Cacti [antikvár]

Foreword If cacti did not exist, the film indiistiy would have invented them, probably for a science fiction production about extra-terrestrial aliens. Perhaps it is the extraordinary appearance of cacti that explains their popularity. You cannot ignore a cactus on a win-dozv sill. But for many people, the attraction soon wears off if the cactus does not flower. It is only when these plants are well cared for and bedecked with flowers each year that amazement turns to fascination and the cactus owner becomes a real enthusiast. This book seeks to offer help in this process, with growing tips aitd descriptions of groups of cacti. We have classified the groups in accordance with the latest insights, since they give an excellent insight into the relationships between species in the wild. The climate and other conditions vary enormously for each area. The successful enthusiast should take this into account, and for this reason we devote a lot of attention to the very diverse climates in the areas where cacti grow in North and South America. Left: the large, golden-spined balls of Echinocaccus grusonii Below: Epithelantha micromeris in Mexico, dose to rocks in the burning sun