HOMEPLANT DATA BASEPLANT SEARCH ENGINESEEDS SHOP

Image of Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno). Click to enlarge parts of image.

Image of Austrocactus philippii

VII Region, Pelarco, Libueno, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 12 24, 2006

 

FIRST RECORD<< PREVIOUSNEXT >>LAST RECORD
Species:  Austrocactus philippii (Regel & C.E. Schmidt) Buxbaum
Family:  Cactaceae Identification OK   
Order:  Caryophyllales
Chilean Name:  Hiberno
English Name: 
German Name: 
Russian Name: 
Record:  0673
About 3 Austrocactus in Chile and 2 in our data base.
About 164 Cactaceae in Chile and 67 in our data base.

 

1st Region:
Lat: 18° - 21°
Main Cities: Arica, Iquique.
2d Region:
Lat: 21° - 26°
Main Cities: Antofagasta, Calama.
3d Region:
Lat: 26° - 29°
Main Cities: Copiapó, Vallenar.
4th Region:
Lat: 29° - 32°
Main Cities: La Serena, Ovalle.
5th Region:
Lat: 32° - 33°
Main Cities: Valparaiso, Los Andes.
Metropolitan Region:
Lat: 33°- 34°
Main Cities: Santiago.
6th Region:
Lat: 34° - 35°
Main Cities: Rancagua.
7th Region:
Lat: 35° - 36°
Main Cities: Talca, Curicó.
8th Region:
Lat: 36° - 38°
Main Cities: Concepción, Chillan, Los Angeles.
9th Region:
Lat: 38° - 39°
Main Cities: Temuco, Villarrica, Pucón.
10th Region:
Lat: 39° - 44°
Main Cities: Valdivia, Osorno, Puerto Montt.
11th Region:
Lat: 44° - 49°
Main Cities: Coihaique.
12th Region:
Lat 49°- 55°
Main Cities: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Puerto Williams.
USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even  -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).     Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.     Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.   
High altitude close to the timber line
Yellow, 7 - 14 petals      Shrub     

Endemic    Very Rare

Height: 15 cm.

Good ornamental value (A)

Our philosophy and explanations about this page


Here you can buy the seeds of this species.

 

SILENCE KILLS...

Civilized Human Beings can not be Silent Accomplices to Murder and War Crimes


Did you know that:
israeli forces target and kill family members, including children, of journalists who report on Gaza atrocities?
israeli forces murdered more than 36 journalists?
israeli forces murdered more than 11000 Palestinians in just over four weeks?
israeli forces murdered more than 4500 Palestinian children in just over four weeks?
73% -- of those [Palestinians] killed are from vulnerable populations, including children, women, and elderly individuals (CNN, 29th October)
israeli forces murder more than 142 Palestinian children every day for the last three weeks?
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterrez said that "Gaza is becoming graveyard for children"?
israeli forces murdered six times more Palestinian children (3000+) in three weeks than Ukrainian children (500) died in Russo-Ukranian war in two years?
israeli forces murdered six times more Palestinian children (3000+) in three weeks than Ukrainian children (500) died in Russo-Ukranian war in two years?
more than a third (35%-40%) of victims murdered by israeli forces are children?
more than half (55 %) of Palestinian victims murdered by israeli forces are either women or children?
israeli targeted and destroyed at least 30 ambulances with injured people in Gaza?
more than 1.5 million Palestinians are displaced?
more than 45 % of all buildings in Gaza are damaged or destroyed?
an israeli minister (Amihai Eliyahu) wanted to drop nuclear bomb on Gaza, because there are "no non-combatants in Gaza"?
an israeli minister (Amihai Eliyahu) wanted to drop nuclear bomb on Gaza, because there are "no non-combatants in Gaza"?
Hitler wanted to eliminate all Jews (9 millions). israeli minister Amihay Eliyahu wants to eliminate all Gazan Palestinians (2.3 millions)?
israelis murdered more than 116 medical personnel?
out of 1152 identified israeli victims, only 26 are clearly identified as children (Haaretz.com, 11th Nov). That is just over 2 % of israeli vistims?
israelis lied that Hamas targeted israeli children during October 7th attack?
more than half (13) of israeli children killed were aged 16 and 17 and were confused with adults?
there are israeli civilian victims caused by friendly fire (killed by the israelis themselves)?
israelis lied that Hamas "kills babies". There are only 4 israeli baby victims (age 0..4 years) (Haaretz.com)?
israelis lied about total number of israeli victims, admitting officially that there are only about 1200 and not 1400 after one month?
doctors in the Al-Shifa hospital are now being forced to carry out artificial respiration by hand on the 36 babies that they’re caring for because israelis cut off electricity supply?
3 babies died in Gaza's biggest hospital as it went out of service due to israeli blockade?
israeli mutilated and injured more than 30000 Palestinians?
israeli politican recently claimed that “the children of Gaza have brought this upon themselves”
Premature babies relying on oxygen supplies will die if no fuel is delivered to Gaza (CNN)?
Palestinian parents write names of their children on their body so that they could be identified in case they were killed by israeli forces?
Palestinian parents write names of their children on their body so that they could be identified in case they were killed by israeli forces?
Palestinian victims are often operated on without anestesia because the israeli forces would not allow the entry of medicaments?
for israeli defense minister Palestinians are human animals?
current israeli Minister of National Security, Ben Gvyr, was convicted of supporting an israeli terrorist group and incitement to racism?
israeli forces murdered 35 staffers of UN?
israeli ex-minister Naftali Bennett said: 'They [Palestinian children] are not children. They are terrorists'?
Amnesty International declared that israeli policies towards Palestinians are Apartheid?
French president said about Palestinians being murdered: "These babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. So there is no reason for that and no legitimacy"
Turkey president said that what israel does in Gaza "amounts to genocide"?
Spanish minister accused israel of a “planned genocide”?
israeli forces use collective punishment to take revenge, which is a war crime?
in the last 15 years prior to Hamás attack, 6400 Palestinian were murdered and only 311 israelies were killed?
Now, you know it, Now, you can decide
Now, you know it, Now, you can act
Now, you know it, Now, you can judge
israeli War Criminals should and will be brought to justice!
israeli War Criminals should and will be brought to justice!
Boycott israel!
BOYCOTT ISRAEL!
If you wondered, we will run this information campaign for 4500 days, the number of Palestinian children murdered by israelis. We owe it to them. And for each new child victim, we will prolong the campaign for one day.
If you wondered, we will run this information campaign for 4500 days, the number of Palestinian children murdered by israelis. We owe it to them. And for each new child victim, we will prolong the campaign for one day.

