€10,60

🌱 Morphology
Geophytic cactus of small size, generally solitary, with a globose to subglobose body measuring barely 2–4 cm in diameter, of a brownish-gray color. The apex is deeply sunken and covered with abundant brown wool. It presents 10–12 ribs, very poorly defined and transformed into rounded tubercles. The areoles are oval and the spination is very reduced, formed mainly by small blackish radial spines of barely 1–2 mm. It develops a root adapted for water storage, which remains protected underground during dry periods.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
It is endemic to Chile, restricted to an extremely small area of the Elqui valley, Coquimbo Region, in the vicinity of Trapiche. It grows in desert and dry environments, on stony slopes, where it can be partially protected among rocks and low vegetation. Although the locality is located far from the coast, the camanchaca (coastal fog) can penetrate the valley and provide environmental humidity. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.

According to Joël Lodé's classification, the correct name is Diaguita riparia (Mächler & Helmut Walter) Lodé, a combination published in 2024. The basionym is Eriosyce napina subsp. riparia, and it has also previously been treated as Eriosyce riparia or Thelocephala riparia. Lodé places this species in the genus Diaguita, established from the molecular clade corresponding to the Diaguita section.

❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 9a–11b
It can be grown in climates with mild winters, tolerating temperatures close to −4 °C during dormancy provided it remains completely dry and well acclimatized. Damp cold should be avoided, especially due to its small size and its root system adapted to extreme drought conditions.

☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it needs very high illumination, approximately 18–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR, with several hours of direct sun. High light intensity helps maintain its compact habit and favors flowering. In extreme heat conditions, it can be slightly protected during the central hours of the day.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. It is a slow-growing xerophyte, adapted to a habitat where available water is extremely scarce. During the active growth period, abundant watering is recommended, letting the substrate dry completely before watering again. During winter, it must be kept practically dry, especially when temperatures are low. Its small body and geophytic adaptation allow it to overcome long periods of drought.

🌸 Flowering
The flowers appear in the apical zone and are yellow, up to about 4 cm in length, and funnel-shaped. The pericarpel and the floral tube are covered with brown wool and feature striking orange bristles. The fruit is elongated and red in color. In cultivation in Spain, flowering is expected mainly during the spring.

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with high assimilable calcium content and low nitrogen levels, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas, is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

7x7x10 cm black gourmet napiform pot

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