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Home → Cacti → Tephrocactus → Tephrocactus articulatus
Plant ID
GD-CAC-018-0059
Common Name(s)
- Paper Spine Cactus
- Paper-spined Cactus
- Paper Spine Cholla
Scientific Name
Tephrocactus articulatus (Pfeiff.) Backeb.
Horticultural/Form Name: Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus
Plant Photograph
Figure 1. Tephrocactus articulatus — Paper Spine Cactus.
Photo Caption: A cultivated Paper Spine Cactus displaying its distinctive jointed gray-green stems and exceptionally long, flattened, flexible, paper-like white spines.
Photography: John Niño G. Ewa (@_____.5am)
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Tephrocactus |
| Species | Tephrocactus articulatus |
| Scientific Name | Tephrocactus articulatus (Pfeiff.) Backeb. |
| Horticultural/Form Name | T. articulatus var. papyracanthus |
| Common Name | Paper Spine Cactus |
| Plant Type | Segmented cactus |
| Distinctive Feature | Long, flattened, flexible, papery white spines |
Plant Description
This specimen represents the distinctive Paper Spine form of Tephrocactus articulatus. It develops a series of gray-green, strongly tuberculate stem segments bearing remarkably long, flattened white spines.
The thin, flexible spines twist and curve into ribbon-like forms, creating the characteristic paper-like appearance from which the plant receives its common name. The specimen shows particularly prominent pale spines around the younger upper segments.
The name Tephrocactus articulatus* var. *papyracanthus remains widely used in horticulture for this recognizable form, although modern taxonomic treatments generally include it within Tephrocactus articulatus.
Life’s Whispers
“What appears fragile can still endure.
Like paper carried by the wind,
strength sometimes wears the lightest form.”
References
For taxonomic authorities, nomenclature, horticultural references, and supporting literature:
Main Menu → References
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