= Ariocarpus intermedius (Backeb. & Kilian) M.Voldan
Notes: (Basionym not stated)
Accepted Scientific Name: Ariocarpus fissuratus K.Schum. in Engl. & Prantl
Nat. Pflanzenfam. Nachtr. [Engler & Prantl] 3, Abt. 6a: 195. 1894

Roseocactus intermedius (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Peiffer Clement
Origin and Habitat: It is found between Cuatrocienegas and Estacion Marte in central Coahuila.
Habitat:These plants are characteristic of dry limestone ridges and low, rocky hills of limestone chips at an altitude of 500-1500 m among the Chihuahuan desert scrub.
Ecology: The stems are normally flush and well camouflaged with the soil surface resembling limestone chips in shape, colour, and texture, rendering the plants extremely cryptic. They are greyish-green in colour, sometimes taking on a yellowish tint with age. These cacti are difficult to spot in their natural habitat. When they are found, it is usually due to their pinkish flowers
In times of severe drought, the whole above-ground portion of these plants can shrink and be covered by rock fragments, but the taproot remains alive. Many exist as only small, isolated populations, and are in danger of extinction because they sought by plant collectors. For this reason they are protected plants in the regions where they occur.
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Ariocarpus fissuratus K.Schum. in Engl. & PrantlNat. Pflanzenfam. Nachtr. [Engler & Prantl] 3, Abt. 6a: 195. 1894Synonymy: 22
Cultivars
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Description: Ariocarpus fissuratusSN|2126]]SN|2114]] is a variable geophyte species, the most interesting variant being the Ariocarpus lloydiiSN|2120]]SN|2120]]. However the range of these two forms merge, giving rise to some populations with transitional characteristics known as Ariocarpus intermediusSN|2114]]SN|2126]]. It is usually solitary, rarely giving rise to side shoots from old areoles, it grows extremely slowly, to 20 cm in diameter.
Stem: Star-shaped composed by a rosette of fleshy, deltoid to hemispheric tubercles, which have no spines. The tubercles, about as long as wide, are coarsely rugose, and often sharply angled apically and closely packed to form a coarse mosaic.
Areoles: The areoles are up to 3 mm wide, sometimes confined to middle of tubercle faces instead of extending to tips.
Roots: Each plant has a large turnip-like taproot, which lies below the soil surface and serves for water storage.
Flowers: These plants have a woolly crown, from which emerge bright pink-violet flowers up to 2.5-5 cm, 2 times wider than long when fully expanded. Flowers last for 3 to 4 days.
Blooming season: October, November.
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Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Ariocarpus fissuratus group
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Roseocactus intermedius (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
- SB503 (Collector: Steven Brack) Locality: Cuatro Cienegas, Coahuila, Mexico. (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Roseocactus intermedius (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Roseocactus intermedius (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Prof. Ilham Alakbarov
- KMR 5.2 El Hundido, Coahuila, Mexico. This is is a species of extremely slow growing cacti commonly called "living rocks," in habitat these cacti usually blend in well with the terrain around them. (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
SB503 State Capital, Coahuila, Mexico. (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Roseocactus intermedius (Ariocarpus intermedius) Photo by: Valentino VallicelliSend a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: It is not too difficult in a greenhouse, although it grows extremely slowly. The plants need deep pots to accommodate the napiform unit formed by the stem base and the rootstock (or they will often simply crack your pots), , and a loose mineral soil with a well-drained substrate. They need a good amount of light, a place near the roof of the greenhouse helps drying the pot after watering. This can be done weekly during the summertime, if the weather is sunny enough, with a little fertilizer added. Kept this way, plants will show a healthy, although slow growth. They are frost hardy to -10°C
Propagation: By seeds, remembering that seedlings dislike strong light and dry conditions, and need to be repotted frequently. Eventually, as they become mature, they reach a maximum size of 25 to 27 cm. However, old plants become senile and have a tendency to succumb to disease and a weak root system. At this stage, as is well known, they die suddenly. So, after they reach 20 cm in diameter grow them slowly, and adopt a new repotting period, using intervals of every 2 - 3 years. Additionally grow them under drier conditions or with stronger sunlight. Plants are often grafted to accelerate growth, as they would generally take at least a decade to reach maturity on their own. But the grafted plants are typically rather tall- growing, compared with plants on their own roots, that are usually flatter to the ground. A. fissuratuss starts blooming at the age of 8-12 years.
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