it
seem to have arrived, and one is once more fired with up. This operation takes several weeks, and it is not
enthusiasm. Looking around the greenhouse there seems until after this that I start repotting, with the exception
so much to be done at this time of the year. After their of those done in the autumn, or other times during the
long winter rest, many of the plants look very dull, but year when it becomes necessary.
it is amazing h o w quickly they brighten up after their I was very pleased to see m y Crassula "morgan's
first watering. I am always careful to water only a small beauty" full of buds, it had been kept quite dry during
section at a time, so as not to cause too much conden- the winter and was looking slightly wrinkled, but one
sation, as we are still getting frosts at night, and will good watering and it looked beautiful once again. It has
therefore need to keep the heat on for some little time now reached a five inch pot and is grown in full sun to
yet, even during the day, as once the sun starts to go bring out the pure white texture of the leaves. Both my
d o w n the house would take a long time to warm up plants of Pkiospilos nelii were also showing large buds
from scratch, especially if at all damp through watering. by the beginning of March (they first appear injanuary).
It takes a long time but I always examine each plant It is safer not to water them until the flowers are almost
individually and water it if necessarv, and remove any open, and then only for a very short period, after which

26
they must be rested with the other Pleiospilos. Another happens, although one feels certain of its name at the
pretty little member of the mesembryanthemum time. If you have a small collection and plenty of time,
family is Braunsia maximillanus also one that flowers there are several hand printing machines on the market
early in the year and the bright cerise colour flowers today that do a more permanent job and the initial out-
make a fine show, together with Calamophyllum lay would soon repay you.
cylindricum which never fails to flower well in spite of I have also noticed that many plastic pots on the
being kept quite dry all through the winter. The flowers market today, particularly the cheaper ones, also have
on the latter have pedicels or stalks to the flowers two to a very short life. The effect of the sun seems to make
five cms. long; it is also quite free-flowering and very them dry and brittle and even a plant that needs re-
suitable for beginners, if they have a greenhouse. I find potting can split a pot from top to bottom with the
Cheiridopsis caroli-schmidtii always produces its bright force of its roots. I will not deny that in many cases
yellow flowers very freely early in the spring. It is a mat- plastic pots are ideal for plant growth, particularly with
forming plant with the usual whitish grey bodies Cacti, but many of the mimicry succulents grow a
covered with tiny transparent dots. Many Cheiridopsis little too fast for my liking and so lose their character-
are very shy when it comes to flowering, but I have istics. I have put a lot of my succulents back into clay
always found this one quite prolific. pots where they retain their true colourings, instead of
By March many of the Gibbaeums have been out and that greenish lush look. Seedlings, of course, grow
are now over; others such as the G. heathii types are still rapidly in plastic pans and it is just a matter of knowing
to come. They start to split open about the end of April how long to keep them growing in this way before de-
or beginning of May, again depending on the weather. ciding to slow up the growth and develop the plants' true
It is a good thing to get them repotted about April to character. It is, of course, a matter for the individual to
May, without too much root disturbance if possible. It decide whether to have slow-growing colourful plants
might be an advantage to give them their first watering or large specimens bursting with health and vigour.
before repotting so that the soil will bind together a little Remember in a show it is not always the biggest that are
instead of leaving the roots just like sand when removed the best. "Quality before Quantity" often pays dividends.
from the pots. As I have said before, they are all on a A choice little plant that is well-worth having, is
shelf about midway between the floor and the eaves of Lapidaria margaretae. It has at previous times been classed
the greenhouse on the south side, where they seem to do under Dinteranthus and Argyroderma. The pinkish white
very well. bodies give it an individual appearance and the yellow
It is a great temptation in a small greenhouse, to keep flowers add to its beauty. I find it shrivels quite a lot
on erecting the odd shelves to accommodate all the extra during the winter when, for safety's sake, I keep it quite
plants one seems to obtain, but do have a look round and dry until about the end of March, when after a good
make sure you are not shading those other plants that watering it quickly recovers. It is slow-growing when
badly need the sun. Make sure that only the shade it reaches adult size, and likes a coarse soil with the addi-
loving plants, such as Aloes and Haworthias etc. have the tion of limestone grit and, of course, plenty of strong
shady positions. On the whole it is the sun-loving plants sunlight, when available.
that should be grown up on the shelves. They will I will not dwell on seed-sowing and cultivation, as
probably require a little more water than the others also. most people have their own favourite method, but I
Stand them in trays covered in coarse sand or shingle, always feel that about the middle of March is the ideal
if you can, to prevent excess water dripping on the time for succulents on the whole, as by the time they
plants beneath. Check underneath the shelves from time are ready to remove from the propagator, we should
to time for pests who often nest in the wood. I would be having some good summer weather.
suggest that every few weeks all the plants that can take When you receive your show schedules, start to
it are given a good watering with a systemic insecti- prepare your plants now, so that when the Show date
cide. This kills all pests that extract the sap from the draws near, all you have to concentrate on is packing.
plants by biting and sucking. Do read the instructions The latter is perhaps of even greater importance and
carefully, as certain plants, such as Crassulas and properly constructed carrying boxes and cases repay
Kalanchoes, cannot take these preparations, although I a thousand times and your plants will then always travel
have watered the soil carefully well away from the safely, whether in your own hands, or those of a kind
actual plant and found it came to no harm, but I only member who offers transport. Pack each plant care-
do this as a last resort if the plant is badly affected with fully with newspaper to prevent it touching its neigh-
mealy bugs. Coarse aquarium gravel on the top of the bour and always make a plan of the boxes, so that each
pots stops any water and soil splashing up on to the plant plant returns to the same place for the return journey. I
and generally gives a neater appearance. I find many of have done all this in years gone by and found that
the plastic labels these days seem to want renewing after previous preparation helped to stop frayed tempers on
about 12 months, as they get very brittle and break up. the day of the Show. So—good luck and may we see
It is very easy to lose the name of a plant when this plenty of new competitors this year.

27
Notes from San Diego
Richard Russell £a VicteHia
I WILL start this scries from the great South-west of the Res- U.S. Pot. Off. BRAND Since 1917
United States in a rather "cannibalistic" vein. Today,
for Christmas, m y wife gave me a little bottle of pre-
served "fruit", which bore the remarkable label of
"Nopalitos Tiernos," subtitled Diced Cactus, (see
NOPALITOS
illustration).
The cactus preserves turned out to be finely diced green
TIERNOS
rather sticky chunks of something which I believe Contains Cactus, Water, Salt and Acetic Acid.
could be diced Opuntia or Nopalea. They tasted quite
spicy, were probably soaked in acetic acid, and I cannot
say that I was fond of them. However, I thought any
DICED CAGTDS
sort of new "use" for cactus would be of interest to 16 FL. OZ. (1 PT.)
friends in Britain, and I have never seen diced Cactus Packed by La Victoria Foods. Inc.. Rosemead Calif. 9I770 U.S.A

offered before. Let the buyer beware!

(A reproduction of the wording on the label, but not an exact copy of
It is winter in San Diego, and most of my collection the design)
of Cacti is dormant. I now live in Lajolla, which is ten
miles from San Diego. La Jolla is about a quarter mile Speaking of Mammillarias, I have a number of
from the Pacific Ocean, and our winter climate runs varieties which I am reasonably convinced arc new and
about 60 to 70 degrees every day and about 40 to 50 unnamed. The most interesting was given to me by
degrees at night. M y collection of Cacti consists of about Willi Wagner of Mexico. It looks quite a bit like
1,000 varieties, three quarters of which are planted in M. phmiosa, except that the feathered nipples are
plastic pots, the rest (the larger specimens) planted arranged much more geometrically and the plant
directly in the ground. possesses a carrot-type root. The plant has not flowered
Having moved to the sea area from the inland zone yet, but I would guess there would be great interest in
about a year ago, I have been most interested to find out this Mammillaria if it were commercially available. The
h o w m y Cacti would fare. The results have been plant is a single head, about two inches across, covered
excellent. O u t of the thousand plants, I have lost two with very pretty white feathery "spines."
from rot, and the rest have been outstandingly healthy. Another tiny Mammillaria which is a mystery to me
Cacti which are grown outdoors the year round seem was given me by Bob Taylor of San Diego, an avid
to develop a hardiness which far surpasses greenhouse collector. It looks quite a bit like M. multkeps except
plants. For instance, a week ago we had a rare night frost that it has hooked centrals. I have not had this plant
here (this seldom happens in San Diego), and I did not long enough to see flowers either, but will report
see a speck of damage on any plant, even such tender further when I know more.
species as my Mehcacti, I do not believe the tender I would like to report one interesting cultural note.
varieties can take a full day of sub-zero temperature, but Grown outdoors in pots, most Cacti will not take full
almost all m y plants seem to be able to stand a few sun. Last summer I had to cover my entire outdoor
hours of real frost without any ill effect. Even the potted collection with screens to protect them from the
Epiphyllums, many of which grow throughout the hot, California sun. However, most Cacti planted
winter, have no trouble with frost, and I was naturally directly in the ground are more able to take full sun. I
very pleased. would guess that the larger root systems and more
The only blooms in my collection at present are on stable moisture of ground-planted Cacti make them
Neoporteria nigrihorrida and Mamillaria schiedeana. The more able to accept the full sun. I have found that clay
latter plant has the longest blooming period of any pots are out here in California, too much heat dries them
Cactus I have ever seen. M y plant started producing its out in a few hours.
tiny cream flowers in early October, and not a day has As for watering, I simply hose down my collection
passed since when at least one flower has not appeared. every other day during late spring and summer, and
Large buds are forming on my M. denudata, and I from November on I cut out water completely. I will
imagine this plant will bloom shortly. probably start some watering again towards the end
O h yes, I forgot my M. hahniana in the front have of March.
been blooming steadily since early November. I have I will cut this article short until I hear from your
three large specimens of M. hahniana, each six inches Editor, as I am not sure that she wants more San Diego
across. These are fairly common in local commercial articles, nor am I sure of the proper length, assuming
nurseries here and are sold very cheaply. A large five articles are wanted. In closing let me send my regards
inch plant may cost $2.00. to all my friends in England.

28
 Charles Lemaire (1800-1871) and the
Genus Schlumbergera
by W. L Tjaden
MR. Leighton-Boyce's interesting article in the Nov- should have necessitated a different word from
ember 1968 Journal has reminded me of the role played Epiphyllum for the Crab cactus, wasnotatonce accepted.
by Lemaire in the history of the Crab and Christmas Nor was the coverage of Haworth's (1812) Epiphyllum
Cacti. The tale of the creation by Lemaire of the genus agreed, whereas its application to the Crab cactus seemed
Schlumbergera is given below. Fuller accounts of the precise. It could be argued that Haworth himself had
history of the Christmas Cactus are in Gardener's restricted Epiphyllum to the Crab cactus in 1819, and
Chronicle for 24 October, 31 October and 7 November that this decision superseded his earlier one. If not his
1964, or in National Cactus and Succulent Society view, this was the effect of the decision by Professor
Journal for September and December 1966. J. H. F. Link (1767-1851) in 1831 to create the genus
Lcmairc's part in this story confirms Mr. Leighton- Phyllocactus for the "winged Cereii," the large flowered
Boyce's implied comment that in later life at least cpiphyllums then also becoming popular. Link was
Lemaire was unable to admit that others could be another distinguished cactophileinalong span of cactus-
correct on simple evidence. In short, he was prickly loving holders of a Chair of Botany in Berlin.
not only on interpretation but on fact, and indifferent It was not long before Phyllocactus for the large-
to the niceties of the research needed before the pub- flowered epiphyllums and Epiphyllum for the Crab
lication of new species. His abilities and his energy were cactus and its numerous colour-varieties, were in general
indeed considerable. He was not only Professor of use. Occasional reversions to all-embracing genera such
Botany at Ghent, a life-long enthusiastic student of as Cereus, had but a short-term influence. When G.
cacti, a fluent user of Latin, but he edited and contri- Gardner, employed by the Duke of Bedford, discovered
buted copiously to colour-plate horticultural botanical a new plant in the Organ Mountains of Brazil in 1837,
journals, which are now very costly on account of the and, following Sweet's classification, called it Cereus
plates. The demands of journalistic time-tables for russellianus, Sir William Hooker at Kew correctly as-
"copy" could well clash with the need for delay im- sociated it with the closely related Crab cactus and
posed by scientific objectivity on the botanist, and this named it Epiphyllum rnssellianum, in 1839. Within a few
may be the underlying explanation of the tale below. years the two species had been hybridised and two very
It is not, however, merely as a comment on one man's similar Christmas cacti resulted, being sold in England
activity that the story has some interest. It throws a as Epiphyllum russelliauum superbum and rubrum respec-
little light on the development of consistency in the tively, but as E. ruckerianum superbum and rubrum on the
naming of plants, and also on the need for an historical Continent. The__English name gave the seed parent, the
attitude to past events. Continental name the varietal name (ruckerianum or
sometimes ruckeri) of the variety of the pollen parent,
A. H. Haworth (1768-1833) created the genus Epiphyllum truncatum. The Christmas cacti soon out-
Epiphyllum, based on the large flowered Epiphyllum shone all the Crab cacti but their origin was not well
phyllanthus, in 1812. In 1819, without waiting to sec publicised. Indeed, we rely mainly for knowledge of
the flower, he included the recently introduced Brazil- their origin on one short-lived colour-plate gardening
ian Crab cactus, as Epiphyllum truncatum. He was not, book published in 1852.
apparently, the first to apply the epithet "truncatum".
Cactus truncatus appears in "HORTUS GANDAVEN-
SIS," an inventory of plants at Ghent published by the
head gardener there, J. H. Mussche, in Oct. 1817. It was
as Cactus truncatus that the Crab cactus was first pictured
and described in a number of well-known botanical
colour-plate periodicals in the 1820's, although one
English botanist, R. Sweet, called it Cereus truncatus in
1826. It soon became a popular winter flowering plant
for the greenhouse. As more and more species of cacti
of widely differing appearance were being introduced,
the current was strongly set against the retention of
Linnaeus' one and only genus of Cactus, and Haworth's
name, Epiphyllum truncatum, usurped the place of
Cactus truncatus in horticultural literature by the mid
1830's. The priority rule for names, first clearly enun- Tlic rare Schlumbergera russelliana (originally Epiphyllu
ciated by A. P. de Candolle (1778-1841) in 1813, which rnssellianum) the seed parent of the Christmas cacti

29
 In April 1858 in L'Illustration Horticole of Ghent, a
periodical of which he was editor and main contributor,
and in May 1858 in the Revue Horticole of Paris, of
which he was a part-editor, Lemaire published a new
name, Schlumbergera epiphylloides. The name was in sub-
stitution for Epiphyllum russellianum,and the new genus
honoured a wealthy amateur greenhouse plant en-
thusiast, F. Schlumberger, of Rouen, "amateur aussi
instruit que zele". At first sight it was discourteous of
Lemaire to have dropped the epithet "russellianum",
which Gardner and Hooker had given in 1839 in
honour of the Duke of Bedford. However, it was not
then universal practice to retain the specific epithet on
a change of generic name, and beyond an argument
which developed in the Revue Horticole of Paris in
1861, no more notice was taken of the new genus until
Britton and Rose took it up in 1913. Schumann's
brief reference in his monograph on cacti in 1898 to
Lcmairc's name was incidental. Certainly, F. Schlum-
berger had no claim to be associated with Gardner's
discovery. Lemaire must have been aware of the incon-
gruity of honouring his wealthy friend with the generic
name, and die Duke of Bedford with the epithet, hence A Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera x buckleyi, raised in
his decision to ignore the latter and to apply "epiphy- Tooting, London in the 1840'i at Rollisson's Nurseries by
lloides", an epithet meaning "like an epiphyllum". W. Buckley
However, Lemaire had no notion of paying Schlum-
berger a bigger compliment by transferring Epi- ment of its stamens. In other words Lemaire had
phyllum truncatum to the new genus. In the Revue no thought of rejecting Phyllocactus in favour of
Horticole (1858 p.253) he had stated that Epiphyllum Epiphyllum in the sense first intended by Haworth, in
russellianum could not belong to the genera Cactus, 1812. He admitted later that the new genus was based
Phyllocactus or Epiphyllum because of the unique arrangc- solely on Gardner's description and the Plate 3717
accompanying it in the Botanical Magazine for 1839
and that he had not seen an actual flower. He implied
too that it was he who had discovered the distinguishing
characteristic of Epiphyllum russellianum, the arrange-
ment of the stamens in two groups, one based on a small
ring around the pistil, the other group affixed to the
walls of the perianth tube. This, he said, was a character
unheard of until now in the Cactus family, ("inoui
jusqu'ici dans la famille"). Gardner, however, had first
mentioned this in the original description.
Lemaire must have long forgotten his quick, easy
compliment to Schlumberger when a very observant
cactus amateur, a Dr. Lacanal of St. Lizier, Ariege,
challenged him in Revue Horticole in 1861. This Doctor
of Medicine had taken the trouble to dissect blooms
of Epiphyllum russellianum, E. truncatum and of the
recently acquired Christmas cactus, and he found
that they all had the same dual placement of stamens.
Lemaire evaded the issue, saying that it was of impor-
tance to him as a botanist, and for the cactus mono-
graph he was writing, to address a few words to
A typical Crab cactus, Schlumbergera truncata (originally Monsieur Lacanal. He emphasised the experience
Epiphyllum truncatum, then Zygocactus truncatus). There he had gained from a lifelong study of cacti, and
are many colour forms, ranging from white to dark red. A then gave an unintelligible statement of alleged differ-
dark red form was used as the pollen parent oj the Christmas ences between the placement of stamens in E. truncatum
cacti. and E. russellianum. To this he added other well-known

30
but irrelevant differences between the species. Lacanal "Bridgesii" he assumed it might have come from Bolivia
stuck to his point, disposing of all the differences because Thomas Bridges (1807-1865) collected only on
between the species as justifying them but not the crea- the western side of the American continents!
tion of a new genus. He accused Lcmairc of using vague The tale must stop here, although it continued with
words to maintain his position. Lemaire then had to Schumann and later still Britton and Rose allowing
admit, as noted above, that he had not seen E. russellianum themselves to be misled by Lemaire. None of these
but had relied on Botanical Magazine 3717. After gentlemen read Dr. Lacanal in the Revue Horticole.
further, lengthy efforts to confuse the issue, Lemaire Because Britton and Rose were rigid followers of the
concluded that history would judge who was right. priority rule, and because their monograph on the
This summary cannot reveal the piquant flavour of this Cactaceae inevitably had much influence especially in
small duel in which Lemaire was badly worsted. I can English- speaking Cactus circles, there was little chance
but recommend readers to the original texts in Revue of Phyllocactus being retained rather than Epiphyllum
Horticolc 1861. Lemaire had indeed in the same year (Haworth, 1812 sense) or of Epiphyllum (Haworth 1819)
provided another and closely related instance of a super- being retained rather than Schlumbergera. So we are
ficial approach, by publishing a new "species" of saddled with this awkward name, nor can we properly
Epiphyllum in L'Illustration Horticolc (1861, Miscel- use the elegant word Zygocactus which was superfluous
lanies 5) and then in Revue Horticole. This was one when Schumann applied it in 1890 to the Crab cactus.
of the Christmas cacti, which he called Epiphyllum As far as gardeners are concerned the principal objective
bridgesii or E. ruckeritmum, he did not know, he admitted, must be the use of a variety (cultivar) name for each
which name was right. He also said that he had first distinctive Schlumbergera. It is safe to use a specific name
seen it at a local nursery which had received it from only for Schlumbergera russclliana, and, as far as I know,
Holland! O n the strength of the unverified epithet this is not in commerce.

Photographing your Plants (II)

by Eileen M. Drage
IN MY first article on "Photographing your Plants" the comer", or the "chap down the road w h o wants to
which appeared in the November 1968 issue of the get rid of his present camera", you may do very well,
Journal, I dealt primarily with the use of the simpler type but if you make a bad buy, you have little or no redress.
of camera without the refinements of the more elaborate Incidentally, if it is a case of changing your present
and expensive models. O f course, much of that article, camera for a more advanced type, the same firms will
such as the paragraphs on backgrounds, lighting etc. usually take it in part-exchange.
apply equally to the use of the more elaborate camera. I In these cameras with interchangeable lenses, the lens
feel that in all probability those owning these more is, as you may assume, removable from the body of the
elaborate cameras will probably already have found out camera and can be replaced with a lens of a different
how to get the best results from them, but there may be focal length. However, as far as we are concerned, the
others w h o wonder what these cameras are like and what big advantage is that the lens being removable, it is
advantages they have over the simpler ones for our par- possible to insert between the lens and the body either
ticular type of subject. extension tubes or extension bellows and thus avoid the
Particularly for the grower aiming at colour trans- use of supplementary lenses, which as mentioned in the
parencies, the Single Lens Reflex with interchangeable previous article, may have some effect on the quality
lenses is undoubtedly the best type of camera for the o f the resulting photograph.
purpose, as reflex viewing allows us to see exactly what
will appear in the picture, and the interchangeable lens Extension Tubes and bellows
gives an advantage mentioned in a later paragraph. The Extension tubes are a series of 4 to 5 metal tubes of
disadvantage is the cost! The cheapest is in the ^ 5 0 varying lengths (costing some j£4-£,5) which screw
range (with the exception of the little Exa at about ^ 2 0 — together and can be inserted singly or in any combin-
and a very good little camera for the price, but rather ation between the camera body and the lens. This, by
restricted as regards shutter speeds). Many of them placing the lens further away from the film, alters the
come into a still higher price range. It is, however, focal length o f the lens (again, I don't propose going
sometimes possible to pick up a good second-hand one into the technicalities of how and why) thus enabling
for somewhat less, but if you contemplate buying a much closer approach to the subject—the longer
second-hand do go to a reputable dealer. Any of the well- the extension the closer the possible approach. This
known old established firms will give good value for means that with the complete set of tubes in position
money, and usually give a guarantee with second-hand it is possible to focus the lens on a subject that is only
equipment, whereas, if you go to the "little shop round an inch or so away from it. Bellows, consisting of

31
an extending cloth tube, like the bellows of a folding TABLE 2 These calculations are made for a 2 in.
camera, have the same effect, the one advantage lens (i.e. 50 mm.) which is the standard lens for a 35mm.
being that the lens when fixed on the front of the camera.
bellows can be moved gradually towards or further
from the film plane, whereas with tubes the distance
is restricted by the lengths of the individual tubes Length of extension Scale of
and it can be quite a fiddling business screwing and expressed as a fraction Reproduction Exposure Factor*
of the length of 2 in. lens
unscrewing the various tubes to find the exact combina-
tion required. Of course, with practice it becomes
possible to gauge more or less accurately which com- i in. 1:4 1.6
bination you are likely to require. On the other hand, 1 in. 1:2 2-3
1J in. i:33 2.8
the tubes arc considerably cheaper than the bellows and 2 in. 1 :i 4
are also lighter and less bulky if you wish to carry them
round for use away from home. After all you may find
many other uses for them than photographing your own
plants at home. I have not mentioned the basic exposure here, as I
have rather assumed that if you have one of the more
The remarks on accurate focussing of course apply
expensive cameras it is either an automatic one or else
just as much when using tubes or bellows as when using
you already have a light meter and know how to use it.
supplementary lenses, and in the case of a rangefinder
The one thing to remember here is that it is no use
camera, unless you are the lucky owner of a Leica, you
pointing the meter vaguely in the direction of the plant
will also have to cope with parallax trouble in the same
to take your reading. It will obviously be too much
way as the owner of a non-interchangeable lens camera.
influenced by the surroundings and particularly the
If you are using a measure to assist with focussing, when
background. Take your meter right up to the plant,
using tubes or bellows the measurement must be taken
making sure that it is not itself casting a shadow on the
from the film plane and not from the front of the lens.
plant. Always choose a reasonably small stop, preferably
This is where the owner of the single-lens reflex
f.8 or f.n at least, in order to get a greater depth of focus.
camera scores as he is able to see exactly what he is
As the plant is a stationary object the longer exposure
getting in his picture. In addition he can of course focus
will not be disadvantageous—another reason for a
directly on his screen and thus make sure that the part
steady tripod. If, however, the plant has largish flowers
he wants sharp is in fact dead in focus. Most of the
liable to move in the breeze, you may have to sacrifice
S.L.R.'s these days have eye-level viewfinders, but I
depth of field to speed as at these close quarters the
personally find that when photographing small plants
slightest movement will create a distinct blur in the
it is often easier to use a waist-level finder and I am
picture. If you can, choose a sheltered corner to set up
fortunate in that my own camera (an Exakta Varex Ha)
your plant or it may be possible, and worth while, to
has interchangeable viewfinders (some Edixa models and
put up a screen of some sort ot protect the plant from
also the more expensive Nikon and Minoltas also have
the wind.
this facility). However, it is not difficult to overcome
the disadvantage of the eye-level finder if you can put If you happen to have a z\ square twin lens reflex
your plant on a table sufficiently high to avoid your camera, this is very good for black and white photo-
having to grovel on the ground to see in the finder! graphy (It is equally good for colour but the high cost
The main difficulty is if you want to photograph the top of the film in this size makes it rather prohibitive for
of the plant in particular. However, I merely mention the ordinary user). The only snag here is again the
this point in case anyone is thinking of buying a single- question of parallax mentioned in the previous article,
lens reflex, as it is worth bearing in mind. but here it is fairly easily overcome if you have a tripod
Exposure with centre column as after focussing etc. all you have
Here we come to a very important point which must to do is raise the camera by the exact distance between
be taken into account when using extension tubes or the viewing and taking lens and your plant will be just
bellows and that is that the lens being considerably further in the right place.
from the film, the amount oflight transmitted is reduced. I do not propose dealing here with the big stand
Again, I am not going into technical details as to the camera as I feel that most of our readers who may find
why and wherefore—these can be found in many photo- these hints helpful will not have one of these which are
graphic books by those who are interested. My only used mainly by specialists who no doubt already know
aim is to assist you to get the right exposure and there- how to use them far better than I would!
fore this fact must be allowed for. A table is (Continued overleaf)

usually supplied with extension tubes and bellows when * Figure by which the exposure must be increased,
you buy them but I am including one here (Table 2) to i.e. with 2 in. extension exposure shown as 1/100 second
help you. by meter should be increased to 1/25 second.

32
 Connoisseur's Corner
Aloe Bakeri
THERE are no doubt trends in the popularity of various
genera of cacti and succulents with collectors. In other
succulents for some time it was mesembryanthcmums
but now, for those who are not so keen on the caudici-
forms the alternative is dwarf Aloes. The term "dwarf"
in this respect is a somewhat comparative one in that
this group of Aloes reach flowering size and maturity
when less than nine inches in overall dimensions in
contrast with some of their larger relatives which often
will not flower until they are well over this size and
reach fair proportions in maturity. The number of
dwarf Aloes species generally available increases from
year to year and, although A. haworthioides and A.
humilis arc considered the gems of this group, A.
bakeri is more easily obtainable and can be a very re-
warding plant to grow.
This plant is easily recognisable with its thin, tapering,
dark green and cream mottled leaves with cream
toothed margins which redden with age; the leaves
are up to six inches long and clustered in dense rosettes.
If situated in a sunny position during the summer
months the plant as a whole tends to redden in an
attractive way, but, of course, if you prefer your plant
green, a little shade is required. The flower stems on
a mature plant appear at frequent intervals throughout
the year, often as the last flowers fade on one, another
stem will be pushing its way through. The inflorescence
will have from 12 to 15 campanulate flowers which arc
pale yellow, green tipped on first opening but become
pinker, or even red with strong light, with age; during
the winter months each inflorescence may well last
four weeks or more and it makes a very cheerful sight.
Like the majority of Aloes, A. bakeri requires a
minimum temperature of 40-45°F in the winter and
can be watered lightly then and more frequently in
summer. Propagation is easy by off-sets which can be
grown, as the mature plant, in any well-drained com-
post. The native habitat of this species is Madagascar.

(com.)
I hope these notes together with diose in the previous
article will help some of you at any rate with photo-
graphing your plants, but if you want a more detailed
exposition there is a very good little book entitled
"Close-Ups and Copying in Colour" by Edward
S. Bomback, published by the Fountain Press at
9s. 6d., which I can strongly recommend. A more
advanced book which you could probably borrow from
your local library is "How to Use Your Camera Close-
Up" by O. R. Croy, published by the Focal Press at
37s. 6d.

