Maihueniopsis darwinii (Opuntia darwinii, Tephrocactus darwinii, Opuntia platyacantha, Tephrocactus platyacanthus)

Clumping cactus with tuberous root. Ovoid articles, olive green in color, with a maximum diameter of 3cm. Circular areoles from which 4-6 pointed spines of various lengths (2.5-4cm) develop. The lower areoles generally do not have spines. Orange flowers with a diameter of 2.5-6cm. Native species of Argentina (Province of Buenos Aires, Río Negro and Chubut) and Chile (only in the locality of Bahía Jara, Chile Chico, Region XI de Aysén). In nature it grows in the mountain schrubland and in the prairies of Patagonia on rocky terrain. It is very well adapted to the cold climate. It grows mostly in full sun, sometimes sheltered by small bushes. In some areas, during the winter, the plants are covered by 1-2m of snow. In spring, when the snow begins to melt, the substrate becomes humid, although night temperatures can be quite low. It requires well-drained soil and a position in full sun during the winter and in partial shade in the summer. Given the length of the large taproot, it is better to prefer deep pots. Water every 10-20 days from March to October, but leave dry in winter. A very hardy species, it can withstand many degrees below zero but does not tolerate the torrid summer heat.