Meet my Black Plate, it’s neither in black color or a circular dish made of porcelain or glass but a spiny living plant. My cacti dealer named Rose brought me a cultivar last June 2005.
This cactus may not be rare but it’s an old-time favorite among cacti enthusiasts. Its scientific name is Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var friedrichii.
Presently, my Black Plate’s globular body is 5 cm tall, 6 cm in diameter and has a reddish-brown color. (I’ve learned that G. friedrichii could grow up to10-12 cm tall and 6-12 cm in diameter.) It has 8 prominent ribs with crossbands of lighter colors; its strong dark markings are often in red color. Its defensive structure consist of 3-6 awl-shaped radial spines. Its lovely pale pink flower is 6 cm long and is funnel-shaped.
This plant is very easy to grow. It requires light shade to full sun.However, this cacti doesn’t tolerate water-clogging so I’m careful not to over-water it.
Mama Nene's Garden 