Maihueniopsis glomerata

Maihueniopsis glomerata also goes by the name copana cactus. It belongs to Cactaceae, the cactus family. Kew gives its native range as Argentina, from Jujuy to Mendoza. LLIFLE lists a wider range. This includes southern Bolivia and parts of Chile. It grows in dry shrubland and desert regions. It lives on high plains and rocky hills. It also grows in sand or clay soils. LLIFLE records it at 1,640–13,120 feet [500–4,000 metres] above sea level.

This small succulent subshrub grows in low, round clumps. The clumps spread outwards. Its jointed stems stand upright or lie on the ground. Each dull grey-brown joint is round to egg-shaped. Many have a pointed tip. Most measure 0.07–0.13 feet [0.02–0.04 metres] long. Some reach 0.16 feet [0.05 metres]. Plants grown in gardens may have smaller joints. A thick taproot anchors the plant. Its tiny leaves fall off early. Joints that break off can root and grow into new plants.

Small, felted spots called areoles bear many long, brown glochids. These are small bristles. Some plants have no larger spines. Others bear one to four on each areole. The main spines are thin, narrow, and like paper. They range from white to brown. They may stand upright or bend down. Some reach 0.33 feet [0.10 metres] long. Pale yellow flowers grow about 0.16 feet [0.05 metres] long. The plant cannot use its own pollen to set fruit. Its round fruits have no spines. They turn from green to yellow and dry as they ripen. The cream-brown seeds feel corky and look like small lenses.

Grow this cactus in a sunny, sheltered rock garden or trough. A pot in a greenhouse with no heat also suits it. LLIFLE calls for good airflow and shelter from winter wet. A glass cover can shield plants grown outside in winter. LLIFLE reports plants surviving near 14°F [-10°C] with no harm. Snow can cover them for long periods in the mountains. Avoid too much summer heat. Water plants outside from time to time. Give potted plants a thorough watering in summer. Do not keep them too dry in this season.

Low clumps and varied spines add value to small displays. Stem size, spine colour, and spine count vary across its range. LLIFLE says it grows widely, with many plants in some places. It faces threats only in some areas. Some groups grow in protected areas. The sources name no specific pests or diseases. They give no firm proof of food use or toxic effects. Do not assume its fruit is safe to eat from this evidence alone.