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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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Thelocactus bicolor

Thelocactus bicolor (Galeotti ex N.E. Pfeiffer) Britton & Rose

Glory Of Texas

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: THBI

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Named 'Glory of Texas' because of its brilliant pink flowers, Thelocactus bicolor is an impressive but rare plant, found only in two small areas of Texas, though distribution is much more widespread over the border in Mexico. Flowers may be 4 inches in diameter, blooming from the top of the stem in spring and early summer, followed by greenish fruits.

Spines grow from adjacent tubercles along narrow, spirally-arranged ribs; there are usually between 12 and 20 radial spines, up to an inch long, and 0 to 4 central spines which are somewhat flattened, curved, pink or red (sometimes yellow) towards the tips, and up to 3 inches long. New spines are deep, rich red in color. Plants are usually single but may form small groups.

Description provided courtesy of The American Southwest.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Globe or cylinder, up to 14 inches high.
Flower: Pink, with reddish interior and yellow stigmas.
Fruit: Greenish fruits.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Flowers may be 4 inches in diameter, blooming from the top of the stem in spring and early summer.

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: Big Bend area of west Texas, and around Rio Grande City in far south Texas.
Native Habitat: Scrubland, grassland, gravel flats.

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-1048 Collected 2007-06-14 in Starr County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

1 collection(s) available in the Wildflower Center Seed Bank

Web Reference

Webref 15 - The American Southwest (1994) John Crossley

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-03-14
Research By: DEW

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