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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: 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 , VioletBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal flowering.
Distribution
USA: TXNative Distribution: Also eastern Mexico
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Conditions Comments: minimum temperature 50F
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassBibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
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Additional resources
USDA: Find Neolloydia conoidea in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Neolloydia conoidea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Neolloydia conoidea
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-06-25Research By: TWC Staff