We