Status:
valid
Authors:
Backeb.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1951
Citation Micro:
in Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 23: 20. 1951.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287295
Common Names
- Oreocereus varicolor
- Variegated Old Man Cactus
- Variegated Columnar Cactus
Description
Oreocereus varicolor (also called Varicolored Old Man Cactus, among many other common names) is a cactus species native to Peru and Bolivia. It is a columnar cactus that grows up to 3 m tall and has a diameter of up to 8 cm. It is found in dry, rocky habitats at elevations of up to 3,000 m.
Uses & Benefits
Oreocereus varicolor is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used in rock gardens, as a border plant, and as a potted plant. It is drought tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping. It is also used in green roofs and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Oreocereus varicolor is white and bell-shaped, with a yellow center. The seed is small and round, with a black color. The seedlings are small and delicate, with a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Oreocereus varicolor is a columnar cactus native to Peru. It is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the parent plant and let it dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Water the cutting regularly until it is established.
Where to Find Oreocereus varicolor
Oreocereus varicolor can be found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Oreocereus varicolor FAQ
What is the scientific name of Oreocereus varicolor?
Oreocereus varicolor
What is the common name of Oreocereus varicolor?
Varicolor Oreocereus
What is the natural habitat of Oreocereus varicolor?
Dry, rocky slopes in the Andes Mountains
Species in the Oreocereus genus
Oreocereus australis,
Oreocereus hendriksenianus,
Oreocereus trollii,
Oreocereus varicolor,
Oreocereus celsianus,
Oreocereus ritteri,
Oreocereus tacnaensis,
Oreocereus doelzianus,
Oreocereus hempelianus,
Oreocereus leucotrichus,
Oreocereus fossulatus,
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,