Tephrocactus articulatus is a species of cactus in the subfamily Opuntioideae of the plant family Cactaceae, endemic to northern Argentina.
Description It is a small shrubby cactus growing tall with white flowers. The branches are typically made up of around eight segments, each segment long and broad. Its most notable feature are its spines which, if present, are flat and resemble parchment. The flowers open at end-of-evening nautical twilight, and close shortly after sunrise.
Taxonomy The species, as with the rest of the genus Tephrocactus, was formerly often included in a wide view of Opuntia. The species is variable, and two varieties are sometimes accepted based on the number of spines, though intermediates occur, and they are not considered distinct by the Plants of the World Online database: Tephrocactus articulatus var. articulatus. Few or no spines. Tephrocactus articulatus var. oligacanthus. Numerous broad, flat spines of papery appearance.
Cultivation Propagation is usually through cuttings. Stem segments break away easily and will root readily without special treatment. It also grows from seeds.
References
Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus) Tephrocactus articulatus var. syringacanthus
External links
Kew Plant List IPNI Listing