33
 The Agave, an Emergency Food Plant
by Larry W. Mitich

North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. Apparently many species of agave can be used as an
ONCE THE smaller agaves of the south-western United emergency food. Agave utahensis was the species used
States and some of the larger species from farther south extensively by the Indians but Agave kaibahensis and
were utilized quite extensively for food and drink by A. deserti, reported in northern Arizona, also were
the Indians. Agaves were used at any time of the year, utilized. Found from southern Utah and northern
but especially when the scapes or flower stalks were just Arizona to California, Agave utahensis is particularly
emerging. A pry-shaped piece of wood was used to dig abundant in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon in
out the centres of the plants. The buds, short stalks, and Arizona.
a few of the leaf bases comprised these centres; the Agave utahensis bears short vertical stems or root-
entire structure in the larger agave species being up to stocks on which many basal leaves are crowded. The
two feet in diameter. thick, evergreen leaves are about four to 12 inches long
The Indians placed the excised centres in circular pits and I to two inches wide. The flower stalks arise from
about six to 20 feet in diameter and one to two feet deep the centre of the rosette of leaves and are from 4 I to
and covered them with stones. Grass or weeds were 8i feet tall. The yellow flowers are borne in a narrow
placed over the stones and the entire mass was covered elongated cluster, in groups of two to six, each being
with soil. The agaves were roasted in this manner for about \\ to 2 inches long. The swollen ovary is borne
one to three days. The product while having a pleasantly below the floral segments and the fruit is a dry capsule
sweet taste contained unpalatable fibres that had to be about I to i i inches long. Agave utahensis resembles cer-
spit out when chewed. tain species of yucca, especially Yucca haccata, but it is
Once roasted, the agave centres often were pounded spiny instead of fibrous on the leaf margins, and the
flat into thin sheets and dried in the sun. This made a ovary is below the flower segments (inferior) instead of
convenient way to transport a future food supply long above (superior) as in yucca.
distances. Sometimes the roasted material was soaked
in water and a drink prepared by fermenting the liquid. References
The large southern species of agave were used to make Bartlett, K. "Edible Wild Plants of Northern Arizona,"
an alcoholic beverage. A cavity was bored in the centre Plateau 16 (1): 11-17, 1943. Northern Arizona Society
of the plant and the oozing sap was removed. This was of Science and Art Museum of Northern Arizona,
fermented and often distilled, the resulting product Flagstaff.
being called mescal, pulque, or tequila. Bourke, J. G. " The Folk-foods of the Rio Grand Valley
The Mescalero Apaches owe their name to their use and of Northern Mexico." Journal of American Folk-
of the agave. Ruins of old roasting pits throughout N e w Lore 8: 41-71. 1895.
Mexico and Arizona indicate the former importance Castetter, E. F. and M. E. Oplcr The Ethnohiology of the
of agaves in the diet of Indians. Chiricahua and Mescalero Apache. The use of Plants for
The agave is a potential emergency food because it Foods, Beverages and Narcotics, University of N e w
can be used at any time of the year. The bud or centre Mexico Bulletin, Ethnobiological Studies Bulletin 297,
of the plant can be pried out quite easily by anyone and Biological Series 4, N o . 5: 1-63. Nov. 15 1936.
roasted in the ashes of a campfire. The cooked plant then Dodge, J. R. (editor) Food Products of the North American
can be dried, if necessary, and carried as food on the Indians, Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for
journey to safety. the Year 1870. pp. 404-428. Washington, D.C.,
Removing the bud usually does not kill an agave as Government Printing Office, 1871.
the plant may reproduce by offsets clustered around Kearney, T. H. and R. H. Peebles Arizona Flora,
the parent. The presence of a flower stalk, of course, University of California Press, Berkeley and Los
indicates that the parent plant producing it will die Angeles, 1951 (2nd edition with supplement, i960).
eventually anyway. However, the agave is best con- Morton, J. F. "Principal Wild Food Plants of the United
sidered as an emergency food plant only. States," Economic Botany 17 (4): 319-330. O c t . - D e c ,
The leaves of many species of agave yield a fibre that 1963.
is utilized in making twine or rope, and in parts of
Mexico some kinds are cultivated for that purpose. Forthcoming Meetings
Agave seeds have been ground and utilized as food. May 21 Stapeliads — C. W . Pritchett.
Some species of agave contain laxative or irritants so June 24 Summer Show
neophytes should try this food product with reasonable Favourite Plants — K. Grantham
care at first. July 16 Bring & Buy Plant Auction

34
 Agave utahensis
(Illustration by Dwight Breitbach)

35
 Growing and Resting Periods for some Genera
in the Mesembryanthemaceae
The following list has been prepared by Mr. J. D. Harding based on a combination of his own and other growers'
experience over the years. John Harding has for many years specialised in stemless Mcscmbryanthcmums and
he emphasises that growers should study their plants carefully and watch for signs that indicate the plants'
requirements. It is obvious from the condition of his own collection that he has done this with considerable success
and similar observations used in conjunction with the following list should enable a reasonable success to be made
of growing these plants.

Genus Grow Rest

Aloinopsis September to May June to August
Aptenia June t o September October to May
Argyrodcrma September to January February to August
Aridaria June to September October to May
Bergeranthus April to October November to March
Bijlia September to May June to August
Carruanthus April to October November to March
Cerochlamys September to May June to August
Ccphalophyllum June to September October to May
Chasmatophyllum June to September October to May
Cheiridopsis July to March April to July
Conophyllum September to February March to August
Conophytum August to February March to July
Cylindrophyllum March to October November to February
Corpuscularia All year, no rest; give just enough water to stop shrivelling.
Delosperma March to October November to February
Didymaotus June to October November to May
Dinteranthus August to January February to July
Drosanthemum May to October November to April
Ebrachteola June to October November to May
Erepsia March to October November to February
Faucaria July to February March to June
Fenestraria July to January February to June
Frithia March to November December to March
Gibbaeum October to May June to September
Glottiphyllum August to April May to July
Hercroa May to November December to April
Herreanthus August to March April to August
Juttadintcria June to October November to May
Lapidaria September to April May to September
Lampranthus May to November December to April
Lithops June to January February to May
Malephora June to January February to May
Meyerophytum September to February March to September
Mitrophyllum September to January February to August
Monilaria September to April May to August
Muiria July to September October to June
Nananthus September to May June to August
Nelia April to August September to March
Neohenricia April to December January to March
Odontophorus January to June July to December
Ophthalmophyllum August to December March to July
Oscularia February to October November to January
Pleiospilos July to March April to June
Psammophora August to February March to July
Rabica Tune to November December to May

3<5
Rhombophyllum June to October December to May
Rhinephyllum June to October November to May
Ruschia May to September October to April
Schcletium October to June July to September
Schwantesia July to April M a y to June
Stomatium March to December January to February
Tischleria April to September October to March
Titanopsis August to April May to August
Trichodiadema July to March April to June
Vanzijlia June to September October to May

Raising Mesembryanthemums from Seed (Mimicry)

by P. Bent

PRACTICALLY all, if not all Mcscmbryanthcma can be Container: clay or plastic. If plastic, crock well for
easily grown from seed if the following notes are fol- drainage.
lowed and more or less adhered to. W e must firstly Sowing: Sprinkle seed lightly—remember if too close,
remember where and h o w these seeds grow in nature. pricking out becomes very difficult indeed.
Most succulent plants grow close to their parents and Watering: After sowing, water well with Potassium
therefore grow up under their shade, and do not get Oxyquinolene Sulphate (Chinosol) light yellow solution.
burnt, or rarely so. In cultivation the young embryo This clears all spores and prevents damping off and
plants soon indicate if they are given too much or too moulds occurring.
little light, either by burning (this shows as a bronze After attention: Leave pan on staging without shading,
colour) or etiolation (stem becomes drawn and lacking but remember to keep moist. W h e n the seeds show
in chlorophyll). The clever cultivator soon notices themselves they will be green and remain green. They
this and remedies it, better still he allows for this should remain green.
and prevents it occurring altogether. In general, shading Random Plants Raised by this Method
is given to seedlings of various families; while this is
correct for the majority, Mesembryanthema like, and Muiria hortenseae: I had much pleasure in receiving some
grow better, if they are kept in full sun from the day of seed from habitat last year and in sowing it in this
sowing onwards. In nature, seeds are washed from the manner. I might add that germination was excellent and
capsule (these open only when wetted) and find them- reached 99%. Despite first suspicions, these seeds proved
selves somewhat far from their parents, hence they grow
without any shade at all! (or very little). In England our
sunlight does not reach the intensity of that of South
Africa so we adopt this method.
Second we M U S T obey growing habits and times.
Most succulents can be allowed to grow throughout
summer and winter to get them large. This cannot under
any circumstances be allowed with Mesembryanthema
or they will soon vanish or become bloated and soft. As
is known certain genera have different growing times,
e.g. Conophytum, Lithops, Pleispilos and Gibbeaum
spp. grow at different times. In fact species within the
groups can be different and must be catered for. W e
must ascertain from the plants—and not from books
when they grow and rest. This varies according to
weather conditions in different parts of the country,
temperature given, time of year of sowing, etc., so that
N O hard and fast rule can be given.
Growing medium: This needs to be well drained and
sandy but not too rich. I have found | coarse sand with
i J.I. N o . i to be ideal. Please avoid these No-Soil
Composts; these may be all right for cabbages but not
for Mcscmbrvanthema. Mniria hortensia

37
 Potassium oxyquinolinc sulphate = "Chinosol"
Use solution of J teaspoon to about l pint water. Can
be recommended for use on Stapeliads and all other
succulents.

The Summer Show 1969

ON June 24th/25th we hope, as last year, that there will
be a worth-while display of Cacti and Succulents at
Westminster and that all those within striking distance
will endeavour to enter one or two classes at least. Most
of the notes and hints I gave you last year are still
applicable but there is one exception and also some new
classes have been added.
The change is in the class for three Rebutias and/or
Lobivias; the Committee with the Council have decided
that this should include Chileorebutias and Sulcorebutias.
These both can still, however, be shown in the
Juttadinteria desertkola
Echinocactanae class as well.
The two new classes which we hope will prove
to be true. Early appearance showed up as two flat discs popular are those for Three Gymnocalyciums and Three
about g in. across. These are fused into one but are in Echinocereus. There is a very good selection of both these
the seed leaves (cotyledons) being two. This early growth genera in cultivation now and we hope they will come
is common within the family, especially with Gibbaeum into their own in these new classes.
which is an old form of Muiria. After several months a After the several items of correspondence on the
new pair of leaves grows between these cotyledons and subject of the six Mammillarias it is perhaps unnecessary
these resemble the plants. After this growth the seedlings to say more than that we hope to see some of the
must be kept dry whereas this growth absorbs itself choicer dwarf members of the genera which have been
into the best body. Only water again when the outer skins mentioned in letters and not immature, larger growing
are paper-like. Plants of Muiria which are occasionally types. This also applies to the miniature Opuntiae Class
seen as imports are generally difficult to root. I have where an attractive selection of Tephrocacti, to mention
rooted one after about 2§ years and now it still looks but one genera, could be shown.
poor. From seed, some good plants can be grown but
In the classes for Succulents other than Cacti, as I
great care must be given as these are difficult.
suggested last year, when in doubt refer to Jacobsen's
Juttadinteria Three species raised from seed. These arc
"Handbook of Succulent Plants" and you will find the
much easier than Muiria and grow well. Juttadinteria is
genera in different families clearly listed. There are
not often seen in collections being still rather rare but
several changes from last year but they should be quite
they are easily grown. They like plenty of sunlight and
easy to understand. We hope that we shall see a good
should—like all Mesembryanthem be grown hard.
selection of Liliaceae other than Aloes or Gasterias and
Remember where they grow in nature.
there is a chance for the smaller growers to show three
Pleiospilos: several raised from seed, but remember these
plants in Crassulaceae as there are many attractive
easily hybridise so be sure seed is true and not home
Crassulas, Kalanchoes and Sedutns which appear in many
produced from different species. Hybrids among
collections for a start.
Mesembryanthema are useless and should not be pro-
duced unless under strict control and labelled so: e.g. In closing I hope the Show will be well-supported
P. nelii X bolusii. I do not recommend hybrids as there and please help the Show Secretary by sending in your
are plenty of good species without more and more entry form as soon as you can.
freaks. Fasciation and Montrose excluded as these are
natural so too are natural hybrids which are valid.
Lithops Lithops are very popular and can with care be
raised easily. Their resting periods must be observed. Small Ads.
Lithops can easily be over grown as can most of these "STARTING with CACTI" (with colour), by
plants so please remember to grow them hard; they will Arthur Boarder, published by Collingridge at 25s. A
look more natural and survive well through winter and complete guide from seed raising to flowering and
last for many years. exhibiting, the result of 62 years practical experience.

3«
 Succulent Snippets
by Sally Cornioides

WELL, it is obvious that some have been reading this interested to see that one opinion of mine was confirmed
column, judging by the comments, snippets and in print a few days later. Writing in the March issue
criticism. The member who provided the latter may of The National Cactus and Succulent Journal, E. W .
have only read the title as he considered it solely a Putnam observes that one judge's own personal assess-
gossip column and I sincerely hope it is more than that. ment may not be absolutely identical with that of any
I hope to provide up-to-date news and views in the other judge.
cactus world and to set you thinking and talking on Of course, the phrase 'absolutely identical' can cover
pungent topics. At any rate, if our critic wishes to a multitude of sins and this is what matters in practice.
turn the page others are welcome to read on. For example, in the 10th January issue of Garden News
One cutting that the Editor received from several Ron Ginns writes on judging under the eye-catching
sources but I already had in mind myself was the headline "It's the Novelties which Get the Showbench
following "Last W o r d " from the Evening Standard: Glory ', He goes on to make an extreme comparison,
" W e brought back many interesting botanical that between Uebelmannia pectinifera and Echinopsis
specimens from our trip to Mexico. The most fascin- cyresii, remarking that the former will score five points
ating is a self-pollinating cactus literally covered with for rarity while the latter will get none and so the
fierce prickles." From an article in the house Uebelmannia will have a commanding lead when 15
magazine of a Chicago chemical company. points for cultivation are taken into account. He also
That's why it's self-pollinating! boldly asserts that unless they are outstanding, the
Talking seriously, very little has yet been investigated old favourites among cacti and other succulents stand
in the pollination field. W e hear of Rebutias or Mamnii- little chance among the flood of novelties.
llarias which produce fruit without the buds actually This prompts me to make two comments. Almost
opening so these, obviously, must self-pollinate. O n without exception the specimens of Uebelmannia I have
the other hand it has been proved on several occasions seen have been in indifferent condition and, although
that some species of these same genera will not set they might earn five points for rarity, they trail badly
seed unless there is pollen from another plant of the when it comes to collecting an appreciable score for
same species available. Others still seem loth to set general condition. It is also significant that the entry
seed at all even with hand-pollinating. I wonder if which collected first prize for six Cacti at our June
any members have made investigations in this field Show comprised: Gymnocalycium kurtzianum, Mam-
and whether they have reached any conclusions. millaria neopotisina, Echinoccreus petitalophus, Notocactus
In the last issue there was a review by "Pisces," I can ottonis, Notocactus scopa v. ruberrima and Ferocactus
think of a number of instances when cactophiles have wislizenii, which even to the inexperienced eye are all
been interested in fish rearing as well and I even visited quite common species. They were in superb condition
one greenhouse where convenient bridges spanned and it is evident that the judge, Mr. E. W . Putnam
the fish-tanks below. The other noticeable alternative (mentioned above), the Honorary of the N.C.S.S.
to fish is felines and these, too are found with their Shows Committee, had no hesitation in giving them
favourite sun-spots among the collections. first place.
Stamp-collecting was mentioned in the Obituary to Talking of Uebelmannia species, I admit to being in
Mrs. V. Higgins and here again, is another alternative a state of confusion. I have encountered several speci-
hobby of many cactophiles. In many cases this hobby mens labelled U. gummifera during my travels and these
is greatly increased by contacts with enthusiasts in are identical with the one shown on page 56 of the 1968
other countries, where their selection of stamps is much Volume of Kakteen/Sukkulenten, O n the other hand,
better than ours. W e cannot claim to a stamp with there is a superb photograph of a quite different plant
cactus on, but soon there will be a frank with cactus on; (looking for all the world like a Mammillaria!) on the
elsewhere in this issue there will be details of the latest cover of the February 1969 issue of Kakteen und andcre
enterprise of that very enterprising Northern Counties Sukkulenten and this also bears the name U. gummifera.
Branch and it is hoped that members will support Within this issue, on page 26, there is a photograph of
it well. the plant I know as U. gummifera but it has the caption
T o return to the south again, I suppose it was not U. meninensis. Incidentally, this plant is typical of many
surprising that my thoughts wandered to the subject of those in cultivation in that it has clearly had quite
of judging as I watched the successful competitors at a number of its spines knocked off and would be
the 1968 Shows collect their prizes at our recent Annual downpointed by an unbiased judge.
General Meeting. I reflected on the virtues anil short- Carry on with your comments and complaints and
comings of judges and judging systems amd I was you will be hearing from me again.

39
 Botanist Building Cactus Garden Near Escondido
Reprinted from the San Diego Union 3-2-69

by Larry Freeman
ESCONDIDO—A man w h o began plant collecting when Advanced into research he became curator of all exotic
he was 10 years old has a unique botanic garden in the plants in the garden. He was told to make the collection
making about five miles north of here. world famous and to increase the function of the
A major portion of the California Botanic Garden will collection for science in teaching and research.
have a strong flavor of the Andes in South America and Sixth Expedition
of South Africa. In 1957 Hutchison went to Peru and Bolivia on the
Paul C. Hutchison, founder and director, during 20 sixth expedition, studying cacti and other flora.
years at the University of California Botanic Garden at He began intensive research on Peruvian cacti upon
Berkeley, supervised field work on several expeditions his return. Further work included writing a monograph
to the Andes, notably in Peru, where the terrain, from for the Field Museum, in 1959 he received a John
sea level to 20,000 feet creates a botanist's dream. Simon Guggenheim Fellowship to continue his work
Not ready for Public in United States and European museums. In 1964 he
Hutchison acquired 175 acres of land here in the sum- organized and directed the university's seventh expedi-
mer of 1967, cleared it and set out the first of several tion to the Andes, personally raising the money for the
thousand plants in October. 14 month project.
He cautions, however, that he is not ready for the Out of these expeditions came products distributed
public, that it will be four to five years before he throughout the world. There were more than 40,000
reaches that point. pressed plants, 26,000 of which resulted from the last
His plantings include Andean cacti and proteaceac expedition. More than 10,000 living plants were
from South Africa. collected and shipped back to this country.
He has two organizations for his project. One is the Some 500 different seed collections were sent to 68
California Botanic Garden of the International Plant countries and 50,000 insects gathered in largely unex-
Introduction Foundation, tax exempt on the basis of plored areas of the Amazon basin. This research has had
the scientific and educational functions proposed. The an influence on many agricultural hybrids in this
foundation operates the Botanic Garden. country—among them tomatoes, strawberries, corn
His overall organization is Tropic World, Inc. peppers, avocados and peanuts, Hutchison says.
Fascinating Life Chooses Escondido
His products will include the rare and the new in Overburdened with research, Hutchison resigned at
plants, seed, cut flowers, dry materials, both wholesale Berkeley in 1966, and began to look for a place to put
and retail. He lists bulbs, cacti, camellias, cycads, ferns, his vast collection of plants. He took eight months,
foliage, orchids, palms, perlargoniums, proteaceac visited even Hawaii. By now he had evolved the idea
succulents, and tropicals of establishing a botanic garden, and finally he chose
Hutchison's life is as fascinating as some of his plants, the Escondido area for its soil, climate, and convenience
one of which is a Nco Cardenasia, a cactus from to a major highway.
Bolivia. He says it is the "largest one in captivity" Last March his corporation bought Pioneer Growers,
extremely rare, and is so heavy it took six men to man- a nursery in Vista, thus acquiring facilities enabling
euver it into the ground after he brought it from his Hutchison to engage in all types of propagation and
Berkeley collection. to introduce new plants to the trade.
Hutchison says that by the time he was in high A man of so much nervous energy that he paces the
school—he's a native of San Francisco—his collection floor while telling of his life and plans, Hutchison says
of African succulents was known as one of the largest. he has cleared 17 acres, cut rough roads, fenced half
His primary interest was in desert plants and cacti. He his acreage, constructed a greenhouse, automated
imported them from all over the world, cspecially eight acres with sprinklers, made the initial planting
Africa. of four acres, and planted five acres of cut flower crops.
In addition he has prepared space for an additional
In 1951 Hutchison was chosen to go to the Andes nursery, probably retail, expanded the Vista nursery
mountains with a U C botanical team, to supervise field four times and its staff from one to 12, and although it
w o r k in Chile and Peru for eight months. Another was expected to lose money for three years it is n o w
promotion brought him co-authorship with botanist breaking even.
Dr. Thomas Harper Goodspeed of a book on tobacco.
Hutchison's next project was the study of Andean cacti.

40
 Oddities No. 9 An abnormal blower on Gytmiocalycium venttir-
ianum cristata by C. C. Baxter.
Strange goings-on in the greenhouse It is not particularly unusual for cristate plants to flower;
The aim of this scries is to report unusual growth Mammillaria wildii cristata often docs so. So far as I
forms observed in members' collections. Members arc am aware such flowers always have the normal structure
invited to send contributions to the scries, preferably and sometimes set seed from which, seemingly, plants
including a photograph or line drawing. If any mor- of conventional growth are obtained. Thus, the plant
phologists among our readers canprovide an explanation which is the subject of this note does appear to be
of these phenomena, the Editor will be pleased to hear an oddity and to be worthy of inclusion in this column.
from them. It is a grafted specimen of Gymiwcalycitim ven-
turianitm cristata, owned by Mr. Alan Dyson of Bangor,
Co. Down, N . Ireland; I have become involved in
the matter in the role of photographer and reporter.
The two photographs shown were taken in June 1967.
At this time the plant had produced one abnormal
flower bud which, for want of a better term, can be
described as the shape of a horse-shoe. The photograph
of the bloom shows clearly that it is, to all intents and
purposes, cristate as judged by the disposition of the
perianth segments and the stamens.
Later in 1967 16 additional buds appeared, five of
which were of this same cristate type. U p to the time
of writing, early July 1968, only one bud has appeared
this year and this is not truly cristate. In fact, it consists
of three buds on a single stem and one of these is signifi-
cantly smaller than the other two, giving it a distorted
and unsymmctrical shape. Consequently, one should
term this an abnormal flower. It therefore appears that
this plant is capable of producing both normal and
cristate flowers in appreciable numbers and, occasion-
ally, an abnormal flower which is somewhere between
these extremes, Can any cactophile who has training
in morphology or plant physiology offer an explan-
ation;

at a charge of 2/- supply fully serviced commemorative

The Cactus Makes British covers.
Postal History This is a commemorative cover, stamped, addressed
and posted in the special box at the show. T o make the
THE philatelic minded members of the Northern covers still more pliilatelicly interesting, the covers will
Counties Branch could trace many British Colonial and be serviced with Regional Definitive stamps not avail-
Foreign postal items featuring both cacti and succulents able over the counters of a normal post office.
but could not recall any occasion when thev had The venture has the blessing of the Council of the
appeared in British Postal History. The}- therefore Society and it is hoped that members will give this
decided to introduce our favourite plants in the only venture their support. The cancellation will be quite
way open to them. rare and should prove to be a good investment for the
O n June 1st, 1969 at the Northern Counties Show small outlay involved.
which is to be held in Whitley Bay a special post box All requests for covers to be made to Eric L. Jcnnison
will be sited. All letters posted in this box will be 7 Sandfield Road, Marden Farm Estate, Tyncmouth,
cancelled with a special one day only cancellation which Northumberland. Requests sent after May 30th should
will give details of the occasion and incorporate a include the additional cost of return postage. A number
cactus as the motif. of covers will be serviced as stock to cover requests
To celebrate the occasion a special commemorative from members overseas etc., whose requests arrive
cover is to be printed. It will feature as the main theme after June 1st which is a Sunday.
of the design the Society's Badge. In order to cover the E.L.J.
cost of this venture the Northern Counties Branch will Northern Counties Branch.
 Correspondence nificent spectacle at the Croydon Branch N.C.S.S.
Autumn Show last year and was a living proof of the
soundness of their advice on the cultivation of these
plants.
To the Editor,
E. W. Putnam
1 have often thought that there ought to be a Society
16th March 1969 Hoolcy, Coulsdon,
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ariocarpus. If it is
ever formed I shall have pleasure in proposing the Surrey, CR3 3RT
immediate installation of Bill and Betty Maddams as
Most Worthy and Exalted Fellows. To the Editor
I do hope that readers will take their comments to Your Editorial in Vol. 31, No. 1. made mention of
heart (Journal, February 1969, p. 7) Ariocarpus, some readers who did not approve of the new column
Stromhocactus, Eucephalocarpus and Turbinicarpus have by Sally Cornioides. I have no objection whatever to
for too long been bracketed with really tricky genera the column or its contents, in fact it exhibits evidence
like Ulahia and Sclerocactus by collectors. If an imported of diligent research and deep probing into many pub-
Ariocarpus is sound it is not difficult to establish. Once lications. I find it admirably readable and a positive
established it offers no real problems of cultivation asset to the Journal.
except for its late-flowering habit, which can lead to I do, however, have objections to the use of a"nomdc
disappointment. I am told Aztekium is just as easy, but plume". An old song used to run "Who is Sylvia; what
have yet to confirm this as I have had great difficulty is she;". I would be inclined to ask, "Who is Sally what
in establishing small, woody imported plants and have is she;".
had little useful experience with the cultivation of Why do writers use a "nom de plume;" Many
established specimens. years ago, female writers used masculine names because
In the past I have often been proudly shown Ario- it was considered unladylike to write books etc. This
carpi et al. in collections and have had to conceal my surely cannot be the reason for Sally Cornioides! Is
winces. These unfortunate plants have been kept in a she (I assume Sally is a lady) ashamed of her writing
state of desiccation for years and frequently are no ability or afraid of the repercussions from the contents
better than herbarium specimens. Even growers with of her writings; I think not. Perhaps the disguise is
long experience often seem to believe that a speck of prompted by modesty; Surely this is somewhat out-
water falling on the plant body will lead to rotting of-date in our modern society.
and death. What then is the reason for hiding behind a "nom
My Ariocarpus collection is not large, but my plants de plume"; I can accept only two possible justifications.
do grow. They are not bloated or untypical, but they Firstly, that the column is written by the Editor her-
are sound and lively. I do not water them in winter, self, which I hope is not the case. Secondly, that it is
but when the warmer weather comes I treat them like written by someone who already contributes much to
everything else. On hot evenings in June, July and the Journal and prefers not to appear too frequently
August they are drenched with a hose-pipe, and they by name.
love it. I once heard a cactophile say "Ariocarpus don't I feel that readers of the column may well begin to
live in our collection they just take a long time to die". think too deeply about the identity of Sally and, getting
This remark is unfortunately true too often, but it no satisfactory solution, lose interest in the column
need not be. itself, out of annoyance and frustration. This would be
I would like to add a comment here. Grafting is a a pity. So let Sally come out in to the open and accept,
most useful technique for cactophiles, used properly, the praise, or the brickbats, for her writings.
but I have yet to see a grafted Ariocarpus or Aztekium Personally I always prefer to use, at all times, the
that was anything but an untypical and bloated mon- name given to me at birth.
strosity. These fascinating Mexican cacti deserve to be Yours openly and unashamedly,
grown on their own roots. David V. Brewerton,
I would not like anyone to think I am advocating Upminster, Essex.
the pumping-up of Ariocarpi by the liberal use of
fertilisers. The natural growth rates of these plants are
slow and attempts to boost them on fast with nitro- To the Editor,
genous feeds leads to disaster. My recipe for success In my Society job of despatching the Journals to
with them is a good gritty soil and ample water in Journal only subscribers I have received letters from
the growing season. Growth can be so vigorous under many parts of the world.
these conditions that the great turnip-like roots will I recently received a letter from the United States of
burst a clay pot, but there is no bloating of the tuber- America which included the following paragraph:
cles and the natural grey colours arc retained. "Mrs. Stillwell and Mr. Boarder are performing a
The Maddams' Ariocarpus retusus was indeed a mag- most valuable service to those of us whose only partici-

42
 pation in the Society is through the Journal and I wish and shows what can be done when a number of people
to express my gratitude to them for the material they interested in one group of plants get together. Anyone
contribute. It is no small matter to write such informa- interested in Epiphytic Plants would do well to sub-
tive articles over a long period of time and those of us scribe to this journal at the cost of 16/- per annum.
who benefit are most appreciative." Essex Succulent Review—Published by the Essex
I am sure that all Members of the Society will wish to Branch of The Cactus and Succulent Society of Great
join our friend in America in thanking Mrs. Stillwell and Bntain.
Mr. Boarder for their articles which have become such
an important part of the Journal.
Alan H. Roberts, Secretary's Notes
Sutton, Surrey.
The most important item in this issue's Secretary's
Book Reviews Notes is of course the Annual General Meeting, which
took place on the 26th February at the R.H.S. Hall.
Subik, R. 1968. Cacti and Succulents, a concise guide This was preceded by the presentation of cups and
in colour. London, Paul Hamlyn, io/6d.; pp. 266, trophies etc. for the year 1968. In addition the Ibbotson
colour plates 96, text figs. 6. Cup was presented to the Society in memory of the
This is a modest addition to the steady flow of books late George Ibbotson, by his nephew. This cup will be
about cacti, both in size and price. In 96 pages of intro- awarded for the class Six Cacti, at the Society's June
duction, well translated from the Czech, Rudolf Subik Show.
touches on the historical aspects of cactus collecting Mr. I. F. Newman regretfully tendered his resignation
and the subsequent development of the hobby in as Hon. Treasurer due to other commitments, and
Europe, on the characteristics of the cactus flora of Mr. R. H. I. Read agreed to take on this position in his
N o r t h and South America, and the broad outlines of stead. Mr. Clare was officially elected Secretary in place
cultivation. of Mr. D . V. Brewerton.
There are 96 colour plates, well reproduced from Mrs. Watt intimated that ill health and domestic
paintings by J. Kaplicka, accompanied by short des- affairs required her withdrawal from the Council and
criptions, notes on habitats and on cultivation. They there being also further vacancies due to the switch in
range alphabetically from Aporocactus to Zygocactus, officers the following were elected to fill the Council
and for the "other succulents" from Aloe to Stapclia, vacancies: Mr. H. Auger, Mrs. H. Hodgson, Mrs. B.
almost all being shown in flower. Maddams and Mr. I. F. Newman. The two Auditors,
Here is a good opportunity for the beginner to Messrs. J. Taylor and A. Cole having expressed their
reassure himself that his cacti will eventually produce desire to resign from the Auditorship, the appointment
beautiful flowers, and to have a reference book on of new Auditors was deferred, but in the meantime
hand for a small outlay. V H. Mr. Renshaw and Mrs: B. A. Baldry have agreed to
A Synonymy of the Genus Gynmocalicium 1845-1967. act and their appointment will be confirmed in due
Compiled by E. W. Putnam for The S.P.I. G y m n o - course.
calycium Study Group. (The Succulent Plant Institute— The draft revised rules, having been circulated, were
5/-- (5/6 by post). then brought up for discussion, but owing to the lateness
Prefaced by a short history of the taxonomy of the of the hour the meeting was adjourned and this matter
Genus Gymnocalycium this is a comprehensive will be fully discussed at the resumption of the meeting.
synonymy of the genus seiisu stricto excluding N e o - (See notice below.)
werdemannia and Wcingartia though certain transfers The Society are planning to have a stand at Chelsea
from these to Gymnocalycium have been included. It Show this year and though there will not be much time
is obvious that the author has studied his subject very once this Journal is in your hands Mr. Clare will be glad
deeply and the booklet will undoubtedly be of great of further offers of help.
value to students of the genus in which, as in many
other genera, some confusion in nomenclature exists and
should go far to clear up some of the difficulties. While
A N N U A L GENERAL MEETING
the author points out that there are certain difficulties
F o l l o w i n g the adjournment o f the Annual
inherent in a typescript reproduction as against typeset,
General Meeting on the 26th February, 1969,
surely the fact that so much information can be obtained
this m e e t i n g w i l l be resumed at 6.30 p . m . o n
at such a low price makes this method well worth while.
Wednesday, 16th July, 1969 at the R . H . S . Hall,
Also received: Greycoat Street, S . W . I , w h e n the Draft Revised
Epiphytes—Newsletter of the Epiphytic Plant Rules will be discussed, amended i f necessary,
Study Group. N o . 4. and approved.
This completes the first year's issues of this booklet

43
 Cactus The and

Succulent Journal
of Great Britain
Established 1931

Vol. 31 AUGUST, 1969 No. 3

Published Quarterly by The Cactus and Succulent Society of Great Britain

at 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
 President: Mrs. D. SHURJLY
Vice-Presidents: P. V. COLLINGS, K.ST.J.,
A. W. HEATHCOTE, F.C.I.S., Mrs. M. STILLWELL.

