Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
gigantea
ID:
620401

Status:
valid

Authors:
Backeb.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1936

Citation Micro:
in Jahrb. Deutsch. Kakteen-Ges. 1: 104. 1936.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000619733

Common Names

  • Copiapoa Gigantea
  • Gigantea
  • Copiapoa

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Synonyms

  • Copiapoa cinerea eremophila (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm. [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea eremophila (F.Ritter) Doweld [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea gigantea (Backeb.) N.P.Taylor [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea gigantea (Backeb.) Slaba [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea haseltoniana (Backeb.) N.P.Taylor [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea haseltoniana (Backeb.) N.P.Taylor [unknown]
  • Copiapoa cinerea tenebrosa (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm. [unknown]
  • Copiapoa eremophila F.Ritter [unknown]
  • Copiapoa gigantea haseltoniana (Backeb.) F.Ritter [unknown]
  • Copiapoa gigantea haseltoniana (Backeb.) Doweld [unknown]
  • Copiapoa haseltoniana Backeb. [unknown]
  • Copiapoa tenebrosa F.Ritter [unknown]

Description

Copiapoa gigantea (also called Gigantea, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Chile. It is a globose cactus with a short stem and numerous ribs. It is found in the Atacama Desert and other arid regions of northern Chile, growing in rocky soils.

Uses & Benefits

Copiapoa gigantea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also a popular choice for rock gardens and succulent gardens.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Copiapoa gigantea has yellow flowers with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a tuft of white hairs at the apex.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Copiapoa gigantea is a slow-growing cactus that is best propagated from seed. It is best grown in a sandy, well-draining soil mix and should be kept in a bright, sunny location. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer months, the plant may benefit from a light fertilizer.

Where to Find Copiapoa gigantea

Copiapoa gigantea is native to the Atacama Desert in Chile and can be found in nurseries that specialize in succulents and cacti.

Copiapoa gigantea FAQ

What is the common name of Copiapoa gigantea?

Giant Copiapoa

What is the growth habit of Copiapoa gigantea?

It is a low-growing, stemless cactus that typically grows to 6-12” tall and as wide.

What is the soil type of Copiapoa gigantea?

It prefers well-drained, sandy soils in full sun to part shade.

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,