Thelocactus bicolor [Cactaceae]

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Scientific Name Thelocactus bicolor ssp. bicolor USDA PLANTS Symbol THBIB
Common Name Glory of Texas ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 913444
Family Cactaceae (Cactus) Flora of North America Ref. Click Here
Description Habitat: Desert environment; gravelly soils, in flat areas, limestone and sandstone slopes and outcrops. Found in South Texas and Big Bend region.
Plant: Solitary cactus with stem up to 15 inches tall and 4 inches wide, ovoid or long ovoid shape with about 8 ribs covered with tightly-spaced tubercles protruding 1/2-inch or less.
Spines: Central spines (4) about 1 inch long; radial spines (10 to 17 per areole) 3/8 to 1-1/8 inches long; red and white (i.e. bicolored), older spines weather to ashy white.
Inflorescence: Flowers 2 to 2-1/2 inches across at the top of the stems; inner tepals rose-pink to magenta with red bases; many yellow stamens surround red to red-orange or yellowish center pistil.
Bloom Period: Early spring to fall.
References: Flora of North America and "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

Click here for Thelocactus setispinus.


© Tom Lebsack 2022