Had this idea of having a thread that showcases the most brutal spination of cacti in people's collection. It probably won't be as popular as prier's spring cacti flower thread (which is one of my favourite threads right now), anyhow I will get the ball rolling with this particularly brutal Myrtillocactus cochal, the spines on this thing are massive and to top it off they are like wood, literally, which I think is pretty cool. Don't think it would make a good grafting stock somehow. It gives the local possums something to think about though (have had many problems with possums). Imagine trying to remove one of those spines if it became embedded in your hand, leg, arm, face, eye (lol) etc; OUCH!!

hmm don't really do spines.. perhaps the forementioned encounter with a TBM was decisive in determining my avoidance.
Gymnocalycium cardenasianum (G.spegazzinii ssp. cardenasianum).


^ also shows the variabililty for future reference. even the number of ribs is different.

My most vicious plant is probably this one:



It's Cylindropuntia tunicata, and it is fairly evil. The spines are about 2 inches long, barbed and sheathed in a papery envelope, and easily penetrate clothing, gloves and soft tissue. It grows as a noxious weed anywhere there's a bit of warmth (think Queensland) and I believe has actually resulted in a death when a man fell into a clump of the stuff. I picked the cutting up at an open garden day when it attached itself to my clothing, and planted it using barbeque tongs.

On the plus side, it's basically impossible to kill, is easily propagated and is guaranteed immune from possum attacks.

Damn cholla's, i hate their spines when they stick into you. My C.Imbricata is so painfull when removeing the spines Which your Tunicata looks so simmilar.

Great idea though Trig, this should be good.

The legendary Cylindropuntia tunicata aka cactus of death!!! In the flesh. Hard to compete with that.

I'm envious of your cardenasianums lewis, lucky devil. Where do you find all these cool plants?

Yeah that Cholla is one of the evilest plants I've worked with. It attaches itself to you and just doesn't want to let go.
I just got myself a Stetsonia with some well nasty looking spines, but I chopped them all off so I could mail it home. Once the spines have grown back I'll post a photo.

Yeah your right, I have just had issues with it in the past.

i think its hard to be the opuntia group....evil is about the right word for them!!!

nonetheless here is one other pain in the everything.



couple more pics tomorrow of cacti i have in my garden to keep cats away.

Lewis, i agree i dont dig spines that much. i am more or a small littler-no spine cacti fan