I bought melocactus seeds legally from koehress. Probably one of the better germination rates ive had. Think i may have some from last year....

skopjecollection said:I bought melocactus seeds legally from koehress. Probably one of the better germination rates ive had. Think i may have some from last year....

But wasn't that a European Union transaction? The CITES rules are different for USA to Europe transactions.

mcvansoest said:James, I think you can actually see some incipient banding on a few of the plants in the picture with the 4 Melocacti ……………

I don't see that, Thijs

Edit: forgive my old eyes please, Thijs - I do see it now!

jamesicus said:
But wasn't that a European Union transaction? The CITES rules are different for USA to Europe transactions.

I dunno. ordered once from cactusstore, but the seeds never came.....
Explains why i guess....

@jamesicus Thank you so much for sharing with us, photos & particularly of that Uebelmannia of yours. I thought there was a form of Melocactus, that went by the name of 'super blue' & it was an awesome color form ,was very blue like that columnar Hertlingiaanus azureus, variety (or ssp.?) with golden colored wool, or 'hairs' along the ribs. Do you recall that one, from many years ago? The color contrast was strikingly complimentary & was grown from seeds...

ShawnSteve said:@jamesicus Thank you so much for sharing with us, photos & particularly of that Uebelmannia of yours. I thought there was a form of Melocactus, that went by the name of 'super blue' & it was an awesome color form ,was very blue like that columnar Hertlingiaanus azureus, variety (or ssp.?) with golden colored wool, or 'hairs' along the ribs. Do you recall that one, from many years ago? The color contrast was strikingly complimentary & was grown from seeds...

You are most welcome Shawn. I believe you are describing Melocactus azureus:





Edit: I missed your text about the golden wool/hairs. Now I think you were describing Pilosocereus fulvilanatus? I will see if I can find a pic in my archives.

CITES regulates the international transportation of 'endangered' plants and animals.
It applies to all nations equally. At least the 175 nations who signed the agreement.
It does not apply to seeds.

OrchidBob said:CITES regulates the international transportation of 'endangered' plants and animals.
It applies to all nations equally. At least the 175 nations who signed the agreement.
It does not apply to seeds.

Yes but the European Union and its constituent countries is considered a single entity by CITES and therefor cacti & succulents (and parts including seeds) can be freely traded between those countries. Otherwise, all cacti and their parts (including seeds) that are classified CITES Appendix I (such as all Discocactus and several species of Melocactus) are prohibited in International trade. CITES Appendix II Cactus seeds can be lawfully traded internationally but Phytosanitary certificates provided by the sender are usually required by the receiving country.

Added via Edit: I am not an expert on CITES but I believe that is what it says.

Exactly, James! Yes, that is the super blue one, in the middle photo, I was thinking about. As for the columnar, I had thought Hertlingianus, but may be it is Pilosocereus. Thanks.
Yeah, with CITES seeds, even Mesa Garden doesn't even want to deal with that hassle & so it no longer sells those species, to any, out of country seed orders. any more. Not sure of any future probability, that it may continue again, in the future.. Have a Happy New Year, James ! Shawn

ShawnSteve said:Exactly, James! Yes, that is the super blue one, in the middle photo ……………

…………… Have a Happy New Year, James ! Shawn

And a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you, Shawn!

jamesicus said:
Yes but the European Union and its constituent countries is considered a single entity by CITES and therefor cacti & succulents (and parts including seeds) can be freely traded between those countries. Otherwise, all cacti and their parts (including seeds) that are classified CITES Appendix I (such as all Discocactus and several species of Melocactus) are prohibited in International trade. CITES Appendix II Cactus seeds can be lawfully traded internationally but Phytosanitary certificates provided by the sender are usually required by the receiving country.

Im not in the eu.....
I can receive seeds, but live plants have to have a certificate...not that it matters anyway...

The temp was below freezing at my house for several hours during the night - I am anxious to see how the rest of these Melocactus matanzanus fared in an unheated greenhouse at Bach's Cactus Nursery!

jamesicus said:The temp was below freezing at my house for several hours during the night - I am anxious to see how the rest of these Melocactus matanzanus fared in an unheated greenhouse at Bach's Cactus Nursery!

Dan's unheated greenhouses are well insulated with low drop ceilings. They are large and therefore hold the day's warmth in at night - the temp only got down into the high 30s last night - good enough for the Melocacti.

I have grown a lot of Melocactus matanzanus from seed over the years but this is the first time I have produced seedlings that have this "banding" - They make a nice centerpiece for dish gardens:

@jamesicus Oh, I was under the impression that it was due to slowing of growth, from dormancy.. But you are almost certain, this "banding " is something attributed to those grown in a certain batch, & you have some, which is unusual for the typical species? If so, lucky you !
I can't recall whom it was, that grew that "super blue" form. Do you recall? By any chance, was it either you, or was it from some other collector? Perhaps a Nursery in Southern California? Gotta love that color blue, in a cactus & you still have it- Great!... Best wishes for the New Year, Shawn

jamesicus said:
Dan's unheated greenhouses are well insulated with low drop ceilings. They are large and therefore hold the day's warmth in at night - the temp only got down into the high 30s last night - good enough for the Melocacti.

I have grown a lot of Melocactus matanzanus from seed over the years but this is the first time I have produced seedlings that have this "banding" - They make a nice centerpiece for dish gardens:

Is that a matucana in there?

skopjecollection said:
Is that a matucana in there?

I don't know, Stefan - that is one of Dan's planters - I will ask him next time I go out there.

A few more Melocactus matanzanus:

I had Melocactus die every time I tried to grow in a pot so a friend of mine gave me these 2 a couple of years ago and I planted in the ground. No cephaliums yet but they have both grown and doing well. Under a shrub, because I live in Phoenix and too much sun burns them I learned from experience!





Big one is Melocactus caesius and small one is Melocactus ernestii