There are 9 species recognised and described and all are represented in the National Plant Collection^®, with several forms of each species included. The collection is held by René Geissler, Winsford, Kingston Road, Slimbridge, Glos. GL2 7BW, England, and can be viewed by appointment.

Email René Geissler at: geissler.w@virgin.net

Pterocactus araucanus Castellanos
Pterocactus australis Britton & Rose (Photograph)
Pterocactus fischeri Britton & Rose
Pterocactus gonjianii Kiesling
Pterocactus hickenii Britton & Rose [syn: P. skottsbergii Britton & Rose]
Pterocactus kuntzei K. Schumann [syn: P. decipiens Gürke; P. tuberosus  (Pfeiffer) Britton & Rose] (Photograph)
Pterocactus kuntzei f. lelongii Ruiz Leal ex Kiesling
Pterocactus megliolii Kiesling (Photograph)
Pterocactus reticulatus Kiesling
Pterocactus valentinii Speggazzini [syn: P. pumillus (Britton & Rose) Backeb.] (Photograph)

All Pterocactus have tuberous roots and are endemic to south and western Argentina and belong to the subfamily Opuntioideae. These fascinating plants from Patagonia are easy to grow in cultivation, providing they are kept cold, but dry during autumn and winter. It is essential to give full sun otherwise they will become atypical.

It is normal for surface shoots to fall off during winter, as the flowers are produced from the apex of new growth. The compost should be open to provide essential drainage.

The name Pterocactus is derived from the saucer-shaped seed of the genus (Greek, pteron = wing).

Further Literature:
Cactus d'Argentine by J.G. Lambert
The Genus Pterocactus, Roberto Kiesling Cact. & Succ. G.B. 44/3 51-56
The Genus Pterocactus by Bill Weightman

Click for British Cactus & Succulent Society, Gloucester & District Branch