Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
polycephala
ID:
1418743

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) Vargas & Bárcenas

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
2018

Citation Micro:
in PhytoKeys 111: 49. 2018.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001431208

Common Names

  • Homalocephala polycephala
  • Polycephala Homalocephala
  • Homalocephala Many-Headed Cactus

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Description

Homalocephala polycephala (also called Many-headed Homalocephala, among many other common names) is a perennial cactus with a single stem that grows up to 1.2 m tall. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America and South America, and is found in tropical and subtropical dry shrublands.

Uses & Benefits

Homalocephala polycephala is a succulent plant that is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Homalocephala polycephala sub. xeranthemoides (J.M.Coult.) Vargas & Bárcenas
Homalocephala polycephala sub. polycephala

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Homalocephala polycephala has yellow flowers with a pinkish tinge and a white center. The flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a white, woolly covering.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Homalocephala polycephala is a slow-growing cactus that can be propagated from stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and allowed to dry for a few days before planting. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, sandy soil and water sparingly. The plant should be kept in a warm, sunny location and will flower in the summer.

Where to Find Homalocephala polycephala

Homalocephala polycephala is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Homalocephala polycephala FAQ

What is the scientific name of Homalocephala polycephala?

Homalocephala polycephala

What is the common name of Homalocephala polycephala?

Polycephala

What is the natural habitat of Homalocephala polycephala?

Arid regions of South America

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,

References

George Engelmann (1809-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Engelm.' in the authors string.
Julio César Vargas Calderón (1903-2002): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Vargas' in the authors string.
John Milton Bigelow (1804-1878): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.M.Bigelow' in the authors string.
Rolando T. Bárcenas (b.1966): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Bárcenas' in the authors string.