Welcome to the February eNews

Finding new homes for the collection of the late Barry Hancock

Depending on the number of interested parties, the sale will be by auction or a simple open-day sale. A list of the plants will be available soon. If you are interested please contact Bill Darbon for further information at william.darbon77@btinternet.com 

The following photos show just a few of the plants:

Larryleachia - an appreciation

Text by John Pilbeam†
and photos as indicated

The Larryleachia genus is one of the least grown in cultivation, partly due to its mode of growth, making propagation other than from seed difficult to impossible. It hails from South Africa and Namibia. This genus was only erected in 1997, and some of you may know these plants by their old name of Trichocaulon. The growth of Larryleachia species is of chunky stems with numerous tubercles, offsetting and producing contrastingly quite small flowers bunched close together towards the top. The flowers are five-lobed, with a white to cream-coloured background with red or brown spotting. 

There are few species, L. cactiformis (Fig. 1), L. felina (Fig. 2), L. marlothii (Fig. 3), L. perlata (Fig. 4), L. picta (Fig. 5), and L. tirasmontana (Fig. 6).  As can be seen from the photographs in close-up of the tiny flowers they are colourful and plentiful in number. But as is invariably the case with this stapeliad genus, their odour is to attract flies, and close encounter and sniffing is not to be recommended.

As with all stapeliads this genus is shallow-rooted, and plants do not need deep containers. As much as half of the growing medium that they are in should be grit or any other mixture that allows free drainage, as they are intolerant of wet feet at any time, and prefer a quick-drying layer for the usually shallow roots to thrive in. Allowing them to dry out between doses of water is also necessary to avoid them being damp for too long during the growing period in spring and summer.  

Although some species are reportedly hardy down to freezing if dry, it is recommended to overwinter them at around 10°C. Precaution against infestation with mealy bugs is essential, especially as they often attack at soil level or just below, around the base of the stems, where they are not readily noticeable. If discovered, removal from the pot, disposal of all the soil, and thorough washing of the plant is advisable, then repotting in fresh soil after drying off completely. 

Cactus-themed beer labels

Brewing beer with cacti: It's the best use of cacti yet*
Text and photos by Les Pearcy

In case you hadn’t already guessed, I am a compulsive collector. A collaboration with the growing of cacti has met another passion here: succulents on beer labels.

The explosion of craft brewing around the world has produced a profusion of beer labels and it is a few of these that I feature this month. Most are from the USA and show a variety of plants. Featured in this selection are Carnegiea gigantea (saguaro), various opuntias and agaves and a few indeterminate globular specimens.

It is interesting to note that Spice Trade Brewing claims that its Mezcal Paloma IPA (Fig. 3) is ‘Brewed with Roasted Prickly Pear Cactus, Aloe, Grapefruit, Lime and a Citrusy Blend of Hops’, whereas the Lupulin Brewery’s ‘Cactoid’ (Fig. 5) is a ‘Golden sour ale w/prickly pear’.

*TexHexBrewery’s ‘Day Tripper’ (Fig. 4) is made from the fruit of the ‘red prickly pear’. This brewery makes the biggest claim of all: ‘It’s the best use of cactus yet!’

Fig. 1 Barebottle Brewing Company, San Francisco, California

Fig. 2 Ex Novo Brewing Company, Portland, Oregon

Fig. 3 Spice Trade Brewing, Colorado

Fig. 4 The Tex Hex Brewery, Texas

The David Welch Winter Gardens

Text and photos by David and Christine Bruno

Duthie Park lies in the Ferryhill area of Aberdeen on Scotland’s east coast. This recreational area of 44 acres (180,000m²) was gifted to the city by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie and opened in 1883. In the 1900s, the Palm House was added to the park. However, because of storm damage in 1969, the building was demolished and replaced with a new structure that now houses one of the most visited public indoor plant collections in Scotland and provides an oasis no matter what time of year.

Fig. 1 Part of globular cacti corner

In 2001 these glasshouses were named the David Welch Winter Gardens in honour of David who functioned as director of leisure and recreation for the city from 1967.  He held this post for 22 years and was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1999.

Fig. 2 Mature Espostoa guentheri

The areas under glass include a corridor of perfumes, fern house, temperate area, Japanese garden, tropical house, Victorian corridor and an arid area, the latter holding an impressive display of cacti and succulents including a national plant collection of Aloe and Gasteria. The arid house comprises an arching aluminium frame, single glazed structure where sunken paths take you through the varied collection ranging from 5m Euphorbia candelabrum to groups of Aloe, Agave and Opuntia and a range of mature globular cacti. It is noteworthy that Brian Fearn of Abbey Brook Cactus Nursery played a significant role in supplying many of the original plants.

Fig. 3 Aloes in flower in January

The pictures were taken in January 2024 and several Aloe species were in flower (Fig. 3). The minimum temperature in this large area is around 14°C so do not even think of that cost. Luckily, the park and glasshouses are all wheelchair accessible and free to enter. However, for the connoisseur not all the plant labels are correct. Adding the Park Cafe to these greenhouses and the famous ‘talking cactus’ this must be ‘a place to visit’ for those coming to the area.  

Fig. 4 Cyclamens providing a blast of colour in the Victorian Corridor

G is For..

