{"product_id":"kadenicarpus-horripilus-turbinicarpus-horripilus-metztitlan-hidalgo-collector-cactus","title":"Kadenicarpus horripilus | Turbinicarpus horripilus | Metztitlán, Hidalgo Collector Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKadenicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, still widely known among collectors as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurbinicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, is a distinctive Mexican cactus admired for its blue-green to olive-green body, prominent woolly apex, formidable dark-tipped spines, and brilliant purple flowers. Young plants begin globose but may gradually become short-columnar with age, while mature specimens can occasionally produce basal branches and develop into impressive multiheaded plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe spination is particularly striking. Numerous white to gray radial spines surround one or two stronger central spines that emerge dark brown to nearly black at the tips before weathering paler with age. Against the woolly crown and subdued green epidermis, the large purple flowers create an exceptional contrast during the flowering season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plants traditionally known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurbinicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are especially associated with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarranca de Metztitlán in Hidalgo, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where documented populations occur around Metztitlán and neighboring localities at approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1,200–1,500 meters (3,940–4,920 feet)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e elevation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants inhabit \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esteep calcareous slopes, rocky crevices, and exposed limestone-derived terrain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e within xerophytic and semi-desert scrub. They often establish in small pockets of mineral soil between rocks, where rapid drainage and strong sunlight alternate with seasonal periods of moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe surrounding xerophytic flora is exceptionally rich. Cacti and succulents documented from the same general habitat include \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstrophytum ornatum, Mammillaria geminispina, Mammillaria candida, Cephalocereus senilis, Myrtillocactus geometrizans, Stenocereus dumortieri, Opuntia durangensis, Agave stricta,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgave salmiana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. These species create one of central Mexico’s most remarkable cactus-dominated landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature plants produce striking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edeep magenta, violet-purple, or purplish-red flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, usually with a noticeably paler or whitish throat. Flowers may reach approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4 cm (1.6 inches) across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and open during the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough spring and early summer are important flowering periods in cultivation, studies of wild populations in the Barranca de Metztitlán have documented flower and fruit production through much of the year, with peak reproductive activity occurring during the region’s dry season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe flowers are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehermaphroditic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and are primarily \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebee-pollinated\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in an exceptionally porous, predominantly mineral substrate composed of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epumice, coarse limestone gravel, decomposed granite, coarse grit, and only a small amount of organic material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent drainage and strong root-zone aeration are essential. Avoid rich or moisture-retentive soil, which can encourage unnaturally elongated growth and increase the risk of root rot. Allow the substrate to dry well between waterings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest suited to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Zones 9–11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Established plants can tolerate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrief temperatures around 25°F (-4°C) when completely dry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but prolonged freezing conditions and cold, wet soil should be avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecool, dry winter rest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly whenever nighttime temperatures remain consistently below about 50°F (10°C). Good air circulation is important throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrives in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright light to strong sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Ample light encourages compact growth, strong spine development, and dependable flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants grown under greenhouse conditions should be gradually acclimated before exposure to intense outdoor sun. In very hot climates, some afternoon protection can help prevent stress while still maintaining the species’ characteristic compact form and robust spination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation is primarily from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is the most dependable method and preserves genetic variation within cultivated populations. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrafting can be used to accelerate growth and flowering, but seed-grown plants maintained on their own roots generally develop the most natural proportions and are preferred by many collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector's Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis cactus has had an exceptionally complicated taxonomic history. It was originally described by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharles Lemaire in 1838 as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMammillaria horripila\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and has subsequently been placed in numerous genera, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocactus, Neolloydia, Gymnocactus, Thelocactus, Pediocactus, Turbinicarpus,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBravocactus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe familiar combination \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurbinicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was published in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1983\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and became firmly established in horticulture. However, a major molecular and morphological study published in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2019\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e demonstrated that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurbinicarpus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in its traditional broad sense was polyphyletic. The study recovered \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKadenicarpus, Rapicactus, and Turbinicarpus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as separate evolutionary lineages, and the species was consequently transferred to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKadenicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKew’s Plants of the World Online currently accepts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKadenicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as the correct botanical name and treats \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurbinicarpus horripilus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as a synonym.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe classic Metztitlán populations are particularly significant from a conservation standpoint. Population studies have documented localized, fragmented colonies with low seedling recruitment, while illegal collection has historically placed additional pressure on wild plants. Cultivated, seed-grown material therefore plays an important role in keeping this remarkable Mexican cactus available to collectors without impacting natural populations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4\" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.\u003cbr\u003eAny questions please ask.\u003cbr\u003e#prsucculents\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","offers":[{"title":"4 Inch","offer_id":47336716894377,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/7391\/0096\/files\/20260720_173930.jpg?v=1786304067","url":"https:\/\/prsucculents.com\/products\/kadenicarpus-horripilus-turbinicarpus-horripilus-metztitlan-hidalgo-collector-cactus","provider":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","version":"1.0","type":"link"}