COUNCIL
A. BOARDER, Chairman W. F. MADDAMS, M.sc, A.INST.P.
H. AUGER Mrs. B. MADDAMS
Mrs. R. J. DYSON B. MAKIN
Mrs. H. HODGSON I. F. NEWMAN
Mrs. S. G. SHARMAN
Show Committee: D. V. Brewerton, C. G. Brown, K. Grantham,
Mrs. H. Hodgson, Mrs. B. Maddams

Secretary: A. Clare, 26, Albert Street, St. Albans, Herts.

Membership Secretary; Mrs. A. Whicher, 10, Chanctonbury Chase, Redhill.
Treasurer: R. H. I. Read, 5, Wilbury Avenue, Cheam, Surrey.
Show Secretary: Mrs. H. Hodgson, 16, The Braid, Chesham, Bucks.
Meetings Secretary: Mrs. S. G. Sharman, 107, Sunnyfield, Mill Hill, N.W.7.
Editor: Miss E. M. Drage, B.A., 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
Librarian : G. G. Leighton Boyce, 220 Leigham Court Road, London, S.W.16.
Liaison Officer:
Plant Exchanges: A. Boarder, Marsworth, Meadway, Ruislip, Middlesex.
Seed Purchases: W. F. Maddams, 26, Glenfidd Road, Banstead, Surrey.
Seed Distribution: Miss E. Brown, Greensands, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Branch Secretaries
Berks and Bucks: Mrs. M. Stillwell, 18 St. Andrews Crescent, Windsor.
West Kent: Mrs. M. R. Dobson, 13, Montague Avenue, Brockley, London, S.E.4.
Essex: Miss I. E. Potton, 25 Vicarage Road, Hornchurch, Essex.
North London: Mr. John Marshall, 9 Warners Avenue, Sheredes, Hoddesdon, Herts.
Hertfordshire: Mrs. B. Massey, 86 Auckland Road, Potters Bar, Herts.
North Surrey: W. F. Maddams, 26 Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
East Essex:
Northern Counties: E. L. Jennison, Alric, 7 Sandfield Road, Marden Farm, Tynemouth, Northumberland.
North Staffs: C.Jackson, F.C.I.S., 67 Barnard Grove, Meir Heath, ST3 7NZ

CONTENTS

Editorial 43
Cultural Notes—Cacti by A. Boarder .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 43
Cultural Notes—Other Succulents by Mrs. M. Stillwell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 45
Another Show is on the way—Mrs. B. Maddams .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46
The Succulent Plant Collection at Kew by E. W. Macdonald .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 47
The Genus Lithops by Peter Bent .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 49
Grafting by Margaret J. Martin 50
Notes from California by Richard Russell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 52
Succulent Snippets by Sally Cornioides .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 53
Jardin Majorelfe, Marrakech, by Frank Smith .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 54
Impressions of the Essex Show by Donald Best .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 55
Connoisseur's Corner—Copiapoa Montana .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58
Epiphyllum Hybrids and their Hybridizers II, by F. Braun 58
Oddities No. 10 59
Correspondence .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 60
News from Branches .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 61
Chelsea Show, May 1969 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62
 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN
Vol. 31 August 1969 No. 3

Editorial
IT WAS WITH great regret that I learnt of the death in the London area to whom thanks are due and particu-
recently of my opposite number in the National lar thanks must be expressed to the North Surrey
Society, Chris Pitcher, Editor of the National Journal, Branch for their very large contribution. The stand,
and I am sure his many friends in the G.B. Society will which contained a good variety of cacti and other
be very sorry to learn of this. Unfortunately the news succulents, many in full flower, aroused considerable
reached me too late to enable me to publish a proper interest and the stewards were kept busy answering
Obituary, but I hope to do this in the November issue. enquiries, many of which showed that a large number of
On a happier note I am glad to learn from our people were seriously interested in succulent plants. Of
Membership Secretary that we appear to be starting course, we heard a number of uncomplimentary
up a flourishing colony of Members in Hong Kong, remarks from passers-by, such as "Ooh, aren't they
largely due to the energetic work of Mr. Tjio Soendji horrid!" or "How I hate the things", but it is obvious
who, incidentally, decorates his letters with most that an increasing number of people arc beginning to
charming little drawings of his plants. Mr. Tjio Soendji feel the attraction of these unusual plants, and we can
has asked that his best regards should be conveyed to only hope that a number of them will join the Society.
all Society members so I take this opportunity of passing Certainly, a brisk trade was done in the sale of the
on his message. Society booklet. The Society's thanks are due to Mr.
As mentioned in the May issue, the Society this year Clare who organised this operation, and who has written
for the first time took a stand at Chelsea on an indepen- a few notes on it which appear on page 62.
dent basis. The plants were supplied by various Branches E.M.D.

Cultural Notes
Cacti—by A. Boarder
BY THE TIME these notes appear all cactus seedlings the damping-orf disease, such as Chinosol or Cheshunt
should have been pricked out. It is not possible to give compound. Not that 1 think that there is much fear of
any firm dates as to when this should be carried out as this trouble at this stage. It is when the seedlings are
some kinds grow much faster than others. There are very small and tender that damping-off can occur. For
also a few particulars which have to be considered as to most types of cacti the seedlings should be placed about
when this task should be done. Sometimes the seed pans an inch apart. They should be shaded from the direct
get covered with mosses and it is then imperative that sunlight for the rest of the year, as if they receive too
the seedlings are moved, maybe earlier than would have much direct sunlight they can turn red or bronze and
been necessary had the top of the soil remained in good will then cease to grow. It may then be a long job to
condition. Some growers transplant when the seedlings get them going again. Although it is not wise to allow
are very tiny, but although this may succeed in some the seed pans to dry out whilst germination is taking
cases I think that it is better to wait until the cotyledon place, it does not matter so much once the seedlings
or food bag has been absorbed. It is then that good are large enough to prick out. A fair watering when
roots arc formed whereas the first tiny roots are so the picking out has been done will ensure that no more
delicate that they could be broken very easily when the need be given for about a week, according to the weather.
seedling would die. If the soil remains too wet for a long period after
There are several types of plastic trays on the market pricking out, the seedlings do not appear to send out
at the present time and these are quite good for pricking fresh roots as quickly as if the soil had been a little on
out the seedlings into. I do not like wooden boxes for the dry side for a few days once the initial watering had
this purpose as they can hold diseases and pests and it is been done.
the usual happening that the sides warp away from the If any shading had been used on the greenhouse glass
soil and then when water is given it runs away instead this should not be removed until near the end of Septem-
of soaking into the earth. I use boxes I have made with ber. By then the sun may have lost most of its power
concrete which are everlasting and never warp at the and the extra light to be obtained by the clean glass will
sides. Once the seedlings have been transplanted it is a benefit the plants. If the shading was of the "Summer
good plan to water with one of the solutions to prevent Cloud" type, it is probable that by this time of the year

43
it will have become somewhat faded and can be easily few vegetables were grown, but apart from those
washed off with warm water and a sponge. There is no areas it was just burning hot sand where nothing grew.
doubt in my mind that if one is available throughout No scent from any flowers, but plenty of other smells
the day to apply sunblinds, this is the better way to which made the smell of some of the Stapelias of our
shade. It is a well-known fact that as soon as one puts collections smell like roses. I think the worst smell there
on semi-permanent shading the weather changes and was that of a dead camel, rotting and uneaten by the
no more sun is available for days. Even if no shading jackals and hyenas. At the time I made my journey
has been used it is imperative that all glass either in there were thousands of refugees coming down the
greenhouses or frames should be well cleaned before country from Kurdistan and North Persia with camels
the winter as it is essential for the health of our plants and donkeys carrying their old people and children.
that they get as much light as possible, especially during They had come so many miles across the desert that
the short days of winter. many people and animals died on the journey and the
Towards the end of this quarter, it is probable that usual carrion eaters, such as birds and animals were
many plants will no longer require watering. I normally- sated with food and so much putrefied in the scorching
carry on watering right through October, but a lot sun.
depends on the weather. Often it is quite warm on
It seems fairly obvious to me that cacti could not
several days during this month and so I am sure that
survive in such a desert as that, and appear to exist in
many of the cacti will benefit from an occasional
prairie type country where there are at least some forms
watering. However, one needs to be a bit of a weather
of trees, shrubs and coarse grasses. I feel certain that
expert as it is no use giving a lot of water near the end
when I only had a few plants to look after they grew
of October if the weather forecast is for dull or wet
much better on the whole than mine do now, when
weather. Most cacti in pots soon dry out and so they
I have so many. It is very difficult to give every plant
are likely to be able to use up any reasonable amount of
among about a 1,000 sufficient water to keep it growing
water before the weather gets really cold.
for most of the summer months. I am sure that very
There is no doubt in my mind that watering is the small pots can dry out within a few hours in a green-
main problem with the successful growing of cacti. It house which is very exposed to the sun. One small
does not seem to matter very much what kind of drop of water to fill the top of the pot is rarely sufficient
potting soil is used, the main problem is the watering. I and it is necessary to water again once the first watering
have grown, and know of many other cases, where has soaked in.
cacti have been grown in ordinary garden soil, in pure
sand, in burnt clay, in soil-less composts and in fact The removal of seed pods may be carried out at this
you name it, they've had it. In many cases success has time of the year. Most Mammillarias will have red pods
been achieved but only if the watering has been cairied which shrivel when the seeds are ripe. The Dolichotheles
out correctly. After all, n o cactus plant can take in however have pods which remain green for a long
nourishment unless it is in a liquid form. All the period and it is not until the following year that these
fertilisers in the world are of n o use to a plant unless pods shrivel and turn pale brown. Some of die Mam.
they have been dissolved and so are capable of being pods can be left on right through the winter and
absorbed. I have seen some collections of cacti which will make it much easier to remove the seeds once
look like a number of fossil plants and appear to have the casting has dried well. The only danger in leaving
never had a proper watering in their lives. They look the seed pods all through the winter is that if the
as if they are crying out for a good drink and their atmosphere is at all on the damp side some moulds can
owners are of the opinion that they will grow and flower form on the pods and also at the base a very convenient
with none or very little water. So many people are spot will be found in which mealy bug can thrive.
convinced that these are desert plants and so give them
A pest which may cause trouble in the seed frame is
little or n o water. I have never seen the actual areas
the ant. I have sometimes found a seed pan covered
where most of the cacti grow but I have seen very
with fine soil which has been carried up from below
many coloured photos and slides of such places. These
by the ants and any seedlings have been completely
are to m y mind not deserts at all. The only real desert I
covered. A good sprinkling with an ant powder usually
know is the type I found when in Mesopotamia (Iraq),
drives them away. Most of these powders contain
during the First World War.
D.D.T. and few insects can tolerate this. Sometimes
I had to journey many miles from Bagdad to woodlice will congregate under pots and can cat tender
Khanikin, on the Persian border, and there experienced seedlings or soft tissue plants. These can be trapped by
what a real desert was like. For miles and miles nothing placing the peel of half an orange or grape-fruit about
but sand, no trees, shrubs or even a piece of grass were on the staging. An inspection in the early mornings
to be seen. Nothing grew away from the rivers Tigris will usually find some of the pests. Another way of
and Euphrates. A certain amount of irrigation was killing them is to sprinkle Paris green on bran, which
carried out near these rivers when date palms and a has been slightly damped. I have not tried using p o w -

44
dered Meta fuel for this purpose but this will kill slugs Any cacti grown in living rooms can be carefully
effectively, and so could also kill woodlicc. inspected to sec that the soil is in good condition. If
N o w is a good time to repaint the greenhouse so not, the plants should be repotted so that they have a
that n o leaks from the roof arc likely during the winter. good chance of going through the winter in safety.
The worst spots for drips arc where the glass meets the Such plants do not usually get enough real light and
glazing bars. The changing temperatures of the glass fresh air to thrive well and so it is very important that
through the summer can cause slight cracks to appear every chance is given them to at least keep in good
between the glass and the bars. Before actually painting health until the spring. Most cacti in the house will
it is necessary to seal these parts. An undercoat can be benefit from a good spraying with clean rain water, but
applied and then fresh linseed oil putty forced into the see that some protection is supplied over the soil to
cracks. Another coat of undercoat can then be added prevent the earth from getting too wet. Also do this
before the top coat is laid on. I have used aluminium on a bright day so that the plants soon dry out.
paint for the top coat for many years and find that it I hope to describe various methods of heating
lasts better than anything else. The newer types of greenhouses and frames in the October journal.
paint such as polyurcthane could be very good for this
purpose but up to n o w I have not used this kind and so
cannot give any opinion, but think it worth a trial.

Cultural Notes
Other Succulents—Mrs. M. Stillwell
AT THE TIME of writing, we are enjoying some glorious
summer weather, and the plants arc finding it ideal and
arc giving of their best.
Mr. Harding's guide to the growing and resting
periods of the Mesembryanthemaccac should prove
helpful, although of course, it can only be a rough
guide, as the growth of these plants depends a lot upon
the amount of sunshine and good weather we have,
together with growing conditions and locality. It takes
years of experience and many casualties before perfec-
tion can be obtained. Once one has studied the life cycle
of each individual species in one's collection, it should
be possible each year to watch for the different stages to
take place, and by this to know when a plant requires
water and when it is going to rest. The plants them-
Conophytum notabile
selves will show quite clearly when all these phases take
place, and it is not possible to work too closely to the
book; you can only use these watering and resting quarters. They are surrounded by matching stones and
charts as a guide whereby to observe your own plants, the whole thing looks very pleasing to the eye. I prefer
to assess if they have reached the indicated stage. to use clay pans to plastic as they look more natural for
There is nothing more beautiful than a well grown the purpose.
collection of Mesembrianthemums with a good firm The Conophytums will look very dried up during the
texture and plenty of colour. They are not plants for resting period, but this is quite natural, and they should
the impatient grower w h o likes his plants to grow at a show signs of growth about the end of Jul\ r , with a few
fast rate, as most of the real gems remain small for many exceptions. C. notabile is usually in full flower at the
years and this is part of their charm. beginning of July, just in time for the Branch show.
I have once again flowered Cheiridopsis candidissima W e have just had a Branch competition for Murals to
this year. This is only the second time in over 20 years. be used as a backing for the show benches and have had
It has quite a large pale yellow flower that stays open some magnificent results from the members. Mr. H.
for quite a long period. Newland of Yiewsley has painted a most realistic
I have just planted out two large pans with Lilhops, desert scene complete with plants, and our Chairman,
placing the various similar species together so that the Mrs. C. Marshall of Slough, has absolutely excelled all
variations in the colours can be examined at close expectations with a mural 18 feet long, showing

45
glorious blue skies, mountains and desert full of cacti to give it a last chance to recover and outdoors away from
and succulents, all in full flower. You can almost feel the healthy plants seems the best thing.
the spines they arc so real. The whole effort took seven Finally, if you have not yet been on holiday, do make
weeks to complete, and should be the talk of the show. sure when you go to leave all the windows open and
It may give other branches ideas, but be careful that plenty of fresh air in the greenhouse so that none of the
plants depicted come from the same localities. If you plants get scorched and dried out too quickly. I always
were able to come to the Windsor Show on July n t h throw down one or two buckets of water just before-
and 12th, you will have seen what talented members we leaving; it creates a steamy atmosphere to start off" with,
have. and I find it is better to leave the plants to their own
The dwarf Aloes are proving very popular at the devices rather than get a well-meaning friend to look
moment, as most of them flower while quite young. after them.
Aloe humilis can easily be mistaken for a Haworthia until
it produces the pretty reddish flowers. Aloe bakeri has a
pretty marked leaf and clusters very quickly. It is a
native of Madagascar. If you have plenty of room or a
Another Show is on the
large conservatory, some of the larger Aloes make really way
handsome plants. My large Aloe mitriformis blooms IT is HOPED that the September Show, being a week later
regularly every year with a handsome spike of red than last year, will be better supported this time. The
flowers. A very beautiful one that I have always been Show Committee have made some changes in the classes
glad of is A. concinna from Zanzibar. It forms several which should give a chance for some plants which arc
rosettes on stems. The leaves arc flecked with white not so often seen on the show benches to be exhibited.
markings. It can easily be broken up and restarted if its The classes that are the same as in 1968 need not be
branching habit begins to take up too much room. They explained further apart from a reminder that in the pot
do need a certain amount of space between the pots, as restricted size for Echinocactanac the plants the judges
the tips of the leaves bruise easily if allowed to touch one will look for are the dwarf growing species such as
another. Give plenty of water during the summer and Turbinicarpus and the small Copiapoas such as C.
not too much strong sunshine; keep them looking fresh humilis.
by removing any dead leaves as they appear at the base Class one is a new one which it is hoped will attract
of the rosette. Aloes seem to keep fairly free of pests and both those who have previously exhibited six cacti and
also are grown from seed without much difficulty. those who have just tried three and, remember again,
Last summer I lost the seed from my Euphorbia obesa, good balance and varied genera help towards the prizes.
as it became ripe while I was away and not being covered In class two there is a chance to show some of the
with a piece of fine net, the pods duly burst and the seed beautiful Coryphanthas, Thelocacti and even Ancistro-
was ejected to various parts of the greenhouse. Last week, cacti which members have in their collections and have
I noticed a nice little E. obesa seedling growing quite not earned a special class in this show before, and in
happily in the centre of a pot of dwarf Crassula. I shall class seven there should be some good examples of the
leave it there while it is doing well; let's hope the other varying species of Espostoa and Oreocereus. It should
seeds landed in pots and will eventually come up. not take too great an effort to transport one of these
Always cover your Euphorbia scedpods when getting latter plants.
nearly ripe if you wish to keep the seed. Use something The changes in the Other Succulent classes are really
such as a piece of fine net material, so that the plant can self-explanatory; classes for Aloes and Haworthias are
breathe and receive plenty of light. I would not recom- generally well-supported and we hope this one is no
mend plastic bags as they hold too much condensation exception. Most collectors also have Kalanchoes,
and would possibly delay the ripening of the seed. Senecios, Echeverias and Dudleyas worthy of showing
Make the most of the summer months to do any and, if you do not care to carry large plants of this type
necessary repairs to the greenhouse, such as interior about, there are a number of choice dwarf growing
repainting, for most of the plants will be quite happy species.
standing outside for a few weeks while this operation A reminder again please to read your schedule
takes place and often look all the better for a good down- carefully and check on the number of plants required
pour of rain. Take the opportunity to examine each and see they are right for the class (an Adromischus was
individual plant before taking it back inside, and make seen in a Mesembryanthemum class at a recent National
sure that no odd slug or snail has crept into a pot during Show!). Finally, please do help the Show Secretary by
the sojourn outside; also earwigs which can prove a sending your entry in as soon as possible—she has a
great menace. Any plants not looking at their best can good deal of work in the last week before the Show, and
be left outside for the rest of the summer or even planted remember, entry fees must be enclosed with the forms.
into the garden. This often gives them a new lease of B. Maddams,
life. I always hate to throw away a sickly plant and like For The Show Committee.

46
 The Succulent Plant Collection at Kew
by E. W. Macdonald

THIS COLLECTION was first mentioned in the records of

the Gardens in 1768, when it consisted of " m different
species". The glasshouse containing it was a lean-to
structure which occupied a site near the present Temper-
ate Fern House (No. 3), and was heated by hot air flues.
The nucleus of this collection originated principally
from plants imported from the Cape of Good Hope by
Mr. Bowie, after w h o m Bowiea vohibilis was named.
Later, considerable increments in the collection
necessitated a larger house, and a span roof glasshouse
about 200 feet long and 30 feet wide was built to accom-
modate them. This was the first " N o . 5 House". A wide
central path ran the whole length, and occasionally,
when it has been necessary to excavate holes for planting
large specimens, remains of the original cast iron
heating pipes have come to light!
Sherman Hoyt House, Kew Gardens
This house served its purpose, presumably, but
eventually, a new one was constructed in 1905 on the Quite recently, it was considered that a separate
same site. The old central path was superseded by a house should be provided for the epiphytic cacti such
peripheral path, separating the large centre from the side as Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, Schlumbergera and kindred
benches. This house was constructed with an iron genera, where slightly more humid conditions would
framework with wood frame insets between the rafters, be provided and House No. 7, adjoining the Sherman-
and with a "lantern" style roof. Hoyt House was selected for this purpose.
This house eventually deteriorated, and it became Many of these plants are growing in baskets suspended
necessary to construct the third " N o . 5", also on the on trellis supports, to emulate their natural position on
original site. This present structure, of aluminium alloy, trees in the forests of Brazil and Central America.
was designed to allow the maximum use of available From the modest collection of 111, in 1768, the n u m -
light, and was opened to the public in 1953. ber of different species and varieties n o w growing at
The collection was further augmented in 1929, by Kew exceeds 3,350. The families represented cover over
Mrs. Sherman Hoyt of Pasadena, California, when she 300 different genera, the largest being the Aloes (over
presented to Kew the large exhibit of cacti which she 260 species) and the Conophytums, with over 200
had shown at Chelsea. For housing this collection, she species.
financed the erection of House N o . 7A, which was Plants at Kew are obtained from many sources,
completed in 1931, and which commemorates her gift principally by exchange with other botanic gardens
by its title "The Sherman-Hoyt House". This house throughout the world, and others from private donors.
has a feature which was, until recently, unique—a wall The most important acquisitions are from "the field",
painting depicting a scene from the Mohave Desert, i.e., collected in the wild by botanists. Much of this
painted by a Californian artist. The rockery, of Old material is of " T y p e " rank, and therefore is of great
Red Sandstone, constructed in front of the painting was value botanically, but not necessarily intrinsically.
so arranged to imitate the natural contours of the
During the summer months, many of the plants are
mountain ranges and foothills, that it blends in to make
utilised for outdoor display. The narrow borders
a homogeneous effect—that is, if the viewer can exclude
alongside N o . 5 House are planted with Lampranthus
from his vision the long panel-covered girder and the
and similar genera, which make a colourful display if
foot-rail along the front!
and when the sun shines! O n the west side of N o . 5
In 1935, a house for South African succulents was House, a rocky plain is utilised for bedding out succu-
constructed parallel to N o . 7A, and enumerated as No. lents, and many of the plants derive benefit from this
7B. This is devoted largely to the "mimicry plants"— treatment by stronger growth and more vivid colora-
such genera as Litlwps, Opththalmophyllttm, Argyro- tion of leaves and stems. At rear of this rocky plain is a
derma, Conophytum, etc. Only close observation will narrow border devoted to Opuntias. Last autumn, as an
determine which are the plants and which arc the stones experiment, it was decided to leave them outside all the
surrounding them. winter and see if they survived. As a result, about three

47
out of ever)' four survived the cold winds and drenching
rains.
To members of the general public, succulent plants
may be a source of mild interest or amusement, or
unhappily they may satisfy a vandalistic urge, which
takes such forms as damaging the growing centres of
cacti; cutting them "to see if water spurts out" (sic) or
even setting fire to the bristles of an "Old Man Cactus"!
T o members of the cactus societies, on the other
hand, the collection stimulates, as one might expect, a
more intellectual reaction, and this, in itself, would
justify its existence. But the fact must never be lost
sight of that the primary purpose of any botanic col-
lection is that of scientific study, and a great amount ot
research on these plants is in progress, particularly in the
field of cytology, which will prove of great value to
taxonomists, plant physiologists and odiers. Even this
laudable purpose can be hampered by those people who
regard it as a great joke to " s w o p " labels round, or to
remove them—presumably "for kicks". The recent
theft of an aloe which possessed double the normal
number ot chromosomes has hampered research because
it was required tor further observation and study.
Not only have the above-mentioned hazards to be
contended with, but in addition, it has been found
necessarv in recent years to protect drug-producing

Hechtia argentca: this specimen is over 100 years old,

fiaving been exhibited in Paris in 1864

plants, such as Lophophera williamsii, from persons who

find it necessary to seek psychedelic satisfaction to
compensate for their own innate inadequacies!
The Kew Collection has proved its usefulness in the
cause of economics, medicine and the arts. Agave leaves
have been tested in sisal fibre production; aloe juice for
medical research and euphorbia latex in the fight against
cancer. In the world of art and design, the grotesque
shapes of many of the plants have proved an inspiration
to textile designers and art students in their pursuit of
new forms.
Although the collection is the largest in the country,
it is perhaps necessary to correct the erroneous impression
that "Kew has every species known". This is certainly
not so—in fact it is very doubtful whether any collection
in the world could make this claim. Any collection is
limited ultimately by the restrictions ot space, time,
labour and resources, as most amateur growers are
only too well aware! The Kew Collection is also limited
in this way too, and it should be emphasised in conclusion
that the glasshouse space at Kew devoted to succulent
plants, is, bearing in mind the vast number of other
plants in cultivation in the Gardens, a verv generous
Agaves in the Succulent House allocation.

48
 The Genus Lithops
by Peter Bent
PRACTICALLY everyone who has the slightest interest in
succulent plants knows what a Lithops is like. Many
species are seen grown in collections and frequently
under the wrong name. By this, I am not referring to
the naming of De boer and Boom but by completely
wrong naming. Most species arc recognisable (within
reason) and such mistakes should be avoided wherever
possible. Photographs of some of these arc included with
this article but obviously they cannot do justice to them;
only coloured transparencies arc really acceptable and
then only if some guide to size comparison is given.
Some species arc similar except for size, although these
are generally varieties of the type.
A historical note may be interesting concerning the
discovery of the first Lithops. Burchcll gives an account Lithops localis
in Schwantes from his book "Travels in the Interior of
Southern Africa" and states how he picked up what
he thought was a stranged shaped pebble to find that it
the size of clumps and whether in fact they do clump
was a plant! This happened on 14th September, 1811,
depends on species. For example, a plant of L. olivacea
at Zand Vlcy in the Pricska district south of the Orange
can have a great many heads while that of L. fulviceps
River, an area well known for mescmbrianthemums
may get two. The size and number of heads then, having
and other succulents. This same plant is known as
reached the normal, remains unchanged, new heads only
L. turbiniformis and forms one of those easily distinguished
being formed when others die. The phenomenon is
species. Heads grow to a diameter of about 1 in. and are
also known in other mesembrianthemum species,
purplish-brown with much roughened top.
particularly in the Argyroderma and Dintcranthiis.
Before going too far, let us consider the two groups
I think a comment or two must be made concerning
which arc valid today: Xantholithops—yellow flowers,
cultivation. Within recent years (with the advent of
fissure not deep and Lcucolithops—white flowers, fissure
plastic) large bloated specimens have appeared on the
sometimes quite gaping.
show bench, and it seems a great pity that they should
Unlike Conophytum, which have flowers of various be grown like this; they are completely out of
colours, the Lithops make up for lack of colour by body character and must be considered likely to rot. In some
coloration which can be very variable, ranging from cases these have been given a 1st or 2nd award above a
all green in L. viridis, through brown in L. tcrricolor to really well grown tight clump—this is a great pity and
red in L. optica forma rubra, passing through most other often leads to false ideas among the less experienced
intermediate colours. It should also be pointed out that collectors w h o may see them.
This leads directly on to what containers arc best
and what soil to use. Clay is without a doubt the best
(I know many readers will write in, but I have seen
both types in use and have drawn my own opinions,
for what they may be worth) and may be either pots
or bowls. I've tried both methods, firstly starting with
single pots and then removing them into pans. One
obvious factor here is watering, but I have found most
species grow at about the same time (with the exception
of L. optica and forma rubra, which grow much later
into the year). Those of you who may have been at some
shows may have seen my own plants on the A.S.P.S.
stands. The soil used must be very open and a good
mixture would be half J.I. N o . 2., and coarse sand.
Note: on account of contractile roots the bodies may
get pulled down, but this is natural and if there is plenty
Mixed Lithops of grit around their necks they will come to no harm.

