Accepted Scientific Name: Epithelantha bokei L.D.Benson
Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 41: 185, fig. 1969
Epithelantha bokei f. cristata Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Chihuahuan Desert of South Texas, in Brewster/Sanderson County and northern Mexico in Coahuila and Chihuahua.
Habitat: Epithelantha bokeiSN|12641]]SN|12641]] is an edaphic specialist growing in dense groups on very specific calcareous strata on raised limestone hills and ledges in xerophyllous scrub. It is locally abundant and it grows in many inaccessible areas, however some subpopulations are threatened by illegal collection.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Epithelantha bokei
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Epithelantha bokei L.D.BensonCact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 41: 185, fig. 1969Synonymy: 4
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Common Names include:
ENGLISH: Crested Ping-pong Ball Cactus, Crested Button Cactus, Crested Boke's Button Cactus
Description: It is a is a slow-growing mini cactus (usually solitary), with only 2-3 cm of stem height, covered so densely with closely appressed tiny white spines that the plants appear to be completely white and smooth to the touch.
Flower: Flowers are pale pink or yellowish, very delicate, appearing in July.
Fruits: Fruits are smooth, approximately 1 cm long, bright red, edible and enjoyed by birds.
Remarks: In periods when water is available it is an almost completely rounded cactus. In drought periods, and during winter rest, plants shrinks and draw back down to ground level, to conserve moisture.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Epithelantha bokei group
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Heil, K., Terry, M. & Corral-Díaz, R. 2013. Epithelantha bokei. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 26 January 2014
2) Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
3) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey "The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass" Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
4) David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. "The New Cactus Lexicon" dh books, 2006
Epithelantha bokei f. cristata Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Epithelantha bokei f. cristata Photo by: Flavio Agrosi Epithelantha bokei f. cristata Photo by: Flavio Agrosi Send a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: Although regarded as a choice and difficult plant, in cultivation it is relatively easy, but very slow growing.. These plants need very coarse potting soil that drains well (rot prone). Waterings should be rather infrequent, to keep the plant compact and not become excessively elongated or unnatural in appearance.
Frost Tolerance: Depending on the variety, it will take -5° C (or less) (Temperature Zone: USDA 8-11).
Sun Exposure: It requires strong sun to part sun to develop good spinal growth, but some summer shade in the hottest hours of the day is beneficial. Assure a good ventilation.
Propagation: Grafting or cuttings.