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Common names False Peyote, Seven Stars, Living Rock Cactus Synonyms Ariocarpus fissuratus subs. bravoanus, Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus subs. Bravoanus, Ariocarpus fissuratus subs. hintonii, Ariocarpus fissuratus var. hintonii, Ariocarpus hintonii Origin and Habitat Limited area of around 2000 sq. km of San Luis Potosi in Mexico USDA Hardiness Zone Zones: 9a to 10b Maximum size Height: 2,5-3cm / Spread: 6-8.5cm Care Tips Expected germination rate 50% Growth Rate Slow Maintenance Easy Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade Watering Low Soil type and pH Well-draining, circumneutral pH Ariocarpus bravoanus is an endangered cactus species endemic to and occurring in a limited area of around 2000 sq. km of San Luis Potosi in Mexico in a severely fragmented population and is in need of some serious conservation efforts. It grows in dry shrubland habitat on limestone substrates at an altitude of 1500 to 2000m. It was not even been noticed and was accidentally discovered by Hector Hernandez of UNAM while extracting a specimen of a larger species while collecting cacti for a herbarium project. It was named in the honor of Dra Helia Bravo, who has a great contribution in the study of the Mexican Cactaceae. This cactus is an evergreen perennial and is highly endangered because of overcollection by local people for medicinal use and cactus enthusiasts. It is a typically solitary rosette-shaped geophyte cactus which looks beautiful due to dark green verrucose tubercles and subglobose stem which is noticeably depressed at its center. It’s around 6 cm wide and rises not more than 2.5 to 3 cm above ground level in its habitat. In the dry season it shrivels and virtually disappears under the ground. Tubercles are not crowded or basally compressed, but is adpressed in young specimens. At maturity, they become ascending, olive- or grey-green, with a triangular outline, deltate in cross section, adaxially flat but markedly concave, often longer than broad (3-7 cm long and 2 cm wide basally), asperous at base and irregularly papillose at apex, sometimes with the papillae forming 1 or 2 lateral furrows, sharply acute to acuminate apically, and with the edges sharply acute. Areoles are at the center of the adaxial surface of the tubercles, 8-14 mm from the tip, rounded or somewhat elliptic, 2-5 mm in diameter and woolly. Ariocarpus bravoanus has an exclusive mucilage system. Cactus researchers Anderson and Hunt have accepted this species as a valid taxon. It has no spines. From August to October, it produces extremely attractive flowers that are 2.5 cm long with outer perianth segments cream colored, inner perianth segments pinkish to magenta, anthers yellow, filaments white, pistil exerted above the stamens, white style and 13mm long stigma. Ariocarpus bravoanus is mostly the earliest species in its genus to bloom in cultivation. Flowers eventually turn into 20 x 5 mm pale red fruits with small testa black, tuberculate seeds. Ariocarpus bravoanus needs regular watering in summer, but is very prone to rot during other times of the year. It needs moderate watering in spring and fall, but no water in winter. It also needs full sun and half shade. The looks of Ariocarpus bravoanus benefits a lot by watering from the bottom. This will help to keep the ‘wool’ on the plant’s top from getting matted or discolored. Using a weak, low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season can encourage the growth of Ariocarpus bravoanus. Ariocarpus bravoanus needs deep pots to accommodate the napiform body formed by the stem base and the large fleshy taproot (or it will usually just break the pots). In general, you’ll have to repot it often, at least every other year so as to provide fresh soil. Winter care is not problematic at 5-degree C with ample light. The plant is frost hardy to -10-degree C. It’s known to experience short-lived, light frosts in the wild. Ariocarpus bravoanus is prone to stem and root mealy bugs and damage from these may initiate fungal attack. The main threat to its growth is root rot. Ariocarpus bravoanus can be propagated through seeds. but you should remember that seedlings hate strong light and dry conditions. SHIPPING: Shipped out within 5 working days. Unregistered letter (NO TRACKING). For more about delivery times click here: HOW TO ORDER! SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: click HERE!