A cactus nicknamed the "Agave cactus" because it resembles an agave. However, unlike agaves, what it extends are not "leaves," but rather warty protrusions that are part of its stem. These cacti have evolved by reducing both branches and leaves to protect themselves from dryness. Still, as if thinking, "Actually, I still need leaves," they uniquely reinvented the lost leaves as these "warts"—a striking adaptation, fitting for a one-of-a-kind genus and species. That said, as it grows to a respectable size, the density of those warts increases, and from a distance, it takes on that classic "yes, definitely a cactus" silhouette. The genus name comes from the German town Leuchtenberg.
| Season Type | Summer |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun Partial Shade |
| Hardiness | -8℃ / 18℉ |
| Blooming Season | Sp Su Fa Wi |
Gray display shows general information for Leuchtenbergia.
IUCN RedList 低危険種
CITES 低リスク 輸出入制限
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A cactus nicknamed the "Agave cactus" because it looks similar to an Agave. But unlike agaves, what it grows are not "leaves," but warty parts of the stem.
To survive dryness, cacti generally swell their stems and shrink both branches and leaves, maintaining the minimum necessary surface area with chunky "warts." But this one seems to have thought, "Wait, I do need leaves after all," and re-created the lost leaves in the form of those warts, ending up with a shape strikingly similar to its rival, the agave. That's @Leuchtenbergia principis.
Despite being a monotypic genus, so you'd expect its distribution to be limited, it actually ranges fairly widely, centering on northern and central Mexico.
Ariocarpus also looks like it has leaf-like warts, and if you're talking about pronounced warts, it might remind you of Mammillaria, but it actually has a much closer relationship to Ferocactus—odd, considering their very different shapes. In fact, hybrids have been created (these are called x Ferobergia).
The genus name Leuchtenbergia is said to be derived from the town of Leuchtenberg, once governed by Maximilian Eugen Joseph—the medieval German duke known also for his passion for botany.
The fact that it's popular and easy to find is proof of how easy it is to grow. Giving it too much water is a no-no, but as long as you provide well-draining soil and plenty of sun, you'll be fine. Growth is slow, yet it's actually more active than most cacti. Especially right after watering, you'll notice the stem plumps up, or it shifts quickly toward the sun—so this is a plant that responds well when you care for it, making it an engaging companion.
left to right: Leuchtenbergia principis "agave cactus" Echinofossulocactus (Stenocactus) multicostatus Obregonia denegrii "artichoke cactus" nursery-grown https://t.co/JEWQAuMDuf
DBL1305 Leuchtenbergia principis MK54.17 レウクテンベルギア サボテン 輸入種子 約20粒 1 https://t.co/FYPDN8uCv9
今必死に写真も足していってます！！ またよろしくです！！ Leuchtenbergia principis MK54.17 レウクテンベルギア サボテン 輸入種子 約20粒 3 https://t.co/Ctq72UhVoL
Leuchtenbergia principis. Wunderschöne Altpflanze, circa 25 Jahre alt. #cacti #plants #plantsagram #plantsoninstagram #plantslover #gärtnerpower #pflanzennerd #pflanzensammler #vegetationdaheim #rareplants… https://t.co/HkWNeus1Xn
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