•19
In nature that is normal and it affords protection against
birds and animals and also by being below ground,
protection from the burning sun.
As regards watering, they need water during the
summer months, only after the old body has been
reduced to a dry skin. The resting time occurs after
flowering—or if the plant has not flowered—around
about September. During this time, no water must be
given as the roots are non-functional during this period
and water could quite easily set up rot. For the sake of
tidiness and also for protection against rot forming, old
leaves should be removed. This can be carried out
easily after they have become papery. Please do not be
too soon doing this as damage could occur.
Care of imports: From time to time, imports may Litlwps fiih'iceps
become available although there are a sufficient number
of plants and seeds over here to render importation
unnecessary. Nevertheless some imports are seen. The 2.) Let any cut surface completely callus before potting.
following hints may be found useful for any imported
plants. 3.) Pot in open soil and top dress well, and above all
i.) Check for any pest, rot damage or any other shade from strong sun for a few days to prevent
obvious disorder. (Although the plants should be blistering (plants have been dark for several days,
basically free from pests, they do occur and should therefore suffer from lack of chlorophyll).
be destroyed IMMEDIATELY as strange insects 4.) Water sparingly and give bottom heat to promote
could be introduced with disastrous effects. Any quick root formation if the plant is in its growing
rotten parts must be cut away. With some period.
mesembrianthemums (Mniria being an example) if
the plant is soft and rot is suspected, remove the 5.) If plant is resting (i.e. old leaves still fleshy and new
outer layer (this is the old leaf coat) and you will leaf seen), then withhold water until growing period
be left with the new body in perfect condition. has been reached and then as above.
Here the old pair has protected the new. This is 6.) Next season, or season after that acclimatisation
only evident from experience, but if the old leaves may have taken place and plants begin to grow at
were not removed the plant would surely have died. normal intervals for the particular species.

Grafting
by Margaret J. Martin
THERE ARE collectors who believe that one should never siderable success at beheading the plant and re-rooting
graft, it is unnatural. It is, but it is equally unnatural to the top. But with small plants it is better to graft. The
grow a desert plant in a pot under a grey English sky. I am grafted plant grows quickly and when large enough to
not advocating the grafting ofall plants, but I believe that remove and re-root, sufficient tissue can be left on the
a plant growing on something else's roots is better than stock to send off "Pups".
a dead one. Most of us have a few plants that are I have read of growers grafting seedlings almost as
"non-doers" and these cacti benefit greatly from the soon as they have germinated, but have never had any
grafting knife. I have a couple of Parodias that used to success myself with such infants. I have speeded up the
lose their roots at least once a year; as a result they growth of pea-sized seedlings. Grafting is useful for
developed nasty scars where growth suddenly stopped Copiapoa and other slow Cacti.
and started. Now that they are grafted, they flower Perhaps I have been fortunate but my grafted plants
happily without causing me any trouble. While grafting look little different from those growing on their own
is useful for difficult plants, I find that the main use of roots. I have flowered most of those of a size to flower—
grafting is in propagation. Astrophytum astcrias, species of Neoportcria and Parodia
Many of the seedlings that I have bought through the as well as one or two Echinocereus.
post have had narrow, woody necks and dried up roots. Most books on the cultivation of Cacti give a list of
My experience is that these plants never do very well grafting stocks. Some of these suggestions are good,
unless I get rid of the dried up bases. I have had con- others not so good. Either the stock rots easily or you

SO
simply have not got it. Since I have not got pans of
young Triclwcereus waiting to be beheaded, I have to
use what is available.
This is a personal list and the stocks that work so
successfully for me may fail elsewhere. To start with
three stocks which have often failed:—
i. Pereskia This is due to not having a plant large
enough to produce really thick new growth.
2. Echinopsis Off-sets seem to rot very easily.
3. Imported plants which are on Mynillocactus
geometrizans rarely last because my greenhouse tempera-
ture is not high enough.
However, there arc enough other plants to allow us
to ignore these. The "classic" grafting stock is Tricho-
cereus. This is undoubtedly useful for large plants but
no better than Cereus, Cleistocactus or Corryocaaus. For
small plants, there arc better things then Trichocereus.
On of the best grafting stocks for large seedlings is
Aporocactus mallisonii. I cut the non-woody growth
into 3 in. lengths; when rooted these will take seedlings
up to the size of a halfpenny. Equally good are young
shoots of Nyctocereus serpentinus. I cut my sprawling old
plant into sections of about one foot. The stems were
too dry and woody for grafting but they sent out plenty Neoporteria taltalensis
of side-shoots which were ideal. If a young plant is very
good. In fact, I have kept O. rohusta going purely for
dried up, it needs a really juicy stock. Stems of the
grafting stock. Opinitia seedlings have cylindrical "necks"
vigorous sprawling Echinocereus are excellent. I have
and it is very easy to graft onto this thickened section of
used E. procumbens, E. salmdyckianus and E. dubius.
the stem. My only failure was O. cyliiidrica. The cut
Very tiny seedlings need slightly different treatment. surface dried back and formed a deep hollow, throwing
Young plants of Eriocereus and Epiphyllums are good for the scion off in the process.
small fry. I had some nondescript Epiphyllum seedlings This is a short list of plants. Many more could be
which were taking up a lot of space. They made excellent added to it. I suspect that almost any vigorous cer««-likc
grafting stock. plant would do very well. It is one way of using those
Finally Opinitia; the very young "cars" are excellent pretty young plants which grow Into rather tatty
for small plants and the large pads if still juicy arc also columns.

Gymnocalycium mihanovichi Astrophytum asterias

5i
 Notes from California
by Richard Russell

MY NEW INTEREST seems to be Epiphyllums and related from which the long graceful fronds hang. Around
genera. For years I've kept a few Epiphyllums, a couple Christmas this plant is covered with tubular red flowers,
of Rhipsalis and a few assorted Zygocactus. Then I at a time when flowers and colour arc most wanted.
don't know what happened. I guess a few of my I guess my main point here is that Epiphytes grown
Epiphyllum hybrids started throwing out their fantastic, in baskets are attractive year-round plants, whereas
giant flowers, and my interest sky-rocketed. Epiphyllums grown in pots and staked-up arc rather
I have purchased Epiphyllums from the Johnson unattractive except when in bloom. Conclusion: try
Cactus Gardens in Paramount, California (they are now some hanging baskets of various and assorted Epiphytes.
moving down towards San Diego), but I read that the You'll be surprised at how natural, exotic and pleasing
Beahm Gardens (famous growers of Epiphyllums) arc such a basket can be. I realise, of course, that such pro-
still going strong. So I wrote for their catalogue, and cedure may be difficult for most British gardeners who
upon its arrival I ordered about 40 plants. Their delivery must to a large extent rely on greenhouses. Also, I
was very rapid, and the cuttings arrived in perfect almost forgot. Epiphyllums make very large plants in a
shape. matter of a year or so, and such space-consumers may
I have planted my new Epiphyllums in a mixture of present problems to British growers. I have also heard
one-third steer manure (sterilised), one-third leaf mould that some of the California Epiphyllum hybrids arc
and one-third vermiculite. The latter I find the best hard to flower in other parts of the world. Maybe some-
possible material for aerating the soil. It is very light, one would care to comment on this.
and it does not decompose. The resultant mixture is My Parodias and Rebutias have made a particularly
extremely light and fluffy, although rich in organic interesting display this year. My favourite Rebutias are
matter. senilis (for looks) and violaciflora (for size) and profusion
Already, my Epiphyllums are sending out two and of flowers with R. grandiflora in the same class as
three foot branches, and these are the branches which violaciflora (with the largest flowers in the group going
usually bloom the following year (new growth does not to grandiflora).
produce flowers in Epiphyllums). I must say that the Parodias, it seems to me, go along with Maimnillarias
Epiphyllum flowers are about the most magnificent as being surest producers of flowers in the barrel-cactus
thing in the plant world. As I write I am looking at a league. I have never had a Parodia which did not explode
plant of Hermosissimum which has produced three with flowers during May and June, and it sometimes
huge flowers this morning. The plant is only two years seems that the top of the plant will literally split open
old, and its flowers are the equal of any orchid. with buds.
I have about 40 hanging pots which I keep under Oh yes, I hate to turn to hybrids again, but my
trees. These are planted with various varieties of Echinopsis hybrids are the best vehicles I have ever seen
Zygocactus, basket-type Epiphyllums and Schlum- for (1) ease of growth, (2) profusion of large flowers,
bergera. The Zygos and Schlumbergeras are becoming (3) rot resistance, (4) pest resistance, (5) general sun and
quite popular here in Southern California, and the weather resistance. I have about 17 varieties of
local commercial nurseries (visited by the general public) Echinopsis-Lobivia hybrids growing both in pots and
continue to come out with new offerings. Within out in front of the house in full sun. These plants, in
a few years a hanging basket of Zygos or most cases, grow into large clumps which produce
Schlumbergeras makes a beautiful hanging mass of dozens of flowers throughout the season. At times, a
joints, which take on an almost unreal look when they clump will put out 12 to 15 flowers in a single night,
bloom. The Christmas type are particularly appreciated, and this is a sight calculated to stop cars along our street
since they produce flowers when little else is in bloom. and bring "oil's" and ah's" from the throats of onlookers.
All Epiphytes seem to take the California weather Another bonus offered by these hybrids is that they
quite well, although they will not, of course, accept the produce many, easily-rooted, offsets. Thus I have a
full sun. Therefore, I grow them under trees or under whole bed (outdoors) into which I am constantly rooting
the eaves of my house. They produce a natural effect offsets of my Echinopsis-Lobivia hybrids. I give these
when drooping from hanging baskets which they just plants to friends, and I do not know of another type
do not not seem to produce when tied up on stakes or plant which is so sure to swing the public towards good
grown from pots. feelings regarding Cacti.
One plant particularly interests me, and it is a cross Well, most of this article was about hybrids, and I
between Discocactus eichlarnii and one of the Epiphyllums probably will not write about them again soon. But
(it is sold by Johnson). Johnson calls this his Disophyl- the Echinopsis and Epiphyllum hybrids are magnificent
lum. The plant throws out long, pencil shaped stems plants, and they do have a place in cactus-gardening

52
which makes them worthy of note. True, botanically, I would say that the Epiphyllum and the Echinopsis
they are not of much interest but I would put them hybrid groups offer the best and most dramatic way of
near the top of the horticultural chart. And in California, getting interest in Cacti across to the public.
I am interested in promoting the growing of Cacti, and

Succulent Snippets
by Sally Cornioides
i AM VERY SORRY that Mr. Brewerton objects to pen- years ago and there are now nine subsidiary heads
names and he also suggests members will stop reading averaging three-quarters of an inch in diameter, which
this column in frustration or annoyance at not knowing flower freely. However, I must not give the impression
the author, but I think it is more likely they will carry that I am trying to pick holes in Mr. Bloom's com-
on reading and try to pick out clues. Neither am I the mendable effort. It was written when he was a mere
first among the cactus writers to proceed in this way; 18 years of age, and, of necessity, he lacked the experience
he may himself recollect "Connie Phytum" in the of some of us greybeards.
"Cactulent" and have also seen other "Nom dc Plumes"
in some of the Journals from the other side of the world. Daphne Hutchinson, well known for her chirpy
At any rate, "what's in a name?" and if you still disap- contributions to the Northern Counties Newsletter,
prove, please turn over the page. sent me a cutting which was headed "Rare Tropical
Water on a rising temperature was the advice given Plant yields Beauty Secret". This describes how a "gel"
on a recent gardening programme on the radio when is extracted from the leaves of Aloe vera, from which
an expert was giving tips. The last thing I would wish Alo Cosmetics arc made, and no doubt lady readers
to do is to come down for or against this statement as have been imbibing all this beauty talk in advertisements
far as horticulture in general is concerned, but 1 doubt in their papers, too.
if many cactophiles would be convinced. Most of us, of Daphne comments, "Shall we rush to try it or arc we
necessity, water in the evening, on a falling temperature spotty enough already; Whatever happened to "Cactus
and some books give us to understand that this is Milk" which was the subject of similar advertisements
beneficial, as it simulates the overnight dews that occur some seven years ago—did too many women grow
in habitat. The pros and cons of the point are unlikely spines and glochids after using it?"
to be argued as forcibly as those of the rainwater versus I had already thought of commenting on this new
tapwater issue, although this controversy seems to have beauty preparation myself, but was going to suggest
died down of recent years, not before time. The majority that wives might try "Cream of Cactus Lotion" or
of those who aired their opinions overlooked the impor- "Desert Flower" preparations before cutting up their
tant point that most succulent plants arc, of necessity, spouses' pet Liliaceac! (Manufacturers of these products
very tolerant and adaptable and will thrive on all types please send any commission via the Editor—and, what
of water, weak tea, and virtually anything short of pink about a permanent advertisement in our Journal;)
gin.
I was reminded of this argument when re-reading a For those who were too far away to get there or
stimulating book which was published a few years ago, others who considered "The Psychology of Succulent
namely "Collectors' Cacti", by Edward Bloom. One Plant Collecting" was not their line, I can tell you that
of the virtues of this volume is simply that it is different you missed a treat. Mr. MacDonald, our good friend
from so many of the texts on our hobby, not least from Kew, was his usual witty self with quips and
because of its fascinating account of the Mexican climate. anecdotes. He started by commenting that the psycho-
However, he does come down very firmly on the side logy of plant collectors would be a good subject but
of the rainwater only school, going so far as to say that perhaps somewhat dangerous to pursue too far! Some
tapwater contains dissolved chemicals and salts which of the comments made by visitors to the Succulent
slowly accumulate in the soil, eventually proving toxic Houses at Kew were most amusing and some were the
to the plants. My sole comment is that mine are a long rather standard enquiries that are often posed at shows
time in the process of dying! such as "do you water these once a year;" or "I suppose
I must also raise my eyebrows at one of his comments these only flower every seven years". To this type of
relating to Aztekium ritteri. After commenting that old question he was inclined to mutter under his breath
specimens readily sprout side shoots he goes on to say "Glochids to you!"
that growth is slow so that a good clump can never be Well, it is time to sign off again and wait for the next
expected to develop in cultivation. Perhaps my plant brickbats to be thrown; perhaps there will be a bouquet
is breaking the rules but it began to offset some four or a few helpful cuttings too, you never know.

S3
 Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech
by Frank Smith

ALTHOUGH it was only March when wc visited Morocco,

it was intolerably hot in the daytime when wc reached
Marrakech, our most southerly point. One day we went
in our coach towards the High Atlas Mountains: with
water rushing down the irrigation channel at the road-
side and with the snow-covered mountains so near, we
almost felt cool and managed to sustain ourselves until
we stopped at a small cafe for a "coke". The amazing
sight here was small villages of mud huts with overhead
electricity wiring.

seen in English gardens from July onwards and banana

trees showing their fascinating fruit development; all
on one tree at the same time could be seen flower buds
near the top, lower open flowers with their enormous

Next morning we heard about the "Garden" as

another cool place. The hotel staff could not explain
h o w to reach it so we decided to take a taxi which,
after a little bargaining, was not too expensive. This
should not have been surprising as, on our return, it was
only 10 minutes walk to the "Hotel District" which is
in the French part of the city, to the west of the walled
Arab city. In the garden the advanced season was
indicated by the fact that the flowers of the Echiiwcactiis
grusonii seen in one of the illustrations, had already
withered. In other places were flowers which might be

54
purple petals two feet long, flowers that had shed State and is officially known as the Fondation Felicien
their petals, clusters of green bananas the size of pea Pothicr. At the entrance, one is confronted by the little
bods, next large green bananas, and finally, nearest to blue hut where payment of I D H . (is. 6d.) is requested.
the ground but still out of reach, ripening bananas. All Some small boys offered (in French) to show us around
the time there was a raucous barking from frogs in the but soon left us alone when they saw the constant
ornamental lake; very close persistent observation delays to take photographs. There were very few other
identified the smallest frogs we have ever seen and also visitors and the man in the blue hut was much cheered
some water tortoises sun-bathing on a protruding rock. by my thanks for "le joli jardin". W e hoped that he
It appears that the garden was made by the French did not have to live on his takings.
artist Majorelle in "colonial" days and his curiously Altogether it was a most pleasant morning in this
shaped residence, covered in bougainvillca, is still in refuge from the heat and wc left reluctantly down the
private occupation. The garden n o w belongs to the hot, dusty road for our hotel, our lunch, and our siesta.

Impressions of the Essex Show

by Donald Best

AS A VISITOR, somewhat unknown, from the North O. miaodasys v. rufida and O. engelmannii, but these were
Surrey Branch, I was able to look dispassionately and obviously not regarded as exciting to lift him above
objectively on the plants exhibited at the Essex Branch third. It is clear that these plants do not have to be
Summer Show held at the Barking T o w n Hall on bedded out to flower. However, a large number of
Saturday, 31st May, 1969. This was, in fact, the 17th 10 in. pots are not easily fitted into a collection. Miniature
Annual Show and from what 1 had read in the article opuntias are definitely on the ascendancy and this could
written by Mrs. Maddams, in the August edition of be due to the space difficulty. In view of their popularity,
last year's Journal, I was expecting to find a high the entries in the class for a Group of Three Plants was
standard. 1 was not disappointed. For a branch show, not particularly inspiring; some of the more notable
this was on a very large scale and was obviously well miniatures not being in evidence. The group exhibited
organised. The show comprised 55 classes, 10 of which by Mrs. Chambers did the trick, and I felt, deservedly
were open, so there was plenty of opportunity for m e m - so. Miss Potton's three species of Tephrocactus held a
bers to fit in those awkward plants which are sometimes worthy second. O. miaodasys appeared in this class and
left at home. There were some exhibitors in the open one wonders as to its eligibility as a true miniature.
classes from my district, but I wonder how many more Most judges seem not to disqualify it, although the
might have come forward if they had perhaps an extra marking should inevitably be low. The fact that no
hour on the Saturday morning to stage their plants; third prize was awarded here could be indicative of
But, doubtless the Show Committee have their reasons the judge's feelings on this occasion.
for allowing two full hours before midday to set the The class for Three Large Mammillarias produced
scene and check for eligibility, etc. some of the better plants on show. Mr. Taylor's group
In the Specimen Astrophytum class, in pots over 4 in., included MM. bombycina, hahniana and zeilmanniana
we saw only one plant in flower, this being a clean and took first prize. Only one flower could be detected
looking A. myriostigma belonging to Mr. Taylor and on this super M. bombycina, sitting resplendent in its
which was duly placed first. An A. glabrescens deservedly 14 in. pan, but this didn't really matter. His M. hahniana
took second place, followed by A. ornatum placed third. is as clean and as white as could be and is decidedly a
The smaller pot size produced close competition and better form than the majority seen in collections.
Mrs. Francis w o n with her A. myriostigma v. nuda. Mr. M. zeilmanniana always scores when in flower and was
Wright gained second with an A. quadricostatus, with not out of place alongside his others. Sympathies are not
Mr. Thompson's bright green-looking A. astcrias in really in order for Mr. Richardson w h o was placed
third position. A. astcrias is generally not seen in such a second, for he is hard in chase and displayed large
hue and one can only imagine that this could con- specimens of MM. schchasci—looking similar to
ceivably be one of the newer German hybrids, many bocasana from a distance—and zeilmanniana, rivalling
of which are more globular in shape, as was seen here: Mr. Taylor's with its many blooms. It would seem that
Pterocactus kuntzei and Opuntia cylindrica w o n first the Essex Branch members arc taking to flat pans for
place for Mr. Taylor in the T w o Plants in Opuntiae these plants which are almost all shallow rooting. It is
class. Mr. Hammond had to be content with a second apparent that even the more immature plants should be
placing for his P. kuntzei and O. papyracantha. Large grown this way, thus eliminating the possibility of
flower buds were in evidence on Mr. Brown's waterlogged compost beneath them. Many seem to

55
Lave preserved their clay pans, the plastic counterparts Committee have every right to expect a splash of colour
i.ot being easily obtainable at present and for the larger on display. Indeed, Mr. C. Innes w h o was adjudicating
cacspitose mammillarias, not at all suitable, anyway, due must have been a little dismayed at the turnout,
;
o their breaking easily when lifted. The section for the especially when considering the obvious potential
•hree smaller plants was w o n by Mrs. Francis with which lies within this active branch.
M. guelzowiana, just about to open its beautiful pink There was a section for One Monstrose Plant and it
flowers, the buds being all of an inch long, together with was interesting to sec a Monvillea take first place instead
M. Candida v. rosea and M. nejapensis. Notable in the of the usual Mammillaria wildii and Opuntia vestita. I am
second group was a good specimen of M. klissiugiana, not a lover of cristate plants, although I suppose it can
with a nice M. chionocephala serving well in the three be said that they add to the spectacle of a show with their
placed third. weird shape and form. However, many people prize
Class 8 provided for Three Plants in Cereanae, won these very highly and, of course, some are quite rare.
by Mr. Richardson, who showed a nice plant of In Class 16 we saw exhibited some grafted plants; one
Wintcria aurispina among his entries. This is the plant specimen only required to be shown. Mr. Brown had a
which is pendular in habit, in the same manner as Blossfeldia in flower and was duly placed first. Some
Aporocactus, but with thicker stems and, as the name plants, as is commonly known, do not stay particularly
suggests, bearing attractive golden-yellow spines. A true to type when grafted. By and large, it does not
certain amount of variability is apparent in this species, seem to apply to Blossfeldias, so there appears to be a
as was seen from an entry in the group taking second. real case for sticking these on a vigorous rootstock.
The plant was darker altogether, with narrower stems. Class 17 was badly supported and one cannot imagine
This may perhaps be due to methods of cultivation, why, for this catered for two plants not covered by
however, as one can never be sure; The plant was Classes T to 16. Surely, here again was an opportunity
shown as Wintcria aurilanata but, of course, the genus is to give the greenhouse staging a close inspection to seek
monotypic; the only valid name being Wintcria out a couple of those specimens that are not easily
aurispina. accommodated elsewhere.
Mr. Taylor's Stcnocactus, with its attractive black The first prize winners in the Large Agave section
spines, stood out in the class for Three Echinocactanae were Mr. and Mrs. Brcwerton with a good specimen
and must have helped considerably in attaining him of Agave stricta, all of 18 inches in diameter. The second
first prize. In the class for the Smaller Echinocactanae, prize winner can take heart, as he couldn't have come
some of the choice species were absent. One would far behind in this instance. Following on from here we
have liked to have seen, say, Aztekium ritteri on display, saw some agaves in pots up to 4 in. and judging by the
for example. Echinocereus are also no problem to Mr. support seen, it was evident that one can grow such
Taylor, for his E. reichenbachii, E. knippelianus and E. plants without breaking the greenhouse glazing. The
kermesina were given the decision in the Three Plants were some quite colourful exhibits in the class for
in Echinocereanae. E. kermesina was simply glowing with Three Plants in Echeverioidac, also one or two interesting
rose-pink flowers bearing long cream-yellow stigmas. plants were shown in the classes covering the
The Show Committee had provided a class for Crassulaceae.
Three Eohivias, Rebutias and at this time of year one There were some good typical specimens in the class
expects to see many fine blooms on these plants. This for Five Lithops, especially in the winning group,
was indeed so, especially with Mr. Thompson's although one could see a number of bloated plants
Rebutia krainziana v. breviseta, where it was possible to amidst other entries. Sometimes, in an attempt to get
count up to 20. W h e r e had all the lobivias gone; One Lithops into show condition following the resting
answer could be that members just happen to grow period, there is a temptation to water them before they
their rebutias better. It was noticeable that the bigger have fully emerged.
plants did not succeed in this class. " H o w much can In Classes 26 and 27 there were some very interesting
you carry;"—was the theme, contrastingly, in the next plants on view, as one would have expected with
two classes; for here we were seeing the epiphytes exhibits from Messrs. Brewerton and Brown w h o
pleasingly provided for. Unfortunately, not many m e m - possess some excellent Euphorbias. The really interesting
bers had bothered to stagger in with them. The classes ones appeared in the section for plants in pots up to size
were split T w o Epiphytes and T w o Epiphyllums; the 4 in. (Class 27); some of the choicer dwarf species being
first of which afforded Mr. Lodge victory over Miss in evidence. Mr. & Mrs. Brewerton produced three
Potton and the other gave us an opportunity of seeing nice Stapeliads in the next section. Their Echidnopsis
the first prize winning entry of Mr. Thompson, con- dammaniana was quite eye-catching in the first prize
taining EpiphyHum "Erica" with large magenta coloured winning group.
blooms. Class 29 was for Three Plants in Asclepiadaceae and
Let's hope that next year, members, with or without it was here that we were able to sec the fine Brachystelma
wheelbarrows, get busy and give more support, for the barbariae belonging to Mr. Brown. This specimen was

56
Open Class for Mammillarias Brachystelma barbariae—Best Plant in Show

awarded "Best Plant in the Show" and there was little T w o Plants in Flower. W o r t h y of mention was Mr.
doubt that this was well merited. Indeed, with its Taylor's Lobii'ia sublimifiora, bearing superb yellow
bract of purplish-red flowers sitting atop a well formed blooms. The general concensus of opinion concerning
caudex base, it looked a trifle unreal. W h y then was the entries among the seedlings was that they were of
nobody bothering to give the plant a closer examina- a very high standard. Miss Potton triumphed here with
tion ; One was soon able to discover the reason, however, a neatly arranged entry, but Mr. Lodge provided an
for this plant is a relative of the Stapeliads and has the unusual effect with a solitary Leuchtenbergia amidst
same characteristic carrion odour. mainly globular types. Equally, in the next class w e saw
a large number of entries competing and all seemed very
Looking at the entries in the class for Three Aloes it
well presented, this being of importance in the section
was pleasing to see the dwarfer and rarer species in
for a Box of Plants. Most exhibits took the form of 15
prominence, among which we observed two small
square pots filling a seed tray. Noteworthy were
specimens of Aloe haworthioides, a small Aloe baheri and
Haworthia truueata, Matucana yanganucensis and a multi-
a rather attractive jnctinda. T w o specimens of Haworthia
headed Parodia aureiflora in the winning group.
bolusii were seen in the section for Three Haworthias and
Without any real help from his container, Mr. Lcvctt
it was noticeable that whereas one was quite typical, the
succeeded against good opposition in the class for a
other, unfortunately, seemed rather open. Messrs.
Miniature Garden; his entry being very well laid out.
Brcwcrton and Brown were active participants in the
Three Plants in Liliaceae and here was seen a particularly Classes 39 to 45 were for Novices and Juniors and the
fine Gastcria armstrongii. Mr. Richardson's Stapelia support, in general, must have been pleasing to the
inntabilis proved its worth among the Specimen Officers and Committee, for these arc the up and
Cristate Succulents, with Miss Potton's Echeveria coming members of the future. The first of the classes
roslini placed second. Gerardantlms macrorhizus and in the Open Section provided for Six Mammillarias,
Cissus hypoleuca emerged winners of the class for T w o won by Mr. & Mrs. Maddams, their worthy group
Other Succulents, entered by Mr. and Mrs. Brcwcrton. comprised MM. bocasaua (well flowered in a 12 in. pot),
O n advice from a colleague of mine, I have recently picta, Candida v. rosea, gigautea, plumosa and magnimannna
changed the name of m y G. macrorhizus to Kederostris v. bochii. Mr. Richardson took second place with a nice
africanus. My plant certainly looks similar to that dis- group, of which his M. auriceps was very striking.
played here and I am n o w quite unsure about my Throughout the remainder of the exhibits among the
labelling. Apparently, the two are quite distinct, open classes, a high standard was maintained. One
although I have not seen them side by side, with plant of particular interest and which was adjudged
G. macrorhizus being something of a rarity. Sarcocanlon "Best Epiphyte in the Show", was Zygocactus
multifidum was intriguing in the pair placed second and opuntioides, exhibited by Mrs. Maddams. For the
I trust Mr. Brown will forgive m y describing this benefit of those w h o have not seen this plant, it might
caudiciform, rudely, as "A minute Anvil, Struck by suffice to describe it as having the flower and habit of
Lightning!" Zygocactus but with the glochid covered areoles on the
stem sections normally associated with the Opuutieae.
There were at least ioo flowers to be seen on a fine
Rebutia pscttdodeniinuta, which coupled with Wilcoxia This was certainly a very fine show, which must have
posclgeri, w o n for Mr. Richardson a first prize in the been enjoyed by participants and visitors alike.

