Borzicactus is a genus of cacti native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Description
Plants in this genus are small to medium-sized cacti with cylindrical or tubular stems that can grow alone or in clusters. They can reach up to 30 cm in height and 6 cm in diameter and are typically bluish-green. Their stems are often covered with spirally arranged spines of varying lengths and colors. Some species have twisted or coiled stems, while others have a single or branched growth habit. The flowers are generally large and colorful, in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, or orange. They bloom mainly in summer, lasting several days, opening during the day and attracting insect pollinators. The fruit is a small, spherical berry filled with numerous seeds.
These plants are popular among cactus collectors for their beauty and adaptability to different growing conditions. However, they require specific care regarding watering and light to thrive.A notable feature of Borzicactus is its ability to easily hybridize with other cactus genera such as Echinopsis and Lobivia, due to their close evolutionary relationship. This hybridization has resulted in many new hybrids that combine traits from both parent plants.
Taxonomy
The genus was described by the Italian botanist Vincenzo Riccobono in 1909. This species is named after Antonino Borzì, Curator of the Botanical Gardens in Palermo, Italy at 20th century.
Species
As of October 2023, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:
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Scientific name
Distribution
Borzicactus fieldianus Britton & Rose
Peru (Amazonas, Ancash, Huanuco, Junin, Lima, Pasco, San Martin, Ucayali)
Borzicactus hutchisonii G.J.Charles
Peru.
Borzicactus icosagonus (Kunth) Britton & Rose
Ecuador, Peru
Borzicactus leonensis (Madsen) G.J.Charles
Ecuador
Borzicactus longiserpens (Leuenb.) G.J.Charles
Peru
Borzicactus neoroezlii F.Ritter
Peru (Piura)
Borzicactus plagiostoma (Vaupel) Britton & Rose...