INTRODUCTION

This is one of the most rare and amazing plants in Chile. Only two locations are known where it can be found, and the last location was discovered just recently by the University of Talca. It seems that the first location was plundered, because there were no reports of seeing it there lately. So the newly discovered location may be the only one where it is known to be. On the other hand, this cactus is so well camouflaged that it is very difficult to spot; so, unless you sit on top of it, you may never discover that it is there. Finding new locations are therefore extremely difficult. Only when it is blooming there is a real chance of finding it. This cactus, apart from being one of the rarest, is also one which is most cold-resistant.

Image of Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno). Click to enlarge parts of image.

Image of Austrocactus philippii

VII Region, Pelarco, Libueno, Chile
Altitude: 300 m. 12 25, 2006

 

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Shrub

Flower: Yellow, 7 - 14 petals

Height: 15 cm.

 

It forms groups of about 6 - 12 plants; it has a columnar body, with somewhat soft, green tissue, generally short, erect stems about 5 - 20 cm. long and about 3 - 4 cm. in diameter, some stems may also be prostrate. It has 7 or 8 prominent ribs, 6-8 marginal thorns, and 3 - 4 central thorns of up to 3 cm. long. The flowers are about 5 cm. long, yellow-orange-brown, and the blooming season is from the end of December through January.

Image of Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno). Click to enlarge parts of image.

Image of Austrocactus philippii

VII Region, El Melado, Chile
Altitude: 2200 m. 01 07, 2007

 

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

 

Habitat according to altitude:

High altitude close to the timber line

 

Watering conditions:

Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.

 

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.

 

It lives just in one specific location in the 7th Region, at an altitude of 2000 m. (location 1) and 2200 m (location 2). It seems to prefer flat, but rocky areas, exposed to sun. The soil where the roots are growing has a considerable organic matter concentration, despite the fact that the superficial soil around is rather barren. It forms a community with Mulinum spinosum, Ephedra chilensis and Berberis empetrifolia. Despite the fact that it grows in a very open location, its light requirements are probably average, because in summer due to thunderstorms it would get direct sunlight only in the mornings (for about 5 - 6 hours); in the afternoon it is protected by clouds. The temperature regime in summer is: max. 20º C (at noon), min. 0º C (at dawn), with occasional freezing temperatures possible. In winter, the temperature would oscillate around -5º under snow cover, with a range of -15º - 0º.