57
 Connoisseur's Corner
COPIAPOA MONTANA
THE last 15 years has brought a spate of new and fasci-
nating plants from South America, particularly from
Chile, Peru and Bolivia. For these we are particularly
indebted to Rittcr and Cardenas, although others have
also been responsible for interesting discoveries. With
such a bewildering array of material at his disposal the
cactophile inevitably wonders what shall be his choice
for the limited space at his disposal and, not surprisingly,
opinions do differ. However, it is rare to find anyone
who is not captivated by the various species of the
genus Copiapoa, particularly large imported specimens
of C. cinerea in all their regal grandeur.
Yet, there are several small Copiapoa species worthy
of attention, not least because they flower at a compara-
tively early age. C. montana is one such, and deserves to
be in every collection. It is a somewhat columnar
species which eventually reaches seven or eight inches
in height and some three inches in diameter and it off-
sets from the base when a few years of age. The body is
divided into vertical ribs, each of which is notched into
a series of flattened tubercles. The apex of each tubercle
bears the arcolc from which five or six dark brown way in which the stamens arc loosely distributed within
spines emerge. the inner perianth segments. They are a complete con-
At four or five years of age the attractive flowers will trast to the normal arrangement in which stamens form
appear in mid-summer, and a second crop in August or a tight cylinder round the stigma. This species, described
early September is not uncommon. The blooms arc by Ritter in i960, is now available from time to time,
pale yellow and approximately two inches in diameter. both as plant and seed, and presents little in the way of
Perhaps the most fascinating feature of the flower is the cultural difficulties.

Epiphyllum Hybrids and their Hybridizers

by F. Braun

PART II placed first for alphabetical reasons. Mrs. Steele was the
FOLLOWING publication of my article in the February earliest of the West Coast hybridizers in the 1930's.
Journal, Dr. Irwin of the Epiphyllum Society of America Page 14
has notified me of certain errors and omissions which R. W. Kado should read R. F. Kado. Both Kado and
require correction. Ito in fact returned to California after the War, Kado to
Page 13 his Rockcraft and Bonsai business and Ito took over
The varieties raised by Knebel, other than those Lessar's Nursery specialising exclusively in cacti and
commemorating his family and relatives are those succulents.
varieties readily available in this country. I appreciate The address for the Coolidgc nursery should be
that he raised many other worthy hybrids such as Altadcna Drive and not Altcrdcna Drive. As the nursery
Gertrude Bcahm, CcKa, Camillo Schneider, Hcureka, is no longer in existence, this alteration is perhaps
Dr. Von Roedcr, Dcutschland, etc., but these and his academic.
other varieties arc somewhat more difficult to obtain Mr. Leslie C. Parker should be in the past tense as his
and would only be located after extensive searching and nursery is now being operated by Mr. Ito. What has
possibly importing cuttings from abroad. become of Poindcxter's plants I cannot say at the
Mrs. Clarion Steele was years ahead of Poindexter moment.
with the results of European seeds. Poindexter was only There arc four varieties called Pfau, 1. Callender's

58
Pfau, 2. Dreers Pfau, 3. Belgian Pfau and 4. Pfau. Future Meetings in London
Cactus Pete Junior only operated from the stated Tuesday, September 19, Autumn Show:
address for a short time and was assumed to have gone Less Common Cacti—Miss M. Martin.
out of business. However, I understand that he is still Wednesday, October 8, Ceropegias—Mr. C. G.
growing Epiphyllums at another address although 1 Brown.
believe he is not open for business at the moment. Wednesday, November 19, Winter Care—Mr. A.
Page 15 Boarder, Mr. W. F. Maddams, Mr. P. V. Collings.
Neither Mr. Hathaway, Mr. and Mrs. Haimon or
Nelson Ross sell Epiphyllums and therefore should not 50th Anniversary of Dutch-Belgian
be approached for catalogues or cuttings. Association "Succulenta".
The reference to Effinger "knew nothing about Our President Mrs. Shurly, was very happy to
Epiphyllums" should be deleted. I understand that receive an invitation to the opening of the Golden
Nelson Ross only assisted Effinger in organising his Jubilee Congress of the above Society by Mr. J. Klaascsz,
nursery until the Garden Grove premises were ready, Queen's Governor of the Southern Provinces of
probably as Ross is gradually going blind. Effinger Holland, and also to the reception following the official
expects to be open for business during the coming ceremony.
season and should have a good selection of plants. We would like to take the opportunity of somewhat
Floyd Nahigan left the Los Altos address about 10 belatedly congratulating "Succulenta" on the occasion
years ago and has apparently lost all interest in these which took place last May.
plants.
E. J. Robertson and C. L. Wright were both former
presidents of the American Society and Mr. Wright is
currently the Treasurer.
Oddities
Strange goings-on in the greenhouse
Ed. Hummel is no longer at Inglcwood and his The aim of this series is to report unusual growth
business is now wholesale and mail order only. forms observed in members' collections. Members arc
Harry Johnson now does mail order only and 1 invited to send contributions to the scries, preferably
understand Mrs. McCollum ceased her business four including a photograph or line drawing. If any mor-
years ago. phologists among our readers canprovidc an explanation
Page 16 of these phenomena, the Editor will be pleased to hear
Finally the words in the paragraph relating to Mr. from them.
Inncs "including some of the un-named Dc-Laet No. 10 M. J. Brown.
varieties" should be deleted as it is a printer's error and
I bought my Mamnrilaria Compressa in June,
the following words substituted "and his catalogue now
1967, from a florist's shop in Carshalton and in my
lists several hundred varieties".
opinion it was a perfectly healthy and normal plant.
Then in October, 1967 I noticed a spot of white woolly
substance forming on the top which 1 thought was mealy
bug so I tried to remove it with a camel hair brush dipped
in methylated spirit but found it was firmly fixed to
the crown of the plant and would not move. I made
enquiries from different people including experts but
nobody can tell me what it is or how it got there so
1 decided I would carry on cultivating it in the normal
way—dry in the winter in a temperature of approx. 45 °
with a paraffin stove for heating and normal watering
in the summer, but I never give my plants any
fertilizer.
The Compressa has grown well and seems per-
fectly healthy and the white substance has grown as
well till now it is about one and a half inches in diameter.
The white substance is softish to touch rather hairy
but solid. In the last few weeks a piece about quarter
of an inch has gone a lightish brown and a very small
piece of green is showing in the middle of the white.
Perhaps some other readers know what this is or
have had the same experience, if so I would like to
hear their comments through the medium of the
Journal.

59
 Correspondence As a grower with a particular liking for the "desert"
cacti I have been following with interest the recent
articles and correspondence on the ease, or otherwise,
with which these plants can be grown. I find myself in
broad agreement with Mr. Putman. In my experience,
plants of Ariocarpus (except scapharostrus) Encephalo-
carpus, Strombocactus, Pelecyphora, etc., are not
difficult to grow. Planted in coarse, gritty compost
containing very little humus they will thrive with
normal watering and still retain their fine, rugged
appearance.
I was interested however, that Mr. Putnam should
single out Sclerocactus as a particularly difficult genus.
My plant of Sclerocactus whipplei grows alongside the
other desert species and thrives with exactly the same
treatment. I enclose a photograph of this plant and also
one of the somewhat similar Ancistrocactus scheeri. I
must confess that I have not flowered the Sclerocactus. I
have heard that, in habitat, these plants are subjected to
very low winter temperatures and that they will only
flower if they have this wmtcr freezing. 1 have not dared
to try freezing my only specimen. I would be interested
to hear from any grower with knowledge of this matter.
If, from the preceding, I have given the impression
that I can grow all cacti without difficulty I must hasten
to correct this. Apart from Ariocarpus scapharostrus
mentioned above I have failed completely to successfully
grow Toumeya paprycantha—even as a grafted plant.
Sciewcactus whipplei W . Weightman
Orpington, Kent.

W i t h reference to your article "Photographing your

plants" (II) in the May issue of the Journal, as a Society
member and one of "the little shop round the comer"
photographic dealers, I must take exception to your
rather derogatory remarks about the smaller dealer.
It is my experience that the smaller dealer really looks
after his customers, whereas the larger shops, although
giving admittedly in many cases excellent service, tend
to become extremely impersonal, but the smaller dealer
is on what may be called intimate terms with the
majority of his customers and has the backing of some
considerable number of years, experience, which is more
than can be said for some of the alleged "salesmen" in
the larger dealers, who, working on a commission basis,
always tend to sell the customer the most expensive
and unnecessary equipment to do a simple job.
All reputable small dealers, myself included, give a
guarantee with all their secondhand cameras, and, in the
majority of cases, prices will always be considerably
lower as overheads are less than the larger stores.
There appear to be several inaccuracies m your text to
which I would draw attention. You state that by
placing extension tubes between the camera and lens
that this "alters the focal length of the lens". Whoever
told you this (possibly one of the larger dealers;) is all
Ancistrocactus schecri wrong. N O T H I N G alters the focal length of the lens

60
except a lens convertor, of which the good ones are Mr. Boarder has often mentioned making central
quite good and poor ones not worth bothering with as holes in the bases of plastic pots, so that plants can be
they destroy lens definition. These arc of little use for pushed out with a stick (and have their roots torn up
close-up photography anyway. through the centre of the ball!). Has he not yet dis-
covered that plants never get jammed into these pots
You state diat with a set of extension tubes it is because the walls arc too smooth for roots to cling
possible to focus on a subject only an inch away. This hard, as they did in clay; All one ever needs do is hold
is not so. W i t h a standard 50 m m . focal length lens one the pot horizontally, tap it gently while turning it, and
would need approximately six inches of extension out slides the plant, just like that. If compost is moist
tubes and/or bellows. (and in plastic pots it almost always is), the tapping is
You further state that "unless you are the lucky hardly necessary. Think of the time and effort saved in
owner of a Leica you will also have to cope with paral- not needing to make those extra holes! (Lazy Daph).
lax troubles, etc.". The Leica is only parallax corrected T o me the whole idea of using plastic pots is to save
to the minimum focusing distance of the lens which labour: Mrs. Stillwell is putting lots of her miniature
is usually three feet. Nearer than this one must employ Mescmbs. back into clay because she found them g r o w -
the Leitz near focusing devices (very expensive) or ing too lush. The answer here is, all plants need far less
alternatively use the Visoflex housing (even more expen- watering when in plastic, which holds moisture for
sive at ^ 8 9 16s. od. and costing as much as a good weeks even though compost surface looks dry. My own
quality S.L.R.). The alternative would be the n o w dis- miniature Mescmbs. (all five of them!) stay compact and
continued near focusing Summicron lens at circa ^ 1 0 0 typical because they arc watered no more than O N C E
which only focuses down to 19 in. and gives a field of A M O N T H during their growth season. Fast-growing
view of approximately 7 in. X 10 in., which is of little plants are drowned fortnightly, even then many of
use for close-up photography. The other alternative them have not dried out and are left for a second
would be to use the Lcicaflcx S.L. at circa ^ 3 9 5 which is fortnight. The roots of Haworthias tend to rot in plastic
a true S.L.R. and eliminates parallax troubles. pots if watered, so they get a drink about twice a year
and keep their roots.
I cannot agree with you about the alleged "high cost" Just for the record, my greenhouse is in a completely
of colour film for the 2 J square twin lens reflex camera. open situation and baked in sunshine all day and evening.
Using 35 m m . colour film one obtains (assuming one Plastic offers every advantage over clay for the no-time-
purchases 36 exposures at a time) i f sq. in. for a cost of to-sparc cactophile, or the lazy one like me.
n f d . Using T20 film (say Agfa at 17s. 7d. for 12 expo- Daphne Hutchinson,
sures process paid) one gets five ^ sq. in. for is. 6d. Surely North Shields.
the law of economics in relation to area points out that
the 120 size pro rata is far more economical but admit-
tedly the disadvantage here is the difficulty of getting real
close-up and the rather high cost of projection as opposed News from Branches
to 35 m m .
North Surrey Branch
Hugh Miller,
In previous years this Branch has held a number of
S.W.6.
"Restricted Branch Competitions", open to members
only and which have been judged by popular vote—
(I thank Mr. Miller for his comments. I realise my
each member attending being given a voting paper. In
wording was perhaps a little slipshod and may have
the early days, results admittedly did tend to favour the
misled some readers. From the technical point of view Mr.
more showy and spectacular plants, and some smaller
Miller is undoubtedly far more knowledgeable than 1
but more difficult and specialised ones were apt to be
and I am grateful to him for taking the trouble to
overlooked. However, as members have learned more
correct my errors and I hope he has forgiven me for my
about the plants and become more discriminating,
remarks about "the little shop round the corner" in
results did improve and as the evening usually ended
which category I did not intend to include anyone of
with comments by one of the experts, we did all learn
his calibre.
quite a lot about judging. This year, however, we
E.M.D.)
decided to change the system and ask an outside judge
to come along and not only judge the plants but give
us his reasons for his decisions. W e were fortunate for
Small Ads. the first competition this year to have Mr. E. W .
" S T A R T I N G W I T H C A C T I " (with colour), by Putnam as our judge and after completing his judging,
Arthur Boarder, published by Collingridgc at 25s. he gave us some very interesting comments on the plants
A complete guide from seed raising to flowering and and his reasons for making the awards, in each class.
exhibiting, the result of 62 years practical experience. W e felt this was very helpful and hope that in our next

61
competition wc shall show that wc have benefited by
his remarks.
North London
Capel Manor Horticultural Centre,
Bullsmorc Lane, Enfield.
O n Saturday and Sunday, May 3ist-Junc ist, an
exhibition was staged by the North London Branch at
the Capel Manor Horticultural Centre open weekend.
Plants for display were contributed by most members
of the Branch which resulted in 282 plants being
exhibited.
The centre piece was a 6 ft. X 9 ft. display, which was
staged by Mr. and Mrs. Dale, and contained 60 plants.
The two side stagings had 222 pots and each Genus was
separated and labelled. Society Stand at Chelsea—May 1969
Some 1,400 visitors saw the exhibition, over 500
copies of the aims of the Society and Branch activities
were distributed, 60 booklets were sold and numerous to the show and laid out in such a maimer that a scheme
enquiries answered by members of the Branch acting as could be moulded around them and the plants them-
stewards, and it is anticipated that this will lead to several selves linked up in a combination that would show them
new members for the Society. to their best advantage whilst integrating as a har-
The centre display naturally caused the greatest monious whole.
interest but several pans or pots on the side stagings Here, I would like to offer my thanks to the willing
caught the eye, such as a 9 in. pan of Mammillaria helpers w h o translated broad statements from myself
zeilmanniana in full bloom, a very pretty Schlumbergera into carefully placed and detailed groups of plants—
gaertneri hybrid with flowers in a lilac shade, a small pan Mrs. Whichcr, Mr. Hurley, Mr. Newton, Mr. Read,
of Ayhstera albiflora in bloom, a Notocactus graessneri Mr. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Bourne and Mr. Best.
with two lovely green flowers, an Echinocereus sheerii Again I would stress that when I asked for a good
in bloom, two really large but perfect Euphorbia obessa selection of large sized plants with which to form the
and last but by n o means least a Diplocyautha ciliata backbone of the exhibit, the North Surrey Branch
with its lovely yellow flower. responded nobly. Mr. and Mrs. Maddams, who were
A Note for your Diary on a visit to America, gave willing permission for the
use of whatever plants were needed from their collec-
Starting in September the North London Branch
tion. Our Chairman, Mr. Boarder, also contributed the
will meet in Capel Manor Horticultural Centre on the
fine selection of lithops that was so much admired. Mr.
third Friday in each month, 7 p.m. for 7.30 p.m.
Collings, despite all the handicaps of a split collection
All G.B. members welcome.
through moving to his new home in the south, contri-
Jack Kemp
buted plants as did Mrs. Dyson, Mrs. Whicher and a
gentleman whose name escapes me. After setting out
Chelsea Show the plants, the whole surface area was dressed with 14
AS A result of the favourable publicity, booklet sales and hundredweights of builders sand. Unfortunately, this
several new members gained at the Chelsea Show of was very wet and proved difficult to spread evenly over
1968, it was resolved to again show, this time to be a and between the pot rims, which by Show regulations,
solo effort and not one of partnership with the National must be hidden. The Sunday, on which wc set up the
as before. The writer was entrusted with the organisa- stand, was both cold and wet, but all stuck at the task
tion of the whole effort from the first application for until well into the evening.
show space made to the R.H.S. to the final clearance The Monday was spent by two or three people with
certificate given at the end of the Show. clean paint brushes tidying up the n o w drying sand
The stand allocated to us was 16 feet long by six feet and putting the finishing touches to things before the
wide, with a four inch deep rim all round the island judging at 4.30 p.m. This, the final judgement on our
table site. Hindsight, ever easy to possess, has since efforts, resulted in a Silver Banksian medal for the
suggested that a wider site of about eight feet would Society.
have been more compatible with our type of display. From opening time on the Tuesday morning to the
The display itself was difficult to assess, as no one final bell on the Friday night more volunteers turned
could definitely state what plants, their sizes—pots as up to man the stand, sell booklets and journals, enrol
well as the actual growth—would be actually available new members and, most important of all, answer
to the exhibit until they had been collected, transported questions both on the plants and the Society. Beginners

62
they might have been when their stint started, but two
hours later it was a job to get them to take their free
time and make way for the next shift. Ladies and
gentlemen, I really do admire the way you tackled that
BACK NUMBERS
great unknown—the British and foreign public at all
weights. In addition to the folk whose names have OF THE JOURNAL
already been mentioned in their role as helpers, and
who came back for stand duties, we had Mrs. Massey, The following are still available (marked X)
Mrs. Stillwcll, Miss Drage, Mrs. Bickers, Mrs. Fereday,
Miss Baker, Mr. Hyams and Mr. Ellis, not forgetting Vol. I. 2. 3. 4. Index
B. Verity, all reporting for duty ahead of time and
8 X X X X X
staying late until being driven off by me. 9 — X X X X
10 — X X X X
Others who contributed in a large measure to the II — X — — —
success of our stand were—Mr. Jennison of Northern 12 — X — X X
Counties, who made a personal delivery of a stock of 13 — X X X X
14 —
booklets; Mr. Miller who had a supply of the Society's X X — X
15 X
Journals on the stand by 9 a.m. on the Sunday morning. 16 — X — X
—
Mr. Auger who, by taking the stand next door, showed 17 X X — — —
the public the type of plant they could easily obtain at 18 X X X X X
a reasonable price, thus increasing their interest in the 19 — — — X —
20 onwards all available.
hobby. Lastly, the members from all over the country,
who visited the stand and expressed their appreciation Prices: up t o vol jmes 20
of our efforts, coupled with the hope that we should U.K. U.S.A Overseas
make an annual feature of the event at which all could singles: 3/6 5/- as
rendezvous. volumes: 11/6 20/- per
Alan Clare Vol. 20 onwa rds: 3- 36 quotation
11/6 15-

From A. W . Heathcote,
Southwold, Station Road,
Bishopstone,
Seaford, Sussex.

PRESERVE YOUR JOURNALS with a binding case,

ANNUAL DINNER in which each issue is fixed with a wire. The case is
finished in green cloth with gilt lettering on the spine.
The Restaurant of the R.H.S., Greycoat Street, Price: 12s., post free to members.
S.W.i. has been booked for the 29th November, this
IDENTIFY YOURSELF with the Society's lapel
being the date nearest to our 48th Anniversary, for a
badge. Price 4s. 6d., post free.
dinner at 7.^0 p.m. Tickets will be 2 guineas a head
and it would be appreciated if members desirous of OR with the Society's blazer badge. Price 10s., post
attending would get in touch with the Secretary at an free. State whether black or navy background required.
early date. Parking in Vincent Square will be readily IDENTIFY YOUR PLANTS with triangular, white
available at the time stated. Needless to say, the ivorine labels, which can be read without turning the
guests of members will be especially welcome. head. Price: 4s. per 100, post free.
Catering has been arranged for 50-80 people at the All the above are available from the Hon. Treasurer—Mr.
price stated. Drinks will of course be extra. R. H. I. Read, 5 Wilbury Avenue, Cheam, Surrey.

63
Printed by W. H. Houldershaw Ltd.,
49-55 London Road,
Southend-on-Sea
 Cactus and
The

Succulent Journal
of Great Britain
Established 1931

Vol. 31 NOVEMBER, 1969 No. 4

Published Quarterly by The Cactus and Succulent Society of Great Britain

at 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
 President: Mrs. D. SHURLY
Vice-Presidents: P. V. COLLINGS, K.ST.J.,
A. W. HEATHCOTE, F.C.I.S., Mrs. M. STILLWELL,

COUNCIL
A. BOARDER, Chairman W. F. MADDAMS, M.SC, A.INST.P.
H. AUGER Mrs. B. MADDAMS
Mrs. R. J. DYSON B. MAKIN
Mrs. H. HODGSON I. F. NEWMAN
Mrs. S. G. SHARMAN
Show Committee: D. V. Brewcrton, C. G. Brown, K. Grantham,
Mrs. H. Hodgson, Mrs. B. Maddams

Secretary: A. Clare, 26, Albert Street, St. Albans, Herts.

Membership Secretary; Mrs. A. Whicher, 10, Chanctonbury Chase, Redhill.
Treasurer: R. H. I. Read, 5, Wilbury Avenue, Cheam, Surrey.
Show Secretary: Mrs. H. Hodgson, 16, The Braid, Chesham, Bucks.
Meetings Secretary: Mrs. S. G. Sharman, 107, Sunnyfield, Mill Hill, N.W.7.
Editor: Miss E. M. Drage, B.A., 39, The Ridgway, Sutton, Surrey.
Librarian : G. G. Leighton Boyce, 220 Leigham Court Road, London, S.W.16.
Plant Exchanges: A. Boarder, Marsworth, Mead-way, Ruislip, Middlesex.
Seed Purchases: W. F. Maddams, 26, Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
Seed Distribution: Miss E. Brown, Greensands, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Branch Secretaries
Berks and Bucks: Mrs. M. Still well, 18 St. Andrews Crescent, Windsor.
West Kent: Mrs. M. R. Dobson, 13, Montague Avenue, Brockley, London, S.E.4.
Essex: Miss I. E. Potton, 25 Vicarage Road, Hornchurch, Essex.
North London: Mr. John Marshall, 9 Warners Avenue, Sheredes, Hoddesdon, Herts.
Hertfordshire: Mrs. B. Massey, 86 Auckland Road, Potters Bar, Herts.
North Surrey: W. F. Maddams, 26 Glenfield Road, Banstead, Surrey.
East Essex:
Northern Counties: E. L. Jennison, Alric, 7 Sandfield Road, Marden Farm, Tynemouth, Northumberland.
North Staffs: Mr. John Wilson, 5 Monkton Close, Burton, Stoke-on-Trent.

CONTENTS

Editorial 65
Obituary—C. W. Pitcher 65
Annual General Meeting .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65
Cultural Notes—Cacti by A. Boarder .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 66
Cultural Notes—Other Succulents by Mrs. M. Stillwell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68
Notes from San Diego by Richard Russell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 69
The Thirteenth Bi-ennial Convention of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America by
W. F. and B. Maddams .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 71
The June Show 1969 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 77
Results of the June Show 1969 . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 78
Results of the September Show 1969 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 79
The September Show 1969 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 81
Connoisseur's Corner—Conophytum Cupreatum .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 83
Succulent Snippets by Sally Cornioides .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 84
Correspondence .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 85
Society's Library .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 85
 THE CACTUS AND SUCCULENT JOURNAL OF GREAT BRITAIN
Vol. 31 November 1969 No. 4

Editorial Obituary
THERE is NOT much space for me this time, so I will MR. c. w. PITCHER was one of the most respected and
begin by reminding you about the Society Dinner on loved members of the National Cactus and Succulent
the 29th November at the R.H.S. Restaurant, R.H.S. Society. He first became interested in succulents at a
Hall, Greatcoat Street, S.W.I. Tickets 2 guineas each visit to the Bradford Branch annual show, and soon
from the Secretary, Mr. A. Clare, 26 Albert Street, St. developed a fine collection of plants he was pleased
Albans, Herts. There is still time to hurry up and get to call "T.C.P's", his familiar name for the caudiciform
yours. This is a new venue for the function as there succulents owing to their likeness to turnips, carrots and
had been a number of complaints about the previous parsnips.
meeting place. This should be a very good evening and He spent a great deal of his time lecturing on these
I look forward to seeing you there. plants to succulent lovers all over the British Isles,
Another point I want to mention is that there has undertaking tours of the far-flung Branches.
just been a further printing of the Society Booklet. His editorship of the Bradford Bulletin well fitted
Branch Secretaries requiring these in bulk should apply him to take over the Editorship of the Journal of the
to Mr. Hugh Miller, 289 New Kings Road, Chelsea, National Society, and he raised this publication to the
London, S.W.3 (see advert.) forefront of succulent literature.
Please make sure that you read, and act upon, the One of the greatest interests in his life was the
notice of the Annual General Meeting, below. The organisation of Shows, and he served as Chairman of
new rules make this most important. the Shows Committee for a number of years. During
It was with great regret that we learned recently of this time the twenty-first anniversary of the National
the death of Herr Helmut Gerdau, President of the Society was celebrated by a National Show at
German Society, Deutschen Kakteen-Gesellschaft e.V., Nottingham, the first venture of this kind for a long
since 1965. As a keen Cactophile he will be much time. Under his leadership, the Shows Committee
missed by collectors in Germany and our sympathy started a series of annual courses for training judges to
goes also to his widow and son. He is succeeded as ensure a more even standard of judging shows.
President of the Society by Herr Manfried Fiedler whom We of the National Cactus and Succulent Society
we wish a happy and successful term of office. E.M.D. will long miss his drive, energy and wise counsel.

Annual General Meeting

IN ACCORDANCE WITH Rule 6,1 give notice that that an Annual General Meeting of the Cactus and Succulent Society
of Great Britain will be held on 25th February, 1970 in the New Hall Lecture Room of the Royal Horticultural
Society, Vincent Square, London, S.W.i, commencing at 6.30 p.m.
The attention of all members is drawn to Rule 5, sections (d) and (e), covering the procedure to be followed in the
election of Officers. This must be strictly adhered to if your nomination and vote are to count.
Under 5(d), the President and all Vice-Presidents are to be elected annually by a show of hands at the Annual
General Meeting.
Under the same paragraph, The Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, as well as members of the Council
due to retire by rota after three years of office, must be nominated in writing bearing the signature of a proposer
and seconder and be accompanied by the written and signed consent of the nominated person to serve in the office
for which he or she has been so nominated.
Such nominations must be in the hands of the Hon. Secretary not less than nine weeks prior to the Annual
General Meeting. The effective date in this case is the &th December, 1969.
The following members of the Council are due to retire by rota and are eligible for re-election:
1. Mr. A. Boarder—officiating as Chairman.
2. Mr. I. F. Newman—elected to Council after handing over as Hon. Treasurer to Mr. R. H. I. Read, whose
place and turn he thus took over.
3. Mr. B. Makin.
In the event of there being more nominees to the Council than the three vacancies shown, a list containing details
of all nominees will be circulated to all members entitled to vote six weeks prior to the AnnualGeneral Meeting for
a further postal vote.
Your active co-operation will be appreciated. Please use your vote for the good of your Society.
ALAN CLARE,
Hon. Secretary

65
 Cultural Notes
Cacti—by A. Boarder

THIS SUMMER HAS been a very good one for our plants plant to become lethal to any pest. I shall be glad to hear
and the amount of sunshine has brought many flowers from any reader who is able to give me any information
with their aftermath of fruits. These seed pods are such as to what percentage of the sap of a plant has to
a colourful show for most of the year and one should contain the insecticide sufficient to kill any biting pest.*
always endeavour to obtain as many as possible. By the I am experimenting with some of the soil-less compost
time this journal reaches you it will be time to get all and at the moment my tests have not been held long
the plants ready for the winter. N o doubt most collec- enough for me to be able to give any conclusive results.
tors will have repotted their plants by now, but it is In some cases it appears to be an advantage over my
probable that I may not have started. Each year seems usual compost but in others there does not seem to be
to bring so many tasks that it is almost impossible to get much difference. I pricked out some current year's
any repotting done before October or November. I do seedlings into Lcvington compost, some in J. Arthur
not find that this makes much difference to the growth Bowers Cactus compost and some into my o w n type.
of the plants. Actually it means that the soil in the pots After a couple of months there does not seem to be
is in good condition and so the roots can remain healthy much difference in the rate of growth in either. The
until the spring. concrete box with Lcvington compost has become very
I note that a correspondent in the last journal has green with Algae on the top, much more so than in the
been offering me advice. I am always glad to have any other composts. Also this seems to be a great attraction
assistance in growing my plants but I would have been to the tiny black Sciara fly. If this is to be more infested
more pleased had the information been anything more than my other compost then I shall not use it again.
than what I already knew. I am quite aware that plants I had a Euphorbia obesa which for a couple of years
can be removed from plastic pots by squeezing them, did not appear to grow at all and to my way of thinking
and this is all right for small plants. W h e n my large was on its way out. I potted it in Lcvington compost
mammillarias, many with fierce spines and hooks, arc and after a few months it has taken on a new lease of
being dealt with, I find that it is much better to remove life, it is growing well, a good colour and has flowered
them from their pots in an upright position. This I do very well, a female plant but at the moment I have no
by inserting a stick up the drainage hole on to the large male plant in bloom. I also had a Mammillaria guel-
crock which I always use. This method I have advocated zowiaua which had stood for a couple of years without
for years and any of my readers who do not know this making any new growth and it looked on its last legs.
have sadly missed my point. The stick never goes I potted this into the same compost and n o w it has
through or even touches the roots of a plant. The crock, definitely turned a healthy green and appears to be
as large as will go in the pot, ensures that it works as a growing. O n the other hand one or two other doubtful
platform, raising the whole ball of soil with roots starters do not seem to have benefited so far. I think that
without any trouble. This ball is then held and worked it would be a good plan to try the Levington for
on with the plant still in an upright position. The crock striking off-sets and cut pieces of cacti, as it should
can be nipped into shape with a pair of pincers. encourage root formation. I have a few last year's
So far this season I have not been troubled with seedling in the same compost and some arc growing
mealy bug but until I can handle all the plants which well in it but they look rather lush. This is the only
are at the rear of the staging individually, I cannot be complaint I have had so far as regards potting in Lcving-
certain that there arc none. During the spring I watered ton. Many plants grow too quickly, become lush and
with Pestex, which is stated to be a systemic insecticide. do not look at all typical. I know that many plants,
The action of this is said to be that the plant takes up although looking lush, also flower well and so one must
the liquid in the sap and when any pest bites the plant make an individual choice.
the fluid will kill it. However, no-one has ever told me I am sometimes asked if one should take off the side
h o w much of the fluid has to be taken up before it shoots from certain mammillarias. Most of the types
becomes lethal to pests. For instance the recommended which make these side shoots are what is termed
dose is a fluid ounce to a gallon of water. Providing this caespitose, and it is quite natural for them to do this. If
is watered to a plant, there must have to be a fair one exhibited a plant of this type which was single or
quantity to soak into the soil of the pot in the first without many off-shoots, it could be down-pointed.
place. Then the plant roots have to take up this liquid Many of the hooked mammillarias with fine large
and disperse it all over the plant. Let us consider an flowers are in this category, and I have had a grand
echinopsis about as large as a grape fruit. In this there is display of flowers on a group of M. swingki. This had
a lot of sap and one wonders how much of the insecti-
cide has to be taken in for the whole of the sap in the *Please send your answers to the Editor.

