Parodia magnifica

Name and distribution

POWO accepts the name Parodia magnifica, published in this combination in 1982. The species comes from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. In literature and collections, it appears as Eriocactus magnificus, Notocactus magnificus or Eriocephala magnifica. POWO refers these names to the same species. [2-WWW]

Stems, flowers and seeds

According to the account by Anceschi and Magli, plants are solitary or form large clumps. Initially globular, the stems become shortly cylindrical with age. They are usually 7–15 cm in diameter, sometimes more, with 11–15 sharp ribs. Densely spaced areoles may form an almost continuous line. There are 12–15 or more thin spines, 0,8–2 cm long, golden near the apex and becoming brown or grey over time. The distinction between central and radial spines is weak. [Anceschi and Magli 2018]

Sulphur-yellow flowers reach 4,5–5,5 cm long and a similar diameter. The small, globular fruits are pink. Seeds are reddish-brown, with a surface covered in tubercles bearing distinct projections. [Anceschi and Magli 2018]

Basalt walls amid forests

Sites lie in the Toropi and Toropi Mirim catchments, at about 300–800 m above sea level. Plants occupy steep, locally almost vertical basalt faces of the Serra Geral formation, surrounded by humid subtropical forest. This specific combination of rocky substrate, exposure and regional climate defines the species’ ecological context. [Anceschi and Magli 2018]

Cultivation and propagation

RHS recommends cactus substrate and full or bright, diffused light under shelter. From mid-spring to late summer, watering should be moderate. Outside this period, keep the substrate barely moist. During growth, a low-nitrogen fertiliser can be given every six to eight weeks. The winter location should be protected from frost. [1-WWW]

Seeds are sown in spring or summer. RHS recommends a germination temperature range of 19–24°C. Mealybugs may occur in collections, with aphids also present during flowering. [1-WWW]

Materials from the author's archive

The species also appears in Konrad Szychowski's private material archive. [Kaktusy i Inne 2005b, file p. 45]