Image of Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno). Click to enlarge parts of image.

Image of Austrocactus philippii

VII Region, El Melado, Chile
Altitude: 2000-2200 m. 12 17, 2006

 

USES

Good ornamental value (A)

 

 

 

 

As of now, it does not have any known uses, but it certainly can be ornamental. As such, it has a very strong potential, because it can be easily grown outdoors in rather cold climates, like Central Europe - its ability to withstand snow for 3 to 4 months and freezing temperatures of up to - 15º C makes it unique among the cacti.

Image of Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno). Click to enlarge parts of image.

Image of Austrocactus philippii

VII Region, El Melado, Chile
Altitude: 2000-2200 m. 12 17, 2006

 

GROWING TIPS

 

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 7, even 6b. The plant tolerates low temperatures (-15° C even -20° C), it can be covered by snow for months (1 - 8 months).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No information is available so far; however, it seems that exposing it to high temperatures will definitivly kill it, so for warm and hot climates with over 25º C a plausible alternative would be to provide forced cooling during the hot period. Another alternative for the countries with hot summer season would be to hibernate it in refrigerator (this should be almost certainly Ok, because in nature it is covered by snow for about 4 months with no light at all) during the summer time and use the spring/winter/autumn for vegetative growth.

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

 

More photos (20) of Austrocactus philippii (Regel & C.E. Schmidt) Buxbaum available here

More species from the same Cactaceae family in our data base:

Austrocactus philippii (Hiberno)

Austrocactus spiniflorus (Espinifloro)

Browningia candelaris (Candelabro / Cardón / Browningia)

Cactaceae sp. #1788 (cactus, artificila)

Copiapoa calderana ssp. calderana

Copiapoa cinerascens

Copiapoa cinerea ssp. columna-alba

Copiapoa cinerea ssp. haseltoniana

Copiapoa coquimbana

Copiapoa dealbata

Copiapoa echinoides

Copiapoa fiedleriana

Copiapoa grandifolora ssp. grandiflora

Copiapoa humilis ssp. humilis

Copiapoa humilis

Copiapoa krainziana

Copiapoa longistaminea

Copiapoa marginata

Copiapoa serpentisculata (Cactus de la serpiente)

Copiapoa sp. #2420

Corryocactus brevistylus (Guacalla)

Cumulopuntia boliviana subsp. ignescens

Cumulopuntia boliviana ssp. ignescens

Cumulopuntia sphaerica (Gatito / Puskaye / Perrito)

Cylindropuntia tunicata

Echinopsis atacamensis ssp. atacamensis

Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. littoralis (Quisco costero)

Echinopsis chiloensis (Quisco)

Echinopsis deserticola

Eriosyce aurata

Eriosyce curvispina

Eriosyce curvispina ssp. curvispina

Eriosyce curvispina ssp. curvispina

Eriosyce curvispina ssp. curvispina

Eriosyce eriosyzoides

Eriosyce heinrichiana

Eriosyce odieri

Eriosyce odieri ssp. malleolata

Eriosyce paucicostata ssp. echinus

Eriosyce paucicostata

Eriosyce rodentiophila (Sandillon de los ratones)

Eriosyce senilis (Viejito)

Eriosyce sp. #1783

Eriosyce sp. #2220

Eriosyce subgibbosa

Eriosyce subgibbosa ssp. subgibbosa

Eriosyce taltalensis (Quisquito de Taltal)

Eriosyce taltalensis ssp. pygmaea

Eulychnia acida (Copao)

Eulychnia breviflora

Eulychnia castanea (Copado de Philippi)

Eulychnia iquiquensis (Copao)

Haageocereus fascicularis

Maihuenia poeppigii (Maihuén)

Maihueniopsis archiconoidea

Maihueniopsis atacamensis

Maihueniopsis colorea

Maihueniopsis domeykoensis

Maihueniopsis glomerata

Maihueniopsis grandiflora

Miqueliopuntia miquelii (Tunilla / Tuna de Miguel)

Neowerdermannia chilensis

Opuntia ficus-indica (Tuna)

Oreocereus hempellianus (achacañao/arequipa)

Oreocereus leucotrichus (viejito/chastudo)

Tunilla chilensis

 

Home  |   Plant Data Base  |  Plant Search Engine   |  Seeds Shop

First Record   |  Previous Record  |  Next Record  |  Last Record

 

English  |   Español  |   Deutsch  |   Русский

한국어  |   日本語  |   中文

 

Copyright © 2005-2023 Michail Belov. All rights reserved

If you are interested in using these photographs...