66
at least 20 flowers out at a time and really a magnificent fit something over it and even a range of inverted
sight. When these mammillarias make a good group flower pots can be stood above the lamp to help spread
one can expect that many of the side shoots will flower the heat.
as well as the main stem, and this adds to the attraction If one is fortunate enough to have a lamp with hot
of such plants. water pipes and a fume pipe above it, it is possible to
Towards the end of October it will be necessary to construct long tubes of firm plastic to fit on each end
go over the whole collection to make certain that all is of the flue pipe. This will not only spread the heat but
in good trim for the long days of rest. All top soil should most of the vapour will condense in the tubes and can
be lightly forked over and changed if at all foul. Any be caught in jars under each end. This will mean that
weeds should be removed, labels checked and the instead of the glass roof and glazing bars being con-
drainage hole inspected. These often get stopped up stantly wet whilst the lamp is alight, these will remain
and so should be opened up again. The roof of the perfectly dry at all times.
greenhouse or frame should have attention to make If gas heating of water pipes is available then a lot of
sure that all is in good condition. work and worry can be dodged. The solid fuel boiler
The next step will be to see that any heating apparatus can be a very hard graft to keep alight throughout a
is in good order. Where electricity is being used it is a winter and unless one is on hand to attend to it at certain
good plan to check up on all connections. Points of types of weather, it may either go out altogether in dull
plugs should be cleaned and polished with fine emery weather or burn away like mad during a very windy
cloth. Also if there are several connections of plugs in a clear spell. The washers of the pipes should be inspected
greenhouse, it is wise to wrap insulating tape all over to see if any need changing for new ones before lighting
the plugs and sockets to ensure that no drips or damp up for the first time. I would never recommend this
can enter. If this is not done one can get what is known type of boiler to anyone with a medium or small sized
as frying, and shorting could occur or crackles on radio greenhouse, but a very large one may have to be heated
or television in the home. Any thermostat should be in this manner.
inspected. It may be found that the make-and-break For the average house paraffin oil heating is the
connections have become dirty and need cleaning. Also cheapest to run but it is of no use trying to heat a fairly
it is not unknown with some types, for spiders to make large greenhouse with a small type lamp. One should
their nests in them. Any wiring which appears at all not have to turn the wick up to its maximum but it is
frayed should be replaced. It is possible to get plastic better to have a powerful type of lamp which can be
covered cables nowadays which will last almost in- run well within its limits, the fear of a "draw-up" is then
definitely. obviated. A blue flame lamp is better than a white flame
Whilst little can be done to improve any of the in my opinion and I have used several types of lamp
tubular or cable heaters, apart from seeing that they during the past years. One point cannot be over-
function, the fan type of heater may require servicing as emphasised, and that is, always return to the lamp soon
this having working parts may need some attention. after it has been lighted as it is almost certain that as the
Paraffin oil heaters will certainly require attention. lamp and oil warm up, so the flame can rise. Unless the
First examine the wick and if it appears to be dis- wick is turned down soon after the lamp has warmed
integrating, it should be changed for a new one, before up, trouble could occur later. During the early spring it
any lighting is done. The oil should have been emptied is important to visit the greenhouse where an oil lamp
out at the end of the last season but if this has not been is used, early on a sunny morning. It is surprising how
done, now is the time for this. Discard any old oil, and soon the sun can heat up a greenhouse and so could
any which has been stored all the summer may have lost cause the flame to draw up.
some of its strength and one would be well advised to Plastic pots still give rise to many arguments but
start with fresh paraffin. If the heater is one with over- some of the ideas mooted are rather difficult to under-
head water pipes and a fume pipe, these should be stand. For instance we are constantly told not to use
cleaned out, especially the fume pipe. This can collect them for Lithops, but my own collection of about 70
plenty of soot during a winter's burning. If the heater is species has been in plastic pots, mostly half-pots for
of the type without over-head pipes it is essential that nearly two years. These plants are quite healthy and
something should be fitted over it to disperse the heat. have not become blown or untypical. Some have
As the heat rises to the roof very quickly from a lamp about 30 heads and are over 20 years old. One could plant
it soon loses much of its value over the cold glass. Lithops in plastic pots and by withholding water they
Therefore some form of disperser should be fitted. could become desiccated. It all depends on the amount
Where a lamp is used under a staging, a good idea is to of water given. One would think that it is impossible
suspend a sheet of corrugated iron well above the to over-water a clay pot, but this is not so. Plastic pots
lamp. This sheet should be bent to form a wide channel are all right for any plant, cactus or other succulent as
over the lamp and so the heat will strike it and spread long as too much water is not given. It is as easy as that.
out over the whole length of the staging. If the lamp When watering is mastered then so is the growing of
stands on a path in the greenhouse it is still possible to our plants whether in plastic pots or clay ones.

67
 Cultural Notes
Other Succulents—Mrs. M. Stillwell

THIS HAS BEEN without a doubt one of the best summers H. bolusii and H. setata. One wonders if H. holusii is
we have experienced for many years, and I am sure all really just another variety of H. setata of which there
our plants have benefited from the extra hours of sun- are so many. I have grown seed from m y plants, which
shine. As the autumn approaches the many flowers of have produced the most attractive hybrids all slightly
the Mesembryanthemums take precedence in the different, which makes one wonder h o w many really
greenhouse, with often a prcdominence of yellow. I true species do find their way into collections, but being
broke up several of the Pleiospilos and re-rooted the a true plant lover, I find the little setata hybrids most
heads this year, as I find they seem to get smaller with pleasing to the eye. Haworthia bolusii as I know it, and
age, as the base becomes woody and they appreciate a which was an important plant many years ago, is a very
new start in life. The newly rooted heads are flowering white hairy plant and almost as large and round as a
well this year, some with more than one flower to each cricket ball. The bottom rows of leaves always tend to
head. These plants you will find usually produce plenty die back and have to be removed carefully from time
of seed, but often result in hybrids, and should not be to time.
passed on as true Species. By the autumn, Pleiospilos In spite of what Mrs. Daphne Hutchinson says in her
nelii should have just the one large body which will letter published in the journal for August, I still prefer
show signs of a new one in the centre, through which to keep the choicer Haworthias in clay pots. It is natural
the buds will appear about January-February. for Haworthias to form new roots each year and to lose
The Conophytums come into their own in the autumn, some of their old ones; when repotting the new roots
when the old papery skins can be carefully removed to will be seen growing very thick and white from behind
tive them a tidier appearance. Here it is possible to the bottom row of leaves of the rosette. This will often
introduce some colour other than yellow into the make it necessary to remove the bottom r o w of leaves
collection, by choosing those Conophytums with the before potting up again to give them a little more
mauve and purple and pink flowers. Unfortunately r o o m ; at the same time the old dead roots can be
these are usually produced by the smaller types which removed. The best time to do this is about September.
take a number of years to reach a good-sized clump. I cannot imagine what Haworthia rctusa varieties would
Any of the following produce showy flowers: C. look like if only watered twice a year as Mrs. Hutchin-
wettsteinii, C. fenestratum, C. erniana, C. minutum, son seems to advocate as they soon start to shrink when
C. odoratum, C. ficiforme and C. pearsoni. Conophytums they need water, whether in a plastic pot or not. M y
can scorch if grown too close to the glass. One should plants are usually kept rather on the dry side for the
not be without the very early flowering Conophytum same reason as Mrs. Hutchinsons, simply that I cannot
notabile with deep bronze-coloured flowers. This is one always find time to get round to watering all of them.
of the problem plants that with age develops stems I agree solely that cacti grow ideally in plastic pots, but
which give it the appearance of a shrubby mesembryan- I am not too sure about the miniature growing succu-
themum rather than a stemless, and it is debatable lents which, to my mind, must remain compact to keep
whether it should be included in the stemless memesbry- their beauty.
anthemums for show purposes. Gasterias and Aloes seem to do well, and flower well,
The Autumn Show at the R.H.S. Hall produced in plastic pots and I have a large plant of Gasteria
some very choice plants from the members, although we batesiana which never looked better and has flowered
should still like to see more compete. The dwarf Aloes from every head. Gasteria liliputana is very attractive
have become very popular during the last few years, when in full flower, but only when it has reached at
and would be ideal for people lacking a lot of space, least a 4J inch pot and to my mind should not be
and for those with shadier conditions and even window- exhibited with just one or two heads; this is not a show
sills. O n the show bench was the very attractive Aloe size plant.
jacunda and A. albiflora with its dainty white flower I have noticed in the course of judging that so many
heads, and a nicely marked A. rauhii which caught people w h o have been lucky enough to obtain a small
everyone's eye. Aloe haworthioides is, of course, a real rare plant cannot wait to show it, and then wonder w h y
gem and still much sought after. M y only complaint it did not get first prize. It is n o good showing a small
at the London show was that the latter was grossly over- immature cutting, however rare, if it has not got
potted, probably to bring the pot size into line with the properly established and please do not try to fool the
other exhibits in the class, but I trust it was returned to judge by putting it into a large pot. The six pots of
a pot more fitting to its size after the show. Lithops that received first prize at the show this year were
There are also some very beautiful Haworthias avail- perhaps the smallest of the exhibits, but were all adult
able today including those going under the name of clumps beautifully firm and well coloured and very

68
carefully presented. So many people seem to get their walls, and at the same time clean the inside of the glass to
litlwps oversized and some I noticed seemed to be ensure that the plants receive the maximum of light
sitting just on top of the soil, making them look even during the dark days; put a little Jcyes fluid in the water
taller. Lithops have contractile roots pulling them down for washing shelves and woodwork; it helps to deter
into the soil. Show pots always look nicer if given a pests, and also if time allows examine the underneath of
top dressing of comish grit or coarse aquarium gravel, all pots for signs of root bug or woodlicc that may be
but not all coloured chippings please. hidden from view and cither wipe the pots with the
The Euphorbias were well represented this year and same Jeyes fluid flannel or grind them into some
must have taken great care to transport as their milky powdered paradichloride of benzine crystals. Drips
latex exudes at the least touch. It is always the safest way during the winter can play havoc and although I dislike
of packing to enclose the whole plant in a core of thick lining the house with polythene for the winter, it often
newspaper to ensure that it does not touch its neighbour. comes in useful pinned under roof-lights, or anywhere
When the autumn is approaching Euphorbias should else that may show signs of leaking. If it is pinned up
receive less and less water to harden them off for their loosely to catch the water, it can be emptied out easily.
winter rest; they stand the cold if allowed to become Check all thermostats to ensure they are working
dry. Many are still growing vigorously during the properly; often they get stuck during the summer,
autumn and one can only be governed by the weather possibly if we get a bit careless and get water in them.
when watering. When any deciduous leaves start to I always like to get some of the repotting done in the
turn yellow and die off, that is the sign that they need autumn, particularly the larger plains that arc well
a rest. established and do not resent disturbance, but do not
As winter approaches, have a good clear up in the move young seedlings or plants known to be tem-
greenhouse, and if possible brush down all shelves and peramental.

Notes from San Diego

by Richard Russell
i BELIEVE MY INTEREST in cacti started back in 1938. In
those days I lived in the heart of New York City. The
mother of a very good friend of mine was a botanist,
and she kept a box full of cacti in her window. Most of
the plants did not do very well, but there was one tiny
specimen which grew splendidly, seeming oblivious of
the harsh conditions of a steam-heated city apartment.
The little plant was labelled Frailca grahliana. I noted
with interest that within a few years the little cactus
had thrown out dozens of "pups". Furthermore, strange,
furry little buds kept appearing at the crown of the
plant. Being cleistogamous, the buds never opened, but
went directly to seed.
I moved to San Diego, California, ten years ago, and
of course this area is a cactus grower's delight. Unlike
the cities of the cast, everything is going for the cactus
fancier here. But somehow, I have never forgotten the
little Fraileas. I still have a soft spot in my heart for this
strange, little-known genus. A i-foot stand ofElychnia iquiquensis in the author's
The name Frailca was put forth in honour of Manuel front garden
Fraile, a curator of cacti in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture in Washington, D.C. The genus was set species. I have always had the quick-multiplying
up by Britton and Rose in 1922, and it included nine F. grahliana and schlinzkyana, both globular types. I also
species which were previously included in Schumann's had the globular F. Columbiana and pygmea as well as
all-encompassing genus, Echinocactus. All the Fraileas are F. pscudopulcherrima. Finally, I owned the more
tiny plants; they come in cylindrical, semi-cylindrical difficult-to-grow and rarer F. gracillima (a tiny columnar
and globular shapes. plant). Last year I received two new and beautiful
They are relatively easy to grow, and I have done Fraileas for my collection, F. cataphracta and F. castanea.
best with them in semi-sun in large containers which The latter is one of the most interesting species in the
do not dry out too quickly and which stay relatively genus, the plants appearing like tiny, bejewelled
cool. In the past I was limited as to a small number of Astrophytums.

69
 Just a month ago I was lucky enough to be able to add
a number of new or harder-to-find species to my
collection. First, I received F. dadakii which some place
as a variation of F. pygmea (it looks like a totally
different species to me). F. knippeliana is now in my
collection. This plant has been around a long time, but
I've never been able to get a hold of it. I have a minute
I inch specimen, smaller than a pea. I also have F. horstii,
which is fairly new, a little columnar plant with creamy-
white spines practically hiding the plant. And the most
striking of all is F. albifusca, a most amazing little
columnar plant, J inch high with longish, bristly red
spines all curving upwards. The latter is, in my mind,
the most unusual looking plant in the genus with the
possible exception of F. castaiwa. A view in the author's garden
1 would think that Frailcas would be popular in two startlingly long spines (up to 5 inches) projecting
England, since they take up literally no space and a full- from each areole. I have never seen an Opuntia like this
grown plant may make a clump two inches across. one for novelty of looks. A second Opuntia I gave just
Many arc supposed to flower in full sun, but I have had planted is O. cchniosgigantea (the giant Opuntia with tree-
only clcistogamous, seed-bearing buds. I note that in trunk growth from the Galapagos Islands). This, too,
full sun Frailcas tend to bronze and to almost cease is an interesting plant, the young seedlings being covered
growth. But in semi-sun (screens) the plants grow very with a hairlikc set of golden bristles. I also have a number
quickly and they stay green. Some are almost yellowish of plants of the wonderful O. crinacea ursina, which is our
green. Most Frailcas present a delicate appearance famous "grizzly bear" Opuntia from the Mohave desert
because of their size, and many appear very tender such and thereabouts.
as the sparccly-spincd F. pscudopulchcrrima. I believe that the grizzly bear is my favourite Opuntia,
All in all, I wish to recommend this extraordinary growing easily in very dry, sandy soil and quickly
genus to cactus lovers, although perhaps the most forming long-haired, silvery clumps. The plant has
frustrating thing about collecting Frailcas is the difficulty never flowered for me, but in appearance it is one of the
in obtaining the various species. I might also note that most beautiful cacti available if grown outdoors. Un-
there is a great sparcity of literature on the genus, and fortunately, I imagine O. crinacea ursina is a difficult
those wishing to go in for Frailcas would be practically customer for British growers, and I would doubt that
doing pioneering work. Finally, what other genus can it would obtain its full, hirsute beauty inside or in a
boast that all its species could be placed (in specimen size) greenhouse. This is one plant of which I can say, the
within the confines of a single window box > less done to it the better. I just place a pad in the ground
The writer has the advantage of having a fairly large and leave it alone. I don't water the pads or touch them.
amount of space in the front of the house in which to Within three years a remarkable, hairy clump will
plant the larger specimens as well as space in the back result.
garden in which to grow cacti in pots. Curiously, the One of the most frustrating, yet exciting events here
more difficult plants do best in the ground, and I would is receiving a new, evidently unnamed or unclassified
guess that this is because they have the advantage of plant. About six months ago Bob Taylor of El Cajon
even root temperature and all the space they need in gave me a little clump of what is obviously a Mam-
which to expand their roots. Some plants are very slow millaria. Bob is a very frequent visitor to Mexico, and if
to establish, taking up to two years to "make it". For he thinks a plant is new, he's usually right. "This is one
instance, I have a Cephalocercus hoppenstedtii, two feet I've never seen before", Bob told me, "see what you
tall, which I planted in full California sun. This plant sat can find out about it." The Mammillaria is tiny, about
dormant for two years, and finally in July of 1969 it i inch and it possesses a long, reddish hooked central
started showing growth. The same story goes for a spine (each hooked central is about £ inch in length with
wrinkled Homaloccphala tcxcmis, which, covered with about eight white bristly radials). The Mammillaria
screen slowly fattened and this year (two years after clumps quickly, forming very compact plants. A 1 inch
planting) presented me with a shower of its lovely, clump may contain 15 heads! As soon as I propogate
frilled flowers. I note that some of the more difficult some of these, I will send them to England. (A few
specimens, once they root and "take", are perfectly members may remember that in 1964 I sent the first
happy and hardy. It is as if their "baptism of fire" has Mantniillaria barkerei seen in two decades to England.)
been successfully passed. Well, I see that these notes have extended a bit too far
Two extremely interesting Opuntias have been already. Next issue I want to write about some fantastic
planted in the front directly in the ground. Opuntia plants I have such as Mammillaria micheana and albicans
quimila from S. America, a blue-green pad with one or and Oroya borchesii and Rebutia nivea and R. mentosa.

70
 The Thirteenth Bi-ennial Convention of the Cactus and
Succulent Society of America
by W. F. and B. Maddams
THE 13TH BI-ENNIAL Convention of the Cactus and reports on the whole of the four afternoons and,
Succulent Society of America, held during the week inevitably, our comments reflect our particular in-
commencing 4th May, 1969, at Pasadena, California, terests; the absence of detailed comment on some of the
was much more than a further instalment of an in- lectures in no way implies criticism or lack of merit.
creasingly successful series of meetings. Its timing and As we were to find on our subsequent field trip into
location were selected to commemorate the 40th Mexico, the mere process of transporting oneself from
anniversary of the formation of the Society and a great the Los Angeles area to the Mexican border is quite time
deal of planning and effort had been expended prior to consuming and any method for shortening this process
the assembly of more than 300 cactophiles at the Hun- provides correspondingly more time for collecting. It
tington-Sheraton Hotel to ensure that the week's was therefore rather appropriate that the first talk of the
activities were worthy of the occasion. It is a moot afternoon sessions should be devoted to what seems to
point whether we, as complete strangers, are in a more be the answer to the perennial problem. Mrs. Kathryn
advantageous position than the average member of the Sabo, of Mammillaria saboae fame, suggested that the
American Society to judge how well the objective was solution lies in covering much of the territory in a small
achieved but we have no hesitation in saying that the 'plane. The fact that her husband is a professional pilot
Convention was a resounding success in every respect. is a help but we may see this idea in much wider use a
It is regrettable that the two of us from Great Britain few years hence.
and Mrs. Mclver from Australia were the only overseas The second opening talk, by Dr. James Hendrickson,
visitors to what one is tempted to call "the greatest on the ocotillo family, although of a rather specialised
cactus show on earth". Given the stamina and enthu- nature, was full of interest. The speaker gave a detailed
siasm there was the opportunity to converse with the account of the Fouquieraceae and examined critically the
top personalities of the American cactus scene, visit a characters used to set up the various species. This work
number of very fine collections in the Los Angeles is to be published as a monograph and it should be
area, improve one's knowledge by attending the after- studied by all who are seriously interested in a detailed
noon symposia covering a wide range of topics and, in examination of a particular group of cacti or the other
spare moments, to join in social activities. succulents.
Obviously, we are not familiar with possible venues Mr. W. F. Maddams followed with what was,
for the Convention in the Pasadena area but we imagine seemingly, a second highly specialised discourse, on the
that few others would have been more suitable than the Mammillaria picta complex. In fact, he selected this
Huntington-Sheraton Hotel. This must challenge for particular group of species to illustrate the problems
the title of doyen of the large hotel with multiple which arise when one attempts a taxonomic treatment
facilities as we now know it. Dating back to 1907 it was of a group of intergrading plants. He emphasised the
the brain-child of General Wentworth, after whom it necessity for a thorough knowledge of the variability of
was named. A few years later it was acquired by the the population in habitat and defended the use of the
railroad magnate, Henry E. Huntington and, much concept of a complex for such a group of plants. This
later, by the Sheraton Corporation of America; hence, last point was endorsed by several of the audience, well
the present name. It stands proudly in 30 acres of grounds qualified to comment, in an interesting discussion after
which were landscaped by William Hertrich, widely the talk.
known for his outstanding work in the nearby Hunting- Readers of the American Cactus Journal will be aware
ton Botanical Gardens. The Hotel was well able to of Professor Chester Dugdale's interest in the genus
provide the many and varied amenities required for the Lithops and of his trip to South Africa to study and
week's activities and it was particularly convenient that collect in habitat. This talk "Mostly Lithops" was
the very fine display of plants could be staged within essentially a commentary on this experience, illustrated
a stone's throw of the lecture halls and hotel foyer. with numerous colour transparencies. These demon-
The fact that there were two concurrent series of four strated vividly how well these plants mimic their sur-
one-hour lectures on each of three afternoons prevented roundings and when a particular species grows in
anyone, even with the most robust constitution and different surroundings this can result in varying appear-
receptive mind, from hearing more than one half of the ances, a factor which has to be taken into account in
specialist talks. In fact, it was not the intention that taxonomic work. This talk must have interested far
anyone should attempt this and it would need a person more people than those specialising in the genus.
of very catholic tastes to benefit from doing so. Conse- Professor Dugdale was followed by Paul Hutchison,
quently, we are not in a position to give adequate again with habitat transparencies, but from a very

71
different area, namely Peru. He is as well qualified as cacti which are hardy in the rigorous conditions of
anyone, excepting Ritter perhaps, to comment authori- Wyoming and North Dakota was of particular interest
tatively on the cacti and other vegetation of this area to us as we have corresponded with him for several
and he certainly made the most of the opportunity. It is years. We must admit that we played truant for the
difficult to summarise a talk of this type and to pick out rest of the afternoon, forsaking the lecture rooms to
the highlights, but one point which emerged merits browse among the exceptionally fine display of plants
mention. The authentic Borzicactus morleyamis, which is collected together as part of the Convention.
of distinctive appearance, is a plant of some rarity and it On Friday afternoon the last session of lectures took
is clear that the specimens now reaching Great Britain place and it was evident from the attendances that
under this name are not true. stamina and enthusiasm remained undiminished. Dr.
Lyman Benson is widely known for his conservative
treatment of cactus taxonomy but, be that as it may, his
views deserve careful attention and his talk, followed
by an informal discussion, gave those so inclined ample
opportunity to air their views. Mr. Doyle Noel's
lecture was on a completely contrasting subject; as
Chief Agricultural Inspector at the Nogales Border
Plant Inspection Station he is obviously in an unexcelled
position to give advice about obtaining plant import
permits and the cleaning up of plants for inspection. He
did not disappoint those, such as ourselves, who were to
be faced with this problem for the first time soon after
the Convention.
A chat with Dr. Dodson {at Tegelherg's Cactus Gardens)
There followed another of the highlights of the
Concurrently with this talk Dr. Jay Dodson was busy Convention lectures, Dr. Reid Moran on the subject
showing a variety of colour transparencies of some of the of Dudleyas. He gave a systematic but lucid account of
many interesting plants in the University of California the genus and its relationship to Echeveria and Pachy-
Botanic Gardens at Berkeley, of which he is the Curator. phytum. Drawings and colour transparencies showed
This is one of the top collections of succulent plants in admirably the differences in the floral characters and this
the U.S.A. and, inevitably, Dr. Dodson could do no was a model lecture, educational but interesting.
more than make a selection from many choice items. The two topics for the final hour were very con-
We had an invitation to visit the Gardens but, unfortun- trasting.
ately, time did not permit. Mary Bellerue ran a judging panel at which there was
The first talk of the Thursday afternoon session proved an open discussion on the best methods for assessing
to be among the most interesting of the whole Conven- plants on the show bench. A series of suggestions had
tion, with Myron Kimnach giving an account of his been circulated in advance of the event and this proved
cactus collecting activities in Mexico. Myron's duties of particularly helpful. It is evident that the American
Curator of the Huntington Botanical Gardens have Cactus Society, like the National Cactus and Succulent
taken him on several trips into Mexico, to the States of Society in this country, is making every effort to ensure
Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Durango and it was that show schedules and judging criteria are as good as
evident that he has thoroughly familiarised himself is humanly possible. The other event was a Mammillaria
with the succulent flora of the northern portion of panel, comprising Bob Foster (Assistant Editor of the
Mexico. If we are to pick up on any particular part of American Cactus Journal), Denis Cowper and Peter
his fascinating illustrated talk it will be his explorations Sharp (who will be remembered by many members in
in Copper Canyon, the Mexican answer to America's the London area), with Bill Maddams acting as Chair-
Grand Canyon. This is an area rich in succulent plants man and coming in with an additional opinion as
and we were interested to learn that what appears to be required. After the somewhat hesitant start that often
a new Mammillaria species has been brought back from seems to characterise these panels the audience warmed
the Canyon up and questions were forthcoming in ample numbers,
We were in something of a quandary the following so much so that the event over-ran its scheduled time
hour because both talks, very different in nature, by a quarter of an hour. Although the team had to deal
demanded our attention. We eventually listened to with a higher proportion of nomenclature and taxono-
Dr. Larry Mitich talking about cacti native to some of mic queries than would probably be the case in Great
the Western States of the U.S.A. and regretfully missed Britain, and the answers to these are often as much a
Sister Marie Fidelis discussing chromosone investigations matter of opinion as hard fact, there is no doubt that
into the Cactaceac. We gather that it was a first class the session was a real success.
lecture and that many examples were drawn from the "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" but
genus Mammillaria. However, Dr. Mitich's account of the Jacks (and Jills) at the Convention were not subjected

72
to work all the time by any means, and there was a we were able to sip while enjoying an unsurpassed view.
chance to enjoy the great outdoors. In fact, two mornings Stretching below us were paths adorned each side with
and one whole day were devoted to visits to some of the the glossy green of large Euphorbias, the lighter green
finest collections to be seen, some not only locally of Opuntias and now and then the showy white and
famous but of world-wide renown. cream spikes of Yuccas, while beyond were the Liliaceae
On Tuesday a coach and several cars proceeded the and, rising now and then in silhouette, some fine speci-
short distance to the Huntington Botanical Gardens. mens of palms. Afterwards we looked more closely at
These gardens were first developed as a Desert Plant the bed right at our feet, for here were some interesting
Collection by Henry E. Huntington in 1907; collected species of Mammillaria including such prizes as M.
material from many areas has been amassed since that zuccariniana and M. arida both rarely seen in collections
time and the Gardens now extend over ten acres. The in this country but obviously, like the others round
aim here is to assemble plants for botanical and scientific them, growing well and enjoying the outdoor life at
purposes and this is claimed to be the most comprehen- Huntington.
sive collection of outdoor plantings of succulents of its We would have liked to have stayed much longer
kind. and taken more photographs and made some notes but
it was time to return. Two days would be more the
time than two or three hours really to find all the
treasures there were to see but, regrettably, our proposed
return later in the week did not materialise.
A rather earlier start had to be made the next day,
Wednesday, as our three coach loads were making a
trip further afield, about 70 or so miles distant, to the
Tegelberg's Cactus Gardens. We were soon on our way
through the San Bernardino Mountains with their
green lower slopes with clusters of pines and occasionally
clumps of the stately Eucalyptus with its colourful bark;
above, the peaks were swathed in mist but we knew
there was still some snow King there. Soon we were
Down the main path at the Huntingdon Botanical Gardens out in the wilds of the Mojave Desert where the
spectacular, but rather untidy-looking, Joshua trees
There was a light drizzle as we arrived, blamed, of (Yucca hrevifolia) rose above the choyas and other arid
course, on our presence, but that could not dampen our area vegetation.
spirits when we sighted the splendid clumps of MM.
geminispina, centricirrha and compressa which are so much
more impressive in reality than when seen in photo-
graphs. However, there are many other gems in the
collection about which little is heard as a rule. Amongst
those are the fibre plants and related groups. We had
seen Puya chilensis in bud at Tresco but here it was in
full bloom and several other species as well with their
attractive and colourful spikes, one with parts in a very
striking and unusual shade of green. Another sight that
impressed us was a field of tall red flower spikes which at
closer quarters could be seen to arise from various large
Aloe species. It was near here that we spoke to Myron
Kimnach, curator of the Gardens and Gary Lyons who
assists in the Desert Plant Section. They are doing an
inspiring job in testing plants for hardiness and generally
experimenting with growing out of doors in Califor-
nian conditions. They have found a good number of
Euphorbias and some stemless mesembryanthemums
such as Cheiridopsis stand the conditions well but
hastened to reassure us that they did not experiment
with rare plants or other plants where replacements
were not easily available.
A walk through a path lined with free flowering
Echinopsis hybrids led us to a slight mound where,
beneath some tall trees, coffee was being served. Here Gil Tegelhcrg Junior at the Tegelbcrg Nurseries

