In 2019, we distributed a documented collection of this Mexican species. It is sometimes referred to by the common names of White Velvet or White Gossamer in reference to the dense, velvety tomentum that covers the leaves. One may encounter these common names used as cultivars for the species, which isn’t really necessary as the species seems to be quite consistent, not displaying sufficient range of variation in the collections that have been made to merit cultivar selection. The exception is the variegated form, which probably appeared in cultivation. The Latinized ‘Variegata’ is no longer allowed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants so we simply offer it with the parenthetical qualifier “variegated”. None of these details matter if you simply want to enjoy growing this beautiful, pettable plant. We offer rooted plants of HBG 144197, ex Garibaldo Nursery in Bellflower, CA. $8.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 96 (2), Summer 2024