Friday 17 May Artichoke cactus (Obregonia denegrii) Artichoke
cactus fact file - Find out more - Print factsheet Artichoke
cactus description This small cactus is just visible above the
surface of the ground, as the heads emerge only slightly from
the larger underground root system (2). The distinctive
appearance of the head, which has given rise to the common name
of 'artichoke cactus', is formed by the spirally arranged, erect
tubercles; at the tip of each, there are 3 - 4 flexible spines
(2). White flowers emerge from the centre of the whorl of
tubercles, and these develop into whitish-brown fruits if cross-
pollination is successful (2). - Head diameter: 2.5 - 20 cm (2)
Artichoke cactus biology This striking cactus produces flowers
during the summer months. Fruits develop if the flowers are
successfully fertilised through cross-pollination; the fruits
dry and then split open, allowing the seeds to be washed away
(and therefore dispersed) by rain (2).Top Artichoke cactus range
Found only within the Valley o