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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: PerennialHabit: 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: PinkBloom 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: TXNative 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 CenterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Thelocactus bicolor in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Thelocactus bicolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Thelocactus bicolor
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-14Research By: DEW