Text and photos by Gareth Darbon
except where noted otherwise

In this series we have already headed off some of the big hitters in the realm of cacti and succulents. We have looked at taxonomy, common misconceptions, DNA, lumpers and splitters. In this instalment, we’re exploring etymology, as featured in the two genera that are our chosen subjects. Their names give us clues on how to identify them.

For the succulent section, we are looking at the genus Gasteria.  The first part of the name − gaster − means stomach in Greek. This is a feature that is shown on the plant when in flower, as can be seen in Fig. 1, Gasteria glomerata. The flowers resemble little fat stomachs. Clearly, this is only useful when they are in flower.  Gasterias are leafy succulents with large flat leaves; most varieties will have a keel on the leaf as shown in Fig. 2, Gasteria excelsa. Most will also have a significant level of white spotting on the leaves but there are one or two exceptions including Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii, as pictured in Fig. 3.

Fig. 1 Gasteria glomerata flowers exhibiting the ‘stomachs’ from whence their name is derived

Fig. 2 Gasteria excelsa showing strong keel on the leaves

Gasterias are plants that tend to reside beneath nurse bushes in their natural habitat in South Africa. As such, they can tolerate a shaded environment, even in the UK, and can often occupy a place under the bench in most greenhouse collections.

The variety in the plants allows different lengths and widths of leaves, with varying spots as seen in Fig. 4, Gasteria baylissiana, and some having a warty character to the leaf: see Fig. 5, Gasteria batesiana ‘Barberton’. As such they represent some lovely leaf forms and have had many hybrids, especially with Aloes forming x Gasteraloe. Gasterias themselves don’t propagate via stollens (long runners that come up by the side of the pot), so if you have something like this it is probably a hybrid with Gonialoe variegata.

Fig. 3 Gasteria nitida var. armstrongii showing few spots

Fig. 4 Gasteria baylissiana showing a high level of spots

In terms of propagation and growth, they are easy-going and the usual potting compost of equal parts of John Innes and horticultural grit will allow them to cluster and produce nice groups. Nearly all plants will propagate from leaf cuttings by simply leaving broken leaves to callous over before planting in the same compost to root. The main exception is Gasteria rawlinsonii, which needs to be propagated from stem cuttings or, better still, from seed.

Fig. 5 Gasteria batesiana ‘Barberton’ showing warty leaves

For this month’s cactus section we’re looking at the genus Gymnocalycium. Again, this genus has a particular feature of the name that can aid in differentiating it from most other cacti. Gymnos means naked in Greek, and kalyx means seed pod. This applies also to their flower buds as can be seen in Fig. 6, Gymnocalycium vatteri. Again, although this is a useful identifying tool, it only works when plants are in bud. Luckily the plant bodies also have a distinguishing feature: they have ‘chins’ where areoles sit on ‘folds’ of the epidermis. Their size varies according to the variety but they are always present.

Fig. 6 Gymnocalycium vatteri, showing the naked buds with scale-like structures: an obvious identifier for Gymnocalyciums
 

Gymnocalyciums originate in South America, especially Bolivia and Argentina. For good growth, they prefer acid soil. If you water with tap water (frequently alkaline) they can suffer from mineral deficiencies. Over time, they build up minerals, which then present themselves as body marks, as shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 Gymnocalycium species showing heavy body marking due to mineral deposits


Gymnocalyciums are a firm favourite for their glossy white to pink flowers: see Fig. 8, Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum. They also have very attractive spination, some of which is almost bird's nest-like as shown in Fig. 9 Gymnocalycium monvillei (if you have this under its old name, Gymnocalycium multiflorum, you are not alone). 

Fig. 8 Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum, showing beautiful white flowers

Plants such as Gymnocalycium spegazzinii (Fig. 10) can display strong spines and glorious flowers in a 14cm pot and so is a wonderful addition to any collection. Most species will flower more than once in a season if treated well, ie strong south-facing sun with good ventilation.

Fig. 9 Gymnocalycium monvillei, showing pink flowers

Plants are most commonly propagated from seeds. Strong variegated forms have been propagated on Hylocereus stock. But be aware that this stock is very cold-sensitive and short-lived. If you have purchased fully bright red or yellow versions they will not survive without being grafted due to the lack of chlorophyll and the stock doesn’t normally last for more than five years. Some multicoloured varieties of Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, cultivated in Thailand, have become more prevalent recently in the Far East and seem to have taken growers by storm.

Fig. 10 Gymnocalycium spegazzinii

Gymnocalycium is definitely a genus to look out for as its flowers are a joy to behold. And they are not difficult to grow.

Fig. 4 Jennie’s stand at the Cactus Mart

Figs. 4 and 5 New aeoniums for the collection

The temperatures are often in the mid-20s. It’s confusing many plants and insects; the crickets are singing at night, which is something only heard in early summer. Incredible weather. I watched a sparrow today gathering some chicken down to make a nest in one of the giant strelitzias! Is spring on its way? And finally some rain? Fingers crossed.

For the first time, BCSS is planning a Cactus and Succulent National Plant Fair. This is intended to be a national event in lieu of a convention. While the focus will be on plant sales, there will also be talks and other attractions.

Details to follow. https://bcss.org.uk/event/inaugural-bcss-plant-mart/