73
 The Tegelbcrg Nursery itself lies some 3,000 feet up in leaves and large white flowers edged with wide bands
the Lucerne Valley a situation of great extremes of of deep carmine pink.
temperature; a winter low of 6°F. has been recorded A number of the party went on a "Treasure Hunt" in
while ii2°F. is not uncommon in the summer months. the desert where the Tegelbergs had previously "hidden"
This has meant that the majority of the plants must be plants for them and they later came back proudly with
kept in greenhouses and three long constructions have their "finds". We, however, were too busy making
been built for this purpose. There are, however, some notes, photographing and, as usual, being beseiged by
attractive plantings of cacti and other succulents outside people who wanted to talk to us and we barely saw the
but these are mainly those native to the desert beyond whole collection. It should be remarked that for this
the fence such as Fcrocacti, small saguaros, Agaves and occasion the Hotel had provided picnic lunches in true
some Echinocacti and Mammillarias; all seemed to be American style; we each had our box containing chicken
growing and flowering well. to gnaw, sandwiches, Russian salad in a tub and fancy
Inside the greenhouses were found the gems and the cakes and there was plenty to satisfy the heartiest
enterprise of the Gil Tegelbcrgs Senior and Junior in appetite.
rearing and propagating many choice plants could also The next morning there was a choice of visits. One
be seen. Many collectors pass on their finds to the party set off quite early for the Rancho Santa Ana
Tegelbcrgs for propagation and investigation. On our where Dr. Lyman Benson was to be the guide, but wc
visit we were able to examine closely a long and thickly opted for a slightly easier morning with less travelling
spined Mammillaria found by Dr. Dodson (of the as we would be having more in the near future. We were
Berkeley Gardens) which is probably a new species. The invited to join three others to make a car-load and set
two enthusiasts also showed us MM. petrophila and off along the freeways and then along a tree-lined
phitauiana which were collected by Edgar Baxter before boulevard to the garden of Kitty Sabo at Woodland
he died. Hills.
Amongst the other beautiful Mammillarias that Here, a fine scenic display of outdoor cacti could be
caught our attention were some large specimens of viewed without straying from the drive, but walking
M. magallanii, mostly grafted and a fine specimen of amongst the plants many more interesting species could
M. guelzowiana. There was also M. baumii with a deeper be discovered. There was a group of Marginatocereus
yellow flower than is seen over here. What really marginatus with six columns up to 15 feet tall and other
dumbfounded us was a Mclocactus intortus in a large tub; columnar cerei from 10 to 12 feet tall. Twisting and
this plant about 15 inches high had a cephalium which turning at their feet for about 20 feet were the "arms" of
nearly reached 2 feet. There were some other Mclocacti, Trichocereus thebgonus the "creeping devil" of South
too, and some large specimens of Neoporteria, including America. There was also the Mexican "creeping devil"
N. napina in flower. Machaerocereus eruca with 12 stems each about 10 feet
Their interest docs not lie in cacti alone; there were long. There was a vivid splash of colour from a group
some sizeable and unusual other succulents as well, the of hybrid Echinopsis with shades ranging from yellow
choicest being grouped together at the end of one of to deep red and a bed of large Mammillarias had some
the houses. A Taveresia (Dccabalone) grandiflora with a fine flowers amongst them, too. What thrilled us most
two foot span was in tip top condition and there were in these was a fine specimen of M. winterae with its
flowers as large as a hand on a sizeable plant of Hoodia large yellowish flowers and there was also a clump of
gordonii. Rising to the roof were Idrias, and perhaps the M. hertrichiaua about a foot across.
most eye-catching of all, an Adenium multiflorutn; this There were many more fine plants in good condition,
grey stemmed, tree-like succulent had shiny dark green often in flower or in bud, and we cannot refrain from
mentioning Soehrcnsia bruchii, an eight inch high plant
with eight deep red flowers very like those of a Lobivia.
Another striking flowering plant was a Thelocactus
nine inches in diameter.
Away beyond this fine display was a greenhouse, or
rather a part covered above with Saran, a form of PVC
which is quite often used for overhead protection of
plants in these parts, with pots of plants on benches.
Here were some priceless Mammillarias, some we had
never seen before such as M. cerralboa, a columnar plant
with long, golden-yellow hooked spines and M.
ginsamarka, a hybrid from Japan, the body of which
somewhat resembles M. marksiana. It was not surprising
that the person after whom it was named should have
the biggest clump of M. saboac we had seen; it filled a
A group in the Tegelberg Cactus Garden six inch diameter pan and close by was a clump of M.

74
 theresae in bud. Sonic other cacti there included a four-
headed specimen of Tottmeya papyracantha on its own
roots and a large plant of the small growing Pcdiocactus
kiwwltonii.
We also noted a few other succulents such as Grapto-
petalum occidentalc and even some Mescmbryanthemums
but the latter had to be covered over as some marauding
creature tended to nibble them. It was with great regret
that we had to tear ourselves away from this fine
collection as our driver was anxious to make a move near
the front of the "cavalcade" heading for the Gay's place
at Tarzana.
Ed Gay is the President of the Cactus and Succulent
Society of America and so it is not surprising that he
and his wife have what is probably a unique display of Vista at Kitty Sabo's garden
succulents in a private collection. In fact, the sloping
hillside at the back of their garden has been transformed at the Convention display. However, there were some
into what might be called a living reference book on the Epiphytic cacti in evidence, many still showing a few
Cactaccac by their careful thought and efforts. There flowers and some other small succulents including some
arc eight terrace beds set into the hillside with paths Mesembryanthemums.
between; these are each 75 feet long and eight feet wide Their front garden was landscaped and included a
except for the lowest which, as it accommodates the large clump of a Trichocercus hybrid with a profusion
Ccreanac, is more than twice as wide. The whole is of flowers and a variegated form of Agave sliawii which
covered by a "roof" of Saran which gives some filtered they had collected in Lower California. A number of
shade to prevent scorching but allows enough sunlight red-spined Ferocacti, about a foot tall, looked very
in to encourage free-flowering. In these beds the genera effective and there was the ever-popular "creeping
arc arranged morphologically; the Mammillarias and devil" and other shrubby succulents to complete the
Dolichothclc for example are arranged along one whole picture.
bed, the hooked spine species together, including several That, for us, was the end of the Convention visits,
M. hngiflora which were in flower when we were there although a party went off on all-day trip to "Lotusland"
in May and some large clumps of M. ocddentalis forms. wc felt that a rest before our long trip down into Mexico
There were fine large clumps of many of the M. was in order for Saturday. We did have a quick look
elongata group in flower and amongst the other Cory- at Abbey Gardens in the afternoon but that is another
phanthanae, two large Thelocacti, T. conotlwlos and story.
T. lophothele, both about seven inches in diameter and As in the daytime, so also in the evening our time was
flowering well. We could have spent a day looking at well occupied. There was a banquet each night but these
this sub-tribe alone but as we had only an hour or so were not the formal occasions such as the Annual Dinners
altogether wc left them to look at the other terraces. of this and other allied societies. In fact, everything was
We had the pleasure of seeing Oroyas in flower for very casual. Each table began on the first course in its
the first time; Oroya gibbosa was reminiscent of Wein- own time, smoking in between courses was quite
gartias both in spination and position of flowers. Some common and people often wandered from table to table
of the Ferocacti were up to 15 inches in diameter and to have a chat as well. There were two other differences
F. alamosanus with yellow-green flowers was particu- from such events in England; coffee was served with
larly attractive. Below on the wider beds a Cleistocactus the main course and generally any speeches were made
smaragdifiorus with dozens of red flowers had a bird's before the sweet course was served.
nest, complete with hungry beaks peeping out, set in Each night a different Society or group of Societies
the crutch of its stems. from the surrounding area acted as hosts and there was a
Nearer the house a mass of colourful Echinopsis special theme with decor to match and also some of the
"Paramount" hybrids edged the borders and one bed participants decked out appropriately as well. The host
was set out with Opwitia basilaris and other similar Society chose those to occupy the high table and others
Opuntias which were smothered in pink, yellow and sat round the smaller tables wherever they wished. After
red flowers. Even along the side of the house Seleni- feeding, those with sufficient stamina listened to other
cereus and Hylocerei were clambering up the walls and talks, generally illustrated by colour transparencies.
flowering in profusion and by the patio were bedding Unluckily, owing to an excess enthusiasm in cactus
schemes with Aeoniums, Agaves, Haworthias and collecting in Arizona en route from Bclen, New
Echeverias. We only had time for a quick glance in the Mexico, wc did not arrive in time for Monday evening's
large covered greenhouse but we knew that Ed's price- banquet, where there was a Mexican theme. This was
less crests and some of Bettv's choicest succulents were followed by an address of welcome by Charles Glass,

75
 took the opportunity to present ours. Betty relayed the
good wishes of this Society to its sister Society in
America and handed the President a special "card"
prepared by Mrs. Whicher which said "The Cactus
and Succulent Society of Great Britain send greetings
to the Cactus and Succulent Society of America on the
occasion of their 40th Anniversary" and one of the
spoons engraved with the Society badge. Bill followed
with a scroll recording the Greetings from the Mam-
millaria Society and these two "surprise items" were
obviously much appreciated. In fact, judging by the
flashes going on there must be a number of photographs
on the other side of the ocean which record the event.
Incidentally, we were surprised that there appeared to
be no outside "coverage" of this very special occasion,
in the form of pressmen or local radio, and this applied
to the rest of the Convention activities, too. The grande
finale of the Anniversary Banquet was the bringing in of a
very large, specially designed cake of which everyone
managed a taste.
Perhaps it would seem surprising that we could get
down to serious matters after such excitements, but soon
a good crowd was assembled in the Georgian Room to
hear Dr. Reid Moran's talk on "The Vegetation of
Baja California". This was, as expected from such an
experienced plant hunter and photographer, very worth-
while and with some fine transparencies for illustration
it made a good ending to the evening's entertainment.
The theme the next evening was "the Wild, Wild
West" and the Viennese Room was suitably decorated
Ed Gay with his variegated Agave with large dice and cards. At the tables were more
playing cards and small dice in front of each place each
Convention Chairman and response and introductions with a seedling cactus planted in a small cavity at the
by Ed Gay. Later Dr. Lyman Benson gave an illustrated top. For this occasion some people turned up in the
lecture on "The Winds and the Deserts"; we were sorry typical cowboy style clothes but Bob Foster went one
to miss this as we understand the account of the connec- better choosing the '80s style of lady's dress so often
tion between the winds and the climate generally of the seen in western films. He had spent most of the afternoon
South Califomian deserts was well illustrated, including in the Beauty Parlour and guaranteed it was all his own
the cacti and other succulents of these areas. hair on top!
However, we were there the next night, the big night, At the end of this banquet, large boxes of plants were
when the Los Angeles and Metropolitan Cactus and carried in and arrayed along tables by the dais and
Succulent Societies were the hosts and the theme appro- Franklin Crosby began his talk on "Succulents from
priate for the 40th Birthday party of the Society, the A to Z (pronounced zee over there)". He started at
"Roaring Twenties". There was a background of Aeoniums and we could soon see that it would be a
Charleston music and a number of the ladies wore rather long drawn out affair as with the "A"s he had so
suitable outfits to perform this dance. The centre of each many plants to pick up and accept or reject with semi-
table was decorated with a succulent "tree"—about humorous comments that they alone took a quarter of
50 rosettes of Echeverias and Crassulas pinned on to a an hour. Maybe it was our day at the Tegelbergs' which
central pad, set on a stick and fixed in a pot; there was a had tired us, or Mr. Crosby's comments became more
smaller edition as a table "favour" in front of each place. corny; whatever the case, we were not the only ones
A number of ladies had spent a good many hours, and who silently slipped out after an hour and a half or so.
used a good many rosettes to make these attractive We understand a few stood the course, but we never
mementoes. heard if he reached zee.
Tins was the occasion when voting took place for the The host Societies on Thursday night were the
Convention King and Queen, an appointment which Howard Gates Cactus and Succulent Society and the
lasts until the next Convention. Don Skinner and his Mojave Desert Club with their theme "Mission Days".
wife were elected. At tliis time also there were speeches A replica of a mission bell on a wooden frame hung
and greetings to celebrate the 40th Anniversary and we above our heads and a small model was on each table

76
with explanatory notes that it is really an "Indian Rain enjoyed a suitable meal with fresh tropical fruits,
Cross" in origin but has been used as a religious symbol Hawaiian rice and barbecued chicken.
by many races. The table favour was a packet of Afterwards the King and Queen were crowned and
Opuntia basilaris seeds. the King made some edicts, including banishing Bob
Probably the best talks of the evening series followed Foster to Mexico for dressing as a woman (to which
this banquet. First Robert A. Foster, in more serious Bob's reply was "Yippee"). Les Rothstein the master
mood most of the time, spoke on "Collecting in of ceremonies for the evening, filled in with a few
Mexico" and this was cleverly illustrated with the help humorous stories and a special Hawaiian entertainment
of two projectors. In this way we were able to see what followed. A fire eater performed some dangerous feats
a plant looked like in habitat and how it flowered in the and we were quite glad we were not near the front
owner's collection simultaneously. This certainly where there was a good chance of being singed. How-
whetted our appetites for the Mexican trip but we were ever, one of us no doubt would have liked to be nearer
sorry that it would not take us in the area where he the front when two hula hula dancers gave some
showed some fine clumps of Epithelantha growing. demonstrations! Thus ended a delightful and memor-
The other talk of the evening was Dr. George Lindsay able evening.
0:1 "The Genus Ferocactus"; Dr. Lindsay is the leading This was really the end of the Convention as well
exponent on this genus and his knowledgeable obser- but some more energetic folk set off in buses for a day
vations, aided by colour transparencies, were certainly at "Lotusland" in Santa Barbara on the Saturday
enlightening. One particular point which interested us morning. Knowing the days ahead would be somewhat
is the fact that each ring on the spine of a Ferocactus strenuous we were quite content to look again at the
represents one day's growth. wonderful plants at the exhibition (a full description of
Friday evening presented a gay and colourful scene, this will appear elsewhere), until their owners packed
the Hawaiian Luau by the poolside; evenings can be them ready for transport home.
reckoned to be warm and dry in California in May and "Come again next time" they all said to us, and how
this was no exception. Sleeveless dresses and casual we would love to get down to Texas in two years time
shirts were the order of the day, apart from die real and join in this friendly gathering of great names and
enthusiasts who wore grass skirts or silky Hawaiian small growers, enthusiasts all, once more. However, if
robes. This time two packets of Zinnia seeds were by we cannot make it we hope there will be a better
each plate and we were later presented with an abalone representation of cactophiles from this side of the
shell each and garlanded with a lei, more lasting than Atlantic next time; we are sure you would not regret
genuine flowers as it was made of plastic! A Hawaiian the trip.
band played appropriate music while we collected and
(Illustrations from transparencies by Betty Maddams)

The June Show 1969

THE SOCIETY PRODUCED a very interesting and eye less common plants and the larger Notocactus, Ferocactus
catching display of cacti and succulents at the R.H.S. and Hmnatocactus of the winning entry.
Show on the 24-25th June. All the exhibits, with very The seedling class had reasonable support with some
few exceptions, were of high standard. Most of the very well grown seedlings but it would be nice to see a
classes drew a reasonable number of entries although the few more entries as a result of the Society Seed Distri-
numbers were a bit down on last year. bution.
The most interesting class of the show was the class Class 23 drew some interesting combinations and
I for six cacti, which produced some magnificent was won by two huge plants of Echinocactits Grusonii and
specimens including a wonderful display by Mr. L. Tcstudinaria Elephantipes, the latter being housed in a
Jefferies. large tub exceeding the largest size of pot. Also in this
Class 5 for six Mammillarias drew some interesting class was a fascinating pan o£Lophophora Williamsii with
small specimens, one entry including a very fine M. a multitude of small heads in excellent condition.
Gulzowiana among others. Included in some of the Entries in the novice classes were down on last year
entries were some small specimens of the larger growing but there was a wide and colourful display of plants in
Mammillarias such as M. Rhodantha although the class both classes. Also lacking support were the junior class
was intended for the smaller choice plants. Whilst on although the exhibits staged were, in general, of good
the subject of Mammillarias Class n for a M. Bocasana quality.
unfortunately only received four entries although this is Finally class 25 again had a very fine entry of flowering
a fairly common plant and I am sure many Mammillaria cacti and colourful succulents by Mr. and Mrs. Maddams.
enthusiasts have got it in their collections. It is unfortunate that others rarely compete in this class
Class 7 for three plants in Echinocactanae produced a as it could be very effective and eye catching. I am sure it
wide cross section of this genus, including the smaller would be a very good advertisement for the society. J. A.

77
 Results of the June Show 1969
Judges
Cacti: M r . A. Boarder. Succulents: Mrs. M . Stillwell.
Class I Six Cacti any genera. 7 entries. V.H.C. Mr. E. G. Canham.
1st Mr. L. Jeffries. Notocactus ottonis, Mamillopsis senilis, H.C. Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
Mammillaria plumosa, Notocactus pampeanus, Pseudo- C. Mr. C. E. Parker.
lobivia kermesina, Seticereus icosagonus. Class 8 Three Cacti (for Juniors under 18). 3 entries
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Mammillaria magni- 1st Mr. M. Ede. Mammillaria pseudocrucigera, Lophophora
mamma v hystrix, Mammillaria bocasana, G y m n o - williamsii, Lobivia aurea.
calycium curvispinum, Eulychina santpieana, Espostoa Class 9 Three G y m n o c a l y c i m u s . 8 entries
huanucensis. 1st Mr. L. Jeffries. G. valnicekianum, G. kurtzianum,
3rd M r . R. H. I. Read. Echinocereus knippellianus, Pseudo- G. baldianum.
lobivia kermesina, Ariocarpus fissuratus, Mammillaria 2nd Mr. J. P . Taylor. G. lafaldense, G. saglionis, G. species.
gigantea, Oreocereus trollii, Lemairocereus chichipe. 3rd Mr. E. G. Canham. G. curvispinum, G. schickendanzii,
H . C . Mr. J. E. Taylor G. oenanthemum.
C. Mr. F. D. Harding V.H.C. Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
Class 2 Three Cacti in pots not exceeding 5 in. dia. (for H.C. Mr. J. D. Harding.
m e m b e r s w h o have n o t previously w o n a First C. Mrs. P. Poulter.
Prize in any Cactus Class). 7 entries. Class 10. Three Echinocereus. 3 entries
1st Mrs. P. Poulter. Parodia catamarcensis, Mammillaria 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. E. subinermis, E. baileyii,
celsiana, Astrophytum ornatum. E. berlandieri.
2nd Mr. D. Best. Parodia suprema, Mammillaria ingens, 2nd Mr. E. G. Canham. E. subinermis, E. fitchii, E. species.
Oreocereus trollii. 3rd Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Brewerton. E. reichenbachii, E.
3rd Miss I. E. Potton. Mammillaria beneckii, Echinocereus cinerascens, E. blankii.
chloranthus, Pelecyphora asselliformis. Class 11 One Mammillaria bocasana. 4 entries
H . C . Mr. J. D . Andrews 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
C. Mrs. D . Finch 2nd Mr. J. E. Taylor.
Class 3 Three Rebutias and/or Lobivias. 7 entries. 3rd Mrs. T. Watt.
1st M r . L. Jeffries. Lobivia famatimensis v leucomalla, Class 12 One Cactus i m p o r t e d since 1st January, 1967.
Rebutia pseudodeminuta, R. fiebrigii. 5 entries
2nd M r . and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Rebutia marsoneri, 1st Mr. C. E. Parker. Melocactus intortus.
R. spegazziniana, Lobivia jajoiana. 2nd Mr. R. H. I, Read. Ansistrocactus sheerii.
3rd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Rebutia wessneriana, R. iseliana, R. 3rd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Tephrocactus glomeratus
senilis stuemeriana. v atrospinus.
H . C . Mrs. T. W a t t C ss 13 Cacti raised f r o m seed b y the exhibitor, s o w n
C. Mr. E. G. Canham o n or after 1st January, 1967, in container n o t
Class 4 Three Mammillarias. 6 entries. exceeding 15 inches square. 5 entries
1st Mr. J. E. Taylor. M. zeilmanniana, M . bembycina, 1st Mr. E. G. Canham.
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
M . hahniana.
3rd Mrs. E. A. Potton.
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. M . Candida rosea, M .
H . C . Mr. W . L. Tjaden.
picta, M. magnimamma v bockii.
Class 14 Three Aloes and/or Gasterias. 6 entries
V . H . C . Mr. R. H. I. Read
1st Mrs. T. Watt. A. jucunda, G. batesiana, G. minima.
H.C. Mr. J. D. Harding
2nd Mr. and Mrs. D . V. Brewerton. A. bakeri, A. bellatula,
C. Mrs. T. W a t t
G. armstrongii.
Class 5 Six Mammillarias in pots not exceeding 4 J
Class 15 Three plants in Euphorbiaceae. 7 entries
inches diameter. 7 entries 1st Mr. R. H. I. Read. Euphorbia obessa, E. squarrosa, E.
1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. M . carrettii, M . pennis-
horrida.
pinosa, M . saboae, M . densispina, M . egregia, M . 2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Monadenium schubei,
cowperae. Euphorbia valida, Jatropha berlandieri.
2nd M r . C. E. Parker. M . bombycina, M. applanata, M . 3rd Mrs. T. W a t t . Jatropha capensis, Euphorbia decepta,
weisingeri, M . klissingiana, M. giseleana. Monadenium schubei.
3rd Mrs. T. W a t t . M . supertexta, M . schwarzii, M. nejapen- H.C. Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Brewerton.
sis, M . heeriana, M. albicoma, M . pettersonii. C. Mr. J. G. Brown.
V . H . C . M r . J. D . Harding. Class 16 Three plants in Liliaceae other than those in
H.C. M r . J. E. Taylor. Class 14. 5 entries
C. Mr. R. H. I. Read. 1st Mr. J. D. Harding. Haworthia limifolia, H. setata,
Class 6 Three miniature Opuntiae. 5 entries H. truncata.
1 st Mrs. T. W a t t . O . boliviensis, O . tunicata, O . ovata. 2nd Mr. C. G. Brown. Haworthia paradoxa, H. truncata,
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Tephrocactus cylindro- H. bolusii.
lanatus, Opuntia russellii, Tephrocactus hussei. 3rd Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Brewerton. Haworthia obtusa,
3rd M r . C. G. Brown. Tephrocactus minisculus, T. pent- H. bolusii, H. margaritifera.
landii fauxianus, Opuntia species. H.C. Mrs. P. Poulter.
Class 7 Three plants in Echinocactanae. 10 entries. Class 17 Three plants in Asclepiadaceae. 5 entries
1st Mr. L. Jeffries. Ferocactus wislizeni, Notocactus scopa v 1st Mrs. T. Watt. Fockea crispa, Trichocaulon simile,
ruberrima, Hamatocactus hamatacanthus. Diplocyantha ciliata.
2nd Mr. J. D . Harding. Astrophytum ornatum, G y m n o - 2nd Mr. P. Bent. Hoodia gordonii, Brachystelma barberae,
calycium curvispinum, Ariocarpus furfuraceus. Decabelone grandiflora.
3rd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Notocactus ottonis, Stenocactus 3rd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Stapelia schinzii, Huernia
vaupelianus, Leuchtenbergia principis. pillansii, Stultitia handyi.

7S
Class 18 Thrre plants in Crassulaceae. 3 entries Class 22 Three Succulents in pots not e x c e e d i n g 5 inches
1st Miss I. E. Potton. Monanthes polyphylla, Crassula tecta, diameter (for m e m b e r s w h o have not previously
Adiomischus cooperi. w o n a First Prize in any Succulent Class).
2nd Mrs. T. W a t t . Crassula tecta, C. cooperi. Echeveria 5 entries
affinis. 1st Mrs. J. Best. Haworthia truncata, Euphorbia buplcuri-
3rd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Crassula mesembryan- folia, Kedrosteris africanus.
themopsis, Adromischus poellnitzianus, Cotyledon 2nd Mrs. D. Finch. Duvalia radiata, Stapelia grandiflora,
wickensii. Piranthus foetidus.
Class 19 Three plants not covered by Classes 14-18. 3rd Miss I. E. Potton. Crassula morgans beauty, Haworthia
5 entries limifolia, Bergeranthus multiccps.
1 st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Lithops terricolor, Cissus H . C . Mr. D. J. Andrews.
hypoluca, Testudinaria paniculata. Class 23 One Cactus and one other Succulent. 6 entries
2nd Mr. P. Bent. Mitrophyllum mitratum, Lithops terricolor, 1st Mr. R. H. I. Read. Testudinaria elephantipes, Echino-
Pachypodium densiflorum. cactus grusonii.
3rd Mr. C. G. Brown. Sarcacaulon pattersonii, Alluadia 2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Coryphantha clava,
proccra, Cissus hypoluca. Euphorbia stellaespina.
H . C . Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Brewcrton. 3rd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Agave stricta, Lophophora williamsii.
Class 20 Three Succulents (for Juniors under 18). 2 entries H . C . Mr. C. G. Brown.
1st Mr. M. Ede. Haworthia species, Fenestraria rhopalo- Class 24 Miniature garden o f Cacti and/or other S u c c u -
phyllia, Adromischus cooperi. lents. 3 entries
2nd Mr. M. J. Brown. Gasteria species, Faucaria lupina, 1 st Mrs. A. E. Potton.
Haworthia fasciata. 2nd Mrs. J. Best.
Class 21 One P a c h y p o d i u m . 4 entries 3rd Mr. and Mrs. D. V. Brewerton.
1st Mrs. T. Watt. P. saundersae. Class 25 Group o f Cacti and/or other Succulents. 1 entry
2nd Mr. C. E. Parker. P. rosulatum. 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
3rd Mr. P. Bent. P. rosulatum.

Results of the September Show 1969

Judges
Cacti: Mr. K. Grantham. Succulents: Mrs. M. Stillwell.

Class I Four Cacti, any genera. 4 entries Class 5 Three plants i n Echinocactanae in pots n o t
1st Mr. J. E. Taylor. Mammillaria hahniana, Lophophora exceeding 3 J inches diameter. 7 entries
williamsii, Gymnocalycium saglionis. 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Copiapoa hypogaea,
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Eulychnia saint-pieana, Aztekium ritteri, Encephalocarpus strobiliformis.
Melocactus huallancaensis, Mammillaria picta, Z y g o - 2nd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Gymnocalycium cardcnasianum,
cactus opuntioides. Stenocactus heteracanthus, Neoporteria multicolor.
3rd Mr. D . A. R. Knight. Astrophytum ornatum, Ariocarpus 3rd Mr. R. H. I. Read. Neogomesia agavoides, Turbinocarpus
furfuraceus, Cleistocactus straussii, Mammillaria pseudomacrothele, Parodia maxima.
dumetorum. Class 6 Three Cacti, any genera, in pots not exceeding
5 inches diameter. (For m e m b e r s w h o have not
Class 2 Three plants in Coryphanthanae. 5 entries previously w o n a First Prize in any Cactus
1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Mammillaria mainae, Class). 6 entries
Coryphantha clava, Neobessya missouriensis. 1st Mrs. E. Potton. Mammillaria guelzowiana, Leuchten-
2nd Mis. T. Watt. Mammillaria bella, Coryphantha bumam- bergia principis, Copiapoa carizalensis.
ma, Thelocactus bicolor. 2nd Mr. and Mrs. D . T. Best. Parodia gracilis, Oreocereus
3rd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Coryphantha elephantidens, Dolicho- celsianus, Matucana crinifera.
thele baumii, Mammillaria albicoma. 3rd Mrs. D . Finch. Mammillaria schiedeana, Astrophytum
V.H.C. Mr. R. H. I. Read. ornatum, Lophophora williamsii.
Class 3 Three plants in Cereanae. 3 entries H . C . Miss I. E. Potton.
1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Weberbauerocereus Class 7 One Espostoa or Oreocereus. 8 entries
longicomus, Thrixanthocereus senilis, Lasiocereus 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Espostoa huanucensis.
rupicolus. 2nd Mr. R. H. I. Read. Oreocereus trollii.
2nd Mr. J. E. Taylor. Eulychnia saint-pieana, Winteria 3rd Mr. D. A. R. Knight. Esposta lanata.
aurilanata, Cereus species. Class 8 Three Cacti (for Juniors under 18 years).
3rd Mr. J. G. Brown. Cereus jamacaru, Lophccereus species, 5 entries
Cereus species. 1st Mr. A. G. Rivett. Melocactus b.ihiacnsis, Matucana
crinifera, Ariocarpus retusus.
Class 4 T h i e e plants in Echinocactanae. 6 entries 2nd Mr. M. Ede. Mammillaria species, Lophophora williamsii,
1st Mr. and Mrs. W F. Maddams. Notocactus schumanni- Astrophytum capricornc major.
anus, Sulcorcbutia stcinbachii v gracilis, Ariocarpus 3rd Mr. D. Ede. Stenocactus lamellosus, Mammillaria heyderi,
retusus. Mammillaria coronaria.
2nd Mr. E. G. Canham. Gymnocalycium curvispinum, Class 9 One Cactus and One Cristate o f the same
Echinocactus grusonii, Ferocactus glaucescens. species. 7 entries
3rd Mr. R. H. I. Read. Gymnocalycium multiflorum, Astro- 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Mammillaria schwartzii.
phytum ornatum v mirbclli, Ariocarpus fissuratus. 2nd Mrs. D. Finch. Mammillaria wildii.
H . C . Mr. C. G. Brown. 3rd Mr. F.Johnson. Mammillaria rhodantha.

79
Class 10 Four Euphorbias. 5 entries mophyllum lydiae, C o n o p h y t u m cupreatum, Titan-
1 st Mrs. T. W a t t . E. suzanne, E. stellata, E. bupleurifolia, opsis schwantesii.
E. decepta. 2nd Mrs. T. Watt. Dinteranthus wilmotianus, C o n o p h y t u m
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. E. obesa, E. valida, cupreatum, Titanopsis calcarea, Gibbaeum album,
E. stellaespina, E. kunthii. Frithia pulchra.
3rd Mr. R. H. I. Read. E. obesa, E. bupleurifolia, E. tuberosa, 3rd Mrs. D . Finch. Fiithia pulchra, Cheiridopsis candidissima,
E. squarrosa. Pleiospilos bolusii, Lithops optica forma rubra,
V.H.C. Mr. D . V. Brewerton. Gibbaeum pretense, Argyro derma octophyllum.
Class 11 Three Crassulas in pots not exceeding 4 \ inches Class 19 Three Succulents n o t covered by Classes 10 to
diameter. 5 entries 18. 6 entries
1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. C. barbata, C. suzanne, 1st Mr. D . V. Brewerton. Gasteria armstrongii, Adromischus
C. otzenii. umbraticola, Cissus hypoluca.
2nd Miss I. E. Potton. C. mesembryanthemopsis, C. tomen- 2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Gasteria armstrongii,
tosa, C. namaquensis. Cissus Hypoluca, Monadenium schubei.
3rd Mrs. D . Finch. C. mesembryar themopsis, C. arta, C. 3rd Mr. C. G. Brown. Sarcocaulon vanderetae, Alluadia
columella. procera, Orystachys chanettii.
H . C . Mrs. T. W a t t . H . C . Mr. R. H. I. Read.
Class 12 Three plants in Asclepiadeceae. 5 entries Class 20 Six South African Succulents in pots n o t
1st Mrs. T. W a t t . Diplocyatha ciliata, Fockea crispa, exceeding 4 i inches diameter. 4 entries
Carallum deflersiana. 1st Mr. C. G. Brown. Dactylopsis digitata, Pachypodium
2nd Mr. C. G. Brown. Stapelianthus decaryi, Huernia saundersonii, Cotyledon reticulata, Anacampseros
species nova, Brachystelma barbariae. alstonii, Othonna pygmaea, Sarcocaulon multifidum.
3rd Mrs. D. Finch. Piaranthus globosus, Caralluma europa, 2nd Miss I. E. Potton. Senecio scaposus, Lithops species,
Stapelia hirsuta. Crassula otzenii, Haworthia truncata, Haworthia
V . H . C . Mr. and Mrs. W F. Maddams. limifolia, Bergeranthus multiceps.
Class 13 Three Aloes and/or Haworthias. 8 entries 3rd Mrs. A. Whicher. Haworthia truncata, Aloe nubigena,
1st Mrs. T. Watt. H. setata, H. rugosa, A. jucunda. Pleiospilos nelii, Gasteria liliputana, Lithops optica
2nd Mr. C. G. Brown. A. haworthioides, H. maugbanii, forma rubra.
A. somaliensis. Class 21 Three Succulents, any genera, in pots n o t
3rd Mr. D . V. Brewerton. A. bellatula, A. haworthioides, exceeding 5 inches diameter (For m e m b e r s w h o
H. bolusii. have not previously w o n a First Prize in any
V . H . C . Mrs. E. Potton. Succulent Class). 4 entries
H.C. Mrs. A. Whicher. 1st Mrs. A. Whicher. Haworthia bolusii, Aloe bellatula,
C. Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Crassula columella.
Class 14 Three Kalanchoes and/or Senecios. 3 entries 2nd Mr. J. D. Andrews. Cheiridopsis pillansii, Crassula
1st Mr. and W . F. Maddams. K. behariensis, K. orygalis, mesembryanthemopsis, Euphorbia obesa.
K. nykiae. 3rd Mr. J. G. Brown. Stapelia variegata, Gasteria acinacifolia,
2nd Mrs. E. Potton. K. millottii, S. stapelaeformis, S. rowleyi. Euphorbia monteroi.
3rd Mr. C. G. Brown. K. longiflora, S. ovoidus, S. citri- Class 22 Succulents raised f r o m seed s o w n b y the
formis. Exhibitor o n or after 1st January, 1967, in a
Class 15 Three Echeverias and/or Dudleyas. 3 entries container not exceeding 15 inches b y 15 inches.
1st Mrs. E. Potton. E. perle von nuremberg, E. roseum, 3 entries
E. leucocina. 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. E. pluridonis, D. rubella, 2nd Mrs. A. Whicher.
E. gibbiflora. 3rd Mrs. E. Potton.
3rd Mr. D. V. Brewerton. E. crenulata, E. kewensis, E. hybrid. Class 23 Three Succulents (for juniors under 18 years).
Class 16 Six Lithops. 3 entries 4 entries
1st Mrs. H. Hodgon. L. erniana, L. insularis, L. terricolor, I st Mr. A. G. Rivett. Senecio anteuphorbium, Euphorbia
L. marmorata, L. optica forma rubra, L. helmutii. monteroi, Euphorbia bupleurifolia.
2nd Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. L. aucampiae, L. pseudo- 2nd Mr. D. Ede. Echeveria agavoides, Adromischus cooperii,
truncatella, L. bella, L. marmorata, L. lateritia, L. Euphorbia woodii.
schwantesii. 3rd Mr. M. Ede.
3rd Mrs. T. W a t t . L. comptonii, L. geyerii, L. optica forma Class 24 One Cactus and One other Succulent. 6 entries
rubra, L. bella, L. umdausensis, L. otzeniana. 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Testudinaria paniculata,
Class 17 O n e specimen A l o e . 6 entries Copiapoa cinera.
1st Mr. D . V. Brewerton. A. rauhii. 2nd Mr. R. H. I. Read. Euphorbia horrida, Mammillaria
2nd Mrs. H. Hodgson. A. albiflora. gigantea.
3rd Mrs. E. Potton. A greatheddii. 3rd Mr. D. A. R. Knight. Conophytum elishca, Mammillaria
V.H.C. Mr. C. G. Brown. geminispina.
H.C. Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Class 25 Group o f Cacti and/or other Succulents to cover
Class 18 Six Stemless M e s e m b r y a n t h e m u m s . 3 entries space not exceeding 2 ft. in w i d t h by 2 ft. 6 i n .
1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams. Fenestraria aurantiaca, in depth, arranged for decorative effect. I entry
Pleiospilos willowmonensis, Lithops terricolor, Opthal- 1st Mr. and Mrs. W . F. Maddams.

1969 B R A N C H R E S U L T S A N D F I N A L T O T A L S
N o r t h Surrey .. .. .. 174 points
Essex 67 points
Berks and Bucks 36 points
West Kent 5 points

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 CUPS AND TROPHIES
The Banksian Medal Mrs. T. Watt
The Sir William Lawrence Cup for Cacti Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams
The Evelyn Theobalds Cup for Succulents Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams
The Joan Farrow Memorial Cup for Groups Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams
The Challenge Shield for Juniors Mr. M. Ede
The William Denton Memorial Trophy for Branches North Surrey
The P. V. Collings Cup for Euphorbias Mrs. T. Watt
The Mrs. Pryke-Howard Cup for Six South African Succulents Mr. C. G. Brown
The Mrs. Luty-Wells Cup for Three Cacti Mr. L. Jeffries
The Sarah Cutler Memorial Cup for One Mammillaria Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams
The Mrs. Hedges Cup for Succulents from Seed Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams
The Ibbotson Cup for Six Cacti Mr. L. Jeffries
The William Denton Medal for Six Stemless Mesembryanthemums Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maddams

The September Show 1969

THE SEPTEMBER SHOW this year was extremely interesting, Class 3 for three plants in Cereanae surprisingly only
though maybe there were somewhat fewer entries than attracted three entries and of these only the Maddams
last year, but I was particularly struck with the general entry was really outstanding, consisting of some of the
high standard of the entries. All the plants were in good newer South American Cacti which Bill Maddams has
condition and at last exhibitors seem to be taking real been trying to popularise of recent years. Mr. J. E.
note of the remarks so often made by the Judges about Taylor (2nd prize) had two very nice plants but the
the importance of presentation of their plants. So many third was not up to the same standard, which probably
times has it been impressed upon us that a smaller plant made this easier for the Judge in this particular class.
in good condition in a clean pot may do better than a Class 4 for three plants in Echinocactanae was better
larger specimen looking tatty round the base and in a supported and all three prize-winners had very nice
none too clean pot, a size too small. O f course this does entries, the Maddams family again producing three
not mean that size does not count and obviously a good really superb plants, gaining the first award, in particular
large one will probably beat a good small one but the Notocactus schummanianus and the Sulcorebutia
condition is one of the important points to be borne in steinbachii v. gracilis.
mind and certainly as a whole the plants in this show In Class 5 for three plants in Echinocactanae in pots
were in good condition and well presented. not exceeding 3 J inches in diameter, there were several
N o w let us go round the show, class by class for the entries of quite nice small plants of stenocactus, g y m n o -
benefit of those w h o were not able to see them for calyciums, etc., but of course they stood no chance
themselves. against the greater specialities shown by the three prize-
Class i for four cacti had surprisingly enough only winners and in particular the Copiapoa hypogaea,
attracted four entries. One would have expected more Aktezium ritteri and Encephalocarpus strobilijormis coming
than four members would be able to produce four cacti again from the Maddams stable to win First prize.
of any genera. However, those entered were very Class N o . 6 for three cacti in pots not exceeding 5
interesting and included some less usual plants. Mr. J. E. inches for members not having previously w o n a first in
Taylor came First with his enormous multi-headed any cactus class drew six entries and Mrs. E. Potton well
Mammillaria hahniana, surely a most unusual specimen deserved her First place though the other prize-winners
and three other nice plants. Mr. & Mrs. Maddams came were surely not far behind.
Second, including among their four, two very interest- The entries in Class 7 showed us that although there
ing plants—a fine Melocactus huallancaensis, with its is a tendency for the taller cerei to become w o o d y and
cephalium complete with a flower, just poking through perhaps even a little tatty at the base with age, it is
and a Zygocactus opuntioides. This is a most unusual possible to keep them in really good condition and the
Zygocactus with stems very like small opuntia pads; in Maddams Espostoa huanacensis was a really beautiful
fact at a quick glance it might be mistaken for an specimen.
Opuntia, but a closer inspection proves that it is indeed Class 8 for three cacti for Juniors with five entries was
a true Zygocactus. A most attractive and desirable plant. quite startling. The Society is fortunate to have Junior
In Class 2 all three prize-winners managed to produce members w h o are so keen that they can produce entries
three Coryphanthanae of three different genera; in fact of this standard. Andrew Rivett in particular (First
among the nine plants shown by these three exhibitors prize-winner) had three very fine plants which one
n o plant was duplicated, making therefore a varied would hardly expect to find in the collection of a
display. Junior and which some of us might quite well envy, i.e.

81
 Melocactus bahiaensis, Matucana crinifera and Ariocarpus neat and well-grown plants before the larger specimens
retusus. The two Ede Brothers, Michael and David entered by Mr. and Mrs. Maddams, who in this class
(2nd and 3rd respectively) also had some very good only gained 2nd place and Mrs. Stillwell commenting
plants. after the show did say that in the case of Lithops the
In Class 9 once again Mr. and Mrs. Maddams deserved larger grown plants were not always as attractive or as
their 1st with a normal and a cristate Mammillaria true to type as the smaller ones.
schwartzii, both very good specimens, particularly as Class 17 for one Specimen Aloe produced some very
the cristate form was growing on its own roots. attractive plants and the 1st Prizewinner Aloe rauhii
Certainly Mr. F. Johnson's cristate form of Mammillaria belonging to Mr. D. V. Brewerton was a real little gem.
rhodantha was a marvellous specimen which incidentally I was also very attracted by the Aloe ciliaris belonging
drew comments from a number of visitors to the show, to Mrs. Whicher which was not placed.
but unfortunately the normal form did not come up to Class 18 for six Stemless Mesembryanthemums was
the same standard being quite a small plant. If only he another very good class though there were only three
had been able to produce a comparable specimer of the entries. All exhibitors had managed again to produce
normal form, he would possibly have jumped from plants of six separate genera and though Mr. and Mrs.
3rd to 1st place. Maddams Conophytum cupreatum in full flower was
Class 10 for four Euphorbias was a really outstanding delightful, the tiny specimen of the same plant in Mrs.
class and must have set the Judge quite a problem. The Watt's collection, not much more than 1 inch across
four plants shown by Mrs. T. Watt were each beautiful and also in full flower called forth many compliments.
specimens of their species and though I am not myself As someone said to me, one expected to see it as a
a Euphorbia fan, I must admit that both hers and those centre-piece for a fairies' tea-party.
of Mr. and Mrs. Maddams which came second almost Class 19 for three Succulents not covered by the
converted me. earlier classes included quite a variety of other genera;
Class 11 for three Crassulas in small pots also produced Gasterias, Adromischus, Cissus, Monadenium, Sar-
some interesting entries as some of the smaller Crassulas cacaulon, Alluadia and Orystachys were all included in
are delightful little plants and here again the Judge must the three prize-winning entries, where Mr. Brewcrton's
have had some difficulty in coming to a decision, as all beautifully grown plants won him the 1st award.
the entries were of a very high standard.. The plant that immediately caught one's attention in
Class 12 for three plants in Asclepiadaceae was Class 20 for six South African Succulents in pots not
another very good class and Mrs. Watt's Caralluma exceeding \\ inches in diameter was Mr. C. G. Brown's
deflersiana in bloom, Diplocyantha cilliata and Fockea Sarcacaulon multijidum which was a very tiny but perfect
crispa were well worth the first prize, though Mr. C. G. specimen in full leaf. Mr. Brown's plants which won
Brown could not have been far behind with his Stapeli- him the 1st Prize in this class show that he believes that
anthus decaryi, Huernia spec, nova and Brachystelma good things are done up in little parcels, as all the plants
barbariae, which won the Best in Show at the Essex were of small growing species and all in beautiful
Show earlier this year. condition.
On the other hand Class 13 for three Aloes and/or Class 21 for three Succulents, any genera in pots not
Haworthias, which was quite well supported was much exceeding 5 inches in diameter for members not having
less outstanding though it included some quite nice won a first in any Succulent Class, was won by Mrs.
plants. Whicher for three very nice plants of Haworthia bolusii,
Class 14 for three Kalanchoes and/or Senccios only Aloe bellatula and Crassula columella.
attracted three entries possibly because members are The Seedling Class (No. 22) for Succulents raised from
not too keen on transporting them to shows, but the seed sown on or after 1st January 1967 was won by an
three plants which won the 1st prize for Mr. and Mrs. outstanding entry by Mr. and Mrs. Maddams. It was
Maddams show that even quite large plants of this type amazing to see the amount of growth these succulents
can be transported if carefully packed and handled, had made in just over two years. They included a very
though I must admit that they were very plucky to varied selection of leafy succulents, euphorbias, mesem-
bring up such large plants. bryanthemums, monadeniums and cissus. I understand
It was noticeable that in Class 15 for three Echeverias the Maddamses have been experimenting with fluores-
and/or Dudleyas, none of the three entries included a cent light treatment for their seedlings and this may be
Dudleya. Here again it may have been difficulties of the explanation of the speed of growth the plants have
transport which influenced the choice of plants entered made.
as Dudleyas are of course very liable to damage if Mrs. Whicher also had a varied selection of plants
knocked about at all. However, the Echeverias made which looked very healthy and were growing well. At a
quite a good show. first glance Mrs. Potton appeared to have entered a
Class 16 for six Lithops was an example of the fact half-filled container, until on looking closer one realised
that the largest plants do not necessarily win the prizes, that in the front there were a number of Lithops which
as the Judge placed Mrs. H. Hodgson's six small but could hardly be seen. While we know that these plants

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do depend very considerably on natural camouflage, very uninteresting to all except the enthusiasts are
perhaps in this case, it might have been better to give undoubtedly very fascinating when they do their stuff
them a background against which they showed up and burst into full leaf which is so often quite delicate
somewhat more clearly. looking and contrasts strangely with the huge wood-
In Class 23 for three Succulents for Juniors again we like base of the plant.
saw some surprising plants in such a class and Andrew Finally we come to Class 24 in which there was once
Rivctt again deserved his 1st Prize. In this class David more only one entry. I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Maddams
and Michael Ede reversed the order, David coming would be only too pleased to have some competition
second and Michael third. However, this still did not in this class for although the Group was a wonderful
stop Michael from winning the Challenge Shield for sight and wordiy of a 1st prize in any company, I am
Juniors on which wc congratulate him very heartily. sure they would much rather beat someone else, and
Class 23 for One Cactus and One Other Succulent I dare say they would even not mind being beaten
was won by Mr. and Mrs. Maddams with two magnifi- themselves for once, if only some of you others would
cent plants—an immense Copiapoa chwra and a well- put in an entry! So what about it e
grown Testtiditiaria paniculata. I saw the latter arrive at Incidentally, the Show would have been very much
the hall done up in a wigwam of sticks and string which poorer without the entries of Mr. and Mrs. Maddams
shows that if you make the effort it is possible to bring who entered in all 21 out of 24 classes—in fact all the
up even plants which are difficult to transport. Mr. classes for which they were eligible. Wc really must
Read's Euphorbia horrida and Mamtnillaria gigantca came congratulate them. Surely they set an example to all of
a good second and Mr. D. A. R. Knight came third with us who only enter one or two classes. What about
Coiwphytum elishea and Mammillaria geminispina, the giving them more of a run for their money next year.
latter a very large multi-headed specimen in very good I am sure many of our members could at least enter
condition. Another plant in this class which was well quite a few classes, so think about it for next year, will
worthy of notice was the Kedrostris afrkana in full leaf you?
entered by Mrs. Whicher, which was most attractive. E.M.D.
These "turnips and parsnips" while for part of the year

Connoisseur's Corner
CONOPHYTUM CUPREATUM
THE CURRENT TREND in succulent collecting is, perhaps
regrettably, away from Mesembryanthemums but even
if space can be only spared for one or two, the small-
headed, clumping Conophytums should be amongst
them and one of the gems of these is Conophytums
cuprcatum.
This delightful small, neat plant from Little Nama-
qualand and Bushmanland, Cape Province, will take
many years to grow out of a 3 J inch pot and so should
be guaranteed house-room in any collection. The heads
are coppery-brown—from which the name derives—
with dark green 'windows' and when examined closely
in sunlight the surface is seen to be slightly uneven and
with an almost metallic sheen.
In the author's experience Coiwphytum cupreatum is
one of the earliest of the Conophytums to come into longer flowering period. Either way, the flowering time
growth each year and also to start flowering. It is gener- can be said to be from July to September.
ally in full growth by mid-July and from this time the A little care must be taken in watering clumps of
clear, white, starry flowers come through and open Conophytums of this type. A light spray in spring is
showing their bright yellow centres. These flowers have beneficial and gradually increasing water amounts once
the advantage over most flowers of Conophytum the new heads come through; a good soaking from the
species in that they are open from mid-morning for the base every two or three weeks during August and
rest of the day; other species have flowers which mainly September is probably better than small waterings from
open for the morning, afternoon or evening only. above at more frequent intervals, after that the watering
Sometimes flowers will open on all the heads simul- must be according to the weather and the temperature
taneously making a very attractive display but other held in the greenhouse. The growing season often
years they will open more spasmodically giving a extends into February.

»3
 Succulent Snippets doing such work on a voluntary basis as happens with
most cactus societies, and following it as a profession; in
by Sally Cornioides the latter case mistakes and misprints should be few
and far between.
Although there must have been some red faces around
WELL, WINTER is again approaching and plants can sink of late at the surprisingly large number of incorrect
back on their benches with relief and realise that they captions beneath photographs in succulents journals I
will not be disturbed by being taken to shows or displays have some idea of the effort that goes into these publica-
for a few months. Not that it is not good for them to tions on the part of busy people and the occasional slip
have an occasional outing if carefully transported. There is understandable. Perhaps the most obvious of recent
is no doubt that shows and other types of exhibition "bloomers" occurred in the January/March 1967 issue
make you take a more careful look at your plants and of "Cactaceas y Suculentas Mexicanas", the journal of
encourage some repotting which might otherwise be the Mexican Cactus Society. The front cover showed a
neglected. If you shrunk from the effort of putting some coloured illustration of a fine clump of Opuntia with
of your plants in the two fine Shows at Westminster fruit and the legend below was "Mammillaria magnifica
this year (which I think may be reported in this issue), sp. nov.". On the back cover there was a less satisfactory
take a good look round your plants in the winter months photograph, presumably of M. magnifica, labelled
and just see what you can do next year. "Opuntia microdasys con fruitos". A case of straight
Talking of shows, a rather strange picture appeared in interchange of captions; Yes, probably, but what about
"The Observer Review" recently; this was captioned this one: the front cover of the July 1965 issue of the
"Ger van Elk with his 'Well Shaven Cactus Plant', and New Zealand Cactus and Succulent Journal had a fine
appeared with a review of the latest Institute of Con- black and white illustration entitled "Stenocactus multi-
temporary Arts Exhibition. This rather enigmatic costatus", which I would judge to be correct. However,
review did nothing to explain the picture further, this same photograph appears on the cover of the
merely referring to it as a "non-collectable work such October 1968 issue with the title "Strombocactus
as an arabesque cut into the sand of a desert"! Perhaps disciformis"! The descriptive notes inside refer to
more avant garde members could explain this pheno- Stenocactus multicostatus, so one wonders what has
menon, it certainly means nothing to me or my con- happened here.
temporaries, we are obviously just old stick in the muds. People as well as plants have not escaped these mix-
ups. The June 1969 issue of Kakteen and Andere
Still on the subject of shows, have you heard the true Sukkulenten shows a picture purporting to be Charles
story of someone walking round a local Horticultural Glass digging up a specimen of a small Mammillaria.
Society Show and seeing, amongst all the beautiful However, unless I am sadly mistaken the gentleman in
flowers three 4 inch pots containing our kind of plants. question is Mr. Robert Foster, Assistant Editor of the
Hasty reference to the schedule revealed the class as American Journal. If I am wrong perhaps Gordon
"Three Medium Cactus"! Rowley, or Mr. and Mrs. Maddams, who have met
these two renowned American cactophiles recently, will
Incidentally, I expect you have always thought that correct me.
Cactus Dahlias were so called for their spine-like petals, I cannot leave the topic of Editors without paying
but Garden News gave some enlightenment on this tribute to the late Chris Pitcher. Others who knew
subject a few weeks ago. In the July 25th issue John him more closely have written fitting tributes and I will
Street writes that the original cactus dahlia, Dahlia not attempt to compete with these. Chris had a character
Juarezii, was the only surviving plant in a consignment which was an unusual blend of many qualities. His
sent to Holland in 1872. The nurseryman nursed it back knowledge of succulent plants, particularly his beloved
to life and it grew and flowered. This flower was an turnips, carrots and parsnips, was first rate and he could
intense scarlet which resembled Heliocereus speciosus put it over to others convincingly as those of us who
flowers which was the reason for its being called the heard him talk in the R.H.S. Hall not so long ago
cactus dahlia. It is perhaps appropriate that cactus remember well. He was a good society man, and yet he
dahlias are now in many other gay colours as also are had a pronounced streak of stubbornness and individu-
the flowers of different cacti. ality in his make up. When one met him it became
apparent that, although he was domiciled in Yorkshire,
My literary ambitions are quite satisfied by these he was a West countryman. In fact, he hailed from
quarterly jottings and my aspirations go no further. In Gloucestershire and was wont to make dry but acid
particular, although I have a great esteem for Editors remarks about Gloucestershire cricket being better than
I have no wish to follow in their footsteps. They are an that played in. the county of his adoption. (How he
the unenviable position of being on the receiving end would have relished the final positions in the County
when things go wrong and being taken for granted Championship this year, with Gloucestershire in second
when all is well. There is a world of difference between place and Yorkshire thirteenth!)

84
 Correspondence Finally, on grafting; I would suggest that Echinopsis
is a useful grafting stock, though it sprouts rather
My purpose in subscribing to this journal was to annoyingly, as it is "soft" and readily unites with almost
obtain the names of British suppliers of cacti seeds. I have any cactus. I have found it very good for saving valuable
only found one British supplier, to whom I have written, seedlings. Miss Martin did not mention Cereus forbesii;
but instead of sending me lists, etc., he has merely sent this is claimed to be exceptionally good for grafting
me literature asking me to join a society for a fee of and is very robust.
three guineas. E. W. Putnam,
I have no wish to join any club; my object is primarily Hooley, Coulsdon.
to purchase cacti seeds, and I am now wondering if you
can help me in this connection.
I look forward to hearing from you. From the Treasurer
M. B. Vitkay,
Bagshot, Surrey. A REMINDER that subscriptions fall due on ist
P.S. From another source I was able to purchase seeds, January, 1970. Will those members who pay by
but the ratio of growth was one or two per ioo seeds, Bankers Order please ensure that their Bankers Orders
and from some packets absolutely nothing whilst others are for the proper amount of the present current
produced only weaklings. These seeds were germinated subscription, i.e. £ 1 5s. od.
by an experienced cacti grower. I wonder, therefore, if
you can put me in touch with a reliable supplier.
Accessions to the
Society's Library
Perhaps I may be allowed to offer a few comments
on assorted topics in the August number of the Journal. THE UNEXPECTED DEATH of Miss D. J. Maxwell has left
I was interested in Mr. Weightman's comments on a gap in the West Kent Branch which will be difficult
Sclcrocactus, and the photograph of his robust plant. It is to fill: she was one of the most regular and successful
always dangerous and unscientific to generalise from exhibitors at Branch table shows with plants that often
limited data, and in including Sclcrocactus among the compared favourably with those seen at larger shows.
difficult cacti I was certainly guilty of this, though I Her family have kindly donated to the Library in her
suspect my opinion is shared by many. The fact is that memory a set of back numbers of the Society's Journal
very few of us have had experience with more than one and the first three volumes of the African Succulent
or two plants of this genus, and these usually (or invari- Plant Society's Journal. This will be kept for record and
ably) collected plants. Sizeable imported cacti often reference purposes.
reach this country in pretty poor condition and many The Librarian has added to the books available for
seem to be carrying dormant virus infections which postal loan:
rapidly take charge and lead to the early demise of their Succulents in Cultivation (Cacti included)
host. In these circumstances it is hardly surprising that by V. Higgins, i960.
species which are difficult to raise from seed should Starting with Cacti by A. Boarder, 1968.
acquire the reputation of being tricky to keep. But A Synonymy of the Genus Gymnocalycium 1845-
unless many sound and vigorous Sclerocacti reach the 1967 by E. W. Putnam, 1969.
market in the near future, I fancy that show judges will G.G.L-B.
continue to give this genus credit for being difficult!
I am not opposed to the use of pseudonyms by writers PRESERVE YOUR JOURNALS with a binding case,
except where the purpose is camouflage for the making in which each issue is fixed with a wire. The case is
of comments of an unpleasant kind, and no-one could finished in green cloth with gilt lettering on the spine.
accuse "Sally Cornioides" of that. After reading all her Price: 12s., post free to members.
contributions I would sport a half-crown bet on her
identity; it is extremely difficult to disguise one's style IDENTIFY YOURSELF with the Society's lapel
of writing under a pseudonym! On one occasion when badge. Price 4s. 6d., post free.
I wrote under a fake name my alias was instantly pene- OR with the Society's blazer badge. Price 10s., post
trated by one of my friends. free. State whether black or navy background required.
Daphne Hutchinson is surely absolutely right about IDENTIFY YOUR PLANTS with triangular, white
plastic pots. I use many dozens and have never found it ivorine labels, which can be read without turning the
necessary to make additional holes in them. It is not a
head. Price: 4s. per 100, post free.
job I would relish, anyway, as I have had a lot of
experience of the effect of intense heat on plastics: the All the above arc available from the Hon. Treasurer—Mr.
smell is quite abominable! R. H. I. Read, 5 Wilbury Avenue, Cheam, Surrey.

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