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Notes for the Genus:

Leuchtenbergia

Etymology Named in honour of Eugene de Bauharnais, the Duke of Leuchtenberg and prince of Eichstadt (1781-1824), a stepson of Napoleon I.
Leuchtenbergia consists of a single species, L. principis that is quite distinct in shape from every other cactus species. It is immediately recognizable due to its extremely elongated triangular tubercles which reach up to 5 inches (14cm) in length! These tubercles are arranged in a rosette fashion that is reminiscent of an Agave or Yucca. At the end of each of these tubercles is an areole with long, papery, flexible spines. These spines can exceed 8 inches (36 cm) in length. Flowers come from new tubercles in the center of the plant and are bright yellow and easily exceed 2 inches (5cm) in diameter.

Leuchtenbergia occurs over a wide range in the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico. It has been in cultivation since the middle 1800's and is very common in cultivation today. Aside from their very unique growth habit and big yellow diurnal flowers, these plants are are vigorous growers which adds to their popularity.

Interestingly, L. principis has been crossed with Ferocactus species to make an inter-generic hybrid of xFerobergia.

Leuchtenbergia principis


Common Name(s): Agave Cactus, Cob Cactus, Prism Cactus
Synonym(s):
To view publication details for this taxon and related synonyms Click Here.
To view a chart comparing alternate taxonomy Click Here.
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Distribution: Coahuila de Zaragoza, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas - Mexico (North America)
Habit: Tuberculate
Flower: YellowEncounterability: Common Worldwide
This icon appears next to images that have been 3rd party verified. Click Here to learn more.
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Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Daiv Freeman's Private Collection

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Daiv Freeman's Private Collection

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Daiv Freeman's Private Collection

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Cal Cactus, Bonsall, CA

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Cal Cactus, Bonsall, CA

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: CSSA Show at Huntington Library and Gardens, San Marino, CA

Photographer: Daiv Freeman

Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis
Picture taken at: Huntington Library and Gardens, San Marino, CA

Photographer: Byron Fan

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Leuchtenbergia principis var. trachythele


Common Name(s): Agave Cactus, Cob Cactus, Prism Cactus
Synonym(s):
To view publication details for this taxon and related synonyms Click Here.
To view a chart comparing alternate taxonomy Click Here.
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Distribution: Coahuila de Zaragoza, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas - Mexico (North America)
Habit: Tuberculate
Flower: YellowEncounterability: Rare
Species Notes: This variety is distinguished by its rough, sandpaper-like epidermis.
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Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis var. trachythele
Picture taken at: Juergen Menzel's Private Collection

Photographer: Juergen Menzel

Photographer's Website: Click Here
Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis var. trachythele
Picture taken at: Juergen Menzel's Private Collection

Photographer: Juergen Menzel

Photographer's Website: Click Here
Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis var. trachythele
Picture taken at: Juergen Menzel's Private Collection

Photographer: Juergen Menzel

Photographer's Website: Click Here

Leuchtenbergia principis f. monstrose


Common Name(s): Agave Cactus, Cob Cactus, Prism Cactus
Synonym(s):
To view publication details for this taxon and related synonyms Click Here.
To view a chart comparing alternate taxonomy Click Here.
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Distribution: Coahuila de Zaragoza, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas - Mexico (North America)
Habit: Tuberculate
Flower: YellowEncounterability: Unusual in Collections
Species Notes: Monstrose or monstrous forms are those which exhibit irregular growth caused by a genetic mutation.
This icon appears next to images that have been 3rd party verified. Click Here to learn more.
Click any picture below to enlarge.
Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis f. monstrose
Picture taken at: Juergen Menzel's Private Collection

Photographer: Juergen Menzel

Photographer's Website: Click Here
Leuchtenbergia principis
L. principis f. monstrose
Picture taken at: Juergen Menzel's Private Collection

Photographer: Juergen Menzel

Photographer's Website: Click Here

*Currently 1 of 1 known species are represented on CactiGuide.com.


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