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Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Neolloydia conoidea (Chihuahuan beehive cactus)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Neolloydia conoidea

Neolloydia conoidea (DC.) Britton & Rose

Chihuahuan Beehive Cactus, Chihuahuan Beehive, Cone Cactus

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s): Echinocactus conoideus, Mammillaria conoidea

USDA Symbol: NECO5

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

This small, low-growing cactus is egg-shaped at first, later becoming cone-like, about 4 inches tall and almost 3 inches across. It often sprouts near the base, or even higher on the sides, to produce 2 or 3 branches. The surface is dull green and has several rows of pyramid-shaped tubercles about 1/2 inch high. There are 10-16 spines that are straight, rigid, and radiate outward, lying flat on the stem, and 1-4 spines in the center, 3/8-1 inch long, that project outward. These are black when young, fading to gray. The flowers are violet or violet-pink, 1-2 inches across, about 1 inch deep, and opening out widely. The petals are long and pointed and the stamens are yellow-orange. The fruit is round, yellowish or reddish, later turning brown.

 

From the Image Gallery

7 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Stems are 3-4 inches tall and 3 inches thick.
Flower: Flowers 2 1/2 inches across.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Pink , Purple , Violet
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal flowering.

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: Also eastern Mexico

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Conditions Comments: minimum temperature 50F

Bibliography

Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles Glass
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Neolloydia conoidea in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Neolloydia conoidea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Neolloydia conoidea

Metadata

Record Modified: 2015-06-25
Research By: TWC Staff

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