Parodia magnifica explained

Parodia magnifica is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to southern Brazil. One of several species called ball cactus, it grows to 7- tall by 45cm (18inches) broad, with heavily ribbed, spherical to columnar, spiny and hairy stems, bearing pale yellow flowers in summer.^[1] Its natural habitat is cool, dry temperate grassland at elevations of up to 800m (2,600feet).^[2] Populations are sparse and fragmented, and it has been designated as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List.

In cultivation it must be kept above 10C, so in temperate regions is grown under glass. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^{[3] [4]}

Synonyms

• Notocactus magnificus^[5]
• Eriocactus magnificus

The plant may still be found listed under these synonyms in the horticultural literature.

References

• C.M. Ritz, L. Martins, R. Mecklenburg, V. Goremykin and F.H. Hellwig, (2007). The molecular phylogeny of Rebutia (Cactaceae) and its allies demonstrates the influence of paleogeography on the evolution of South American mountain cacti, American Journal of Botany. 94:1321-1332.

Notes and References

1. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
2. Web site: Parodia magnifica . The Encyclopedia of Cacti . 18 April 2018.
3. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Parodia magnifica. 16 January 2021.
4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 72 . Royal Horticultural Society . 17 April 2018.
5. Web site: Parodia magnifica (synonyms) . Tropicos . 18 April 2018.