The cactus collection (Cactaceae Juss.) in the ”Al. Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute)

Abstract

The collection of plants of the Cactaceae Juss. family was created and developed in the „Al. Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (I), during about 50 years. At the end of 2020, it included 1009 taxa of 141 genera. The genera with the most numerous representatives in the collection are the following: Mammillaria Haw. with 206 taxa; Opuntia Mill. – 51; Gymnocalicium Pfeiff. – 42; Echinocereus Engelm. – 37 etc. Over 50% of the total number of cacti reach the generative stage (bloom), and about 30-35% produce fruits with seeds. The basic method of propagating cacti is the generative one. Freshly collected seeds germinate in 3-11 days, those stored under laboratory conditions – in 6-32 days, and the germination capacity varies from 2 to 99%, depending on the duration of storage. After germination, the seedlings grow and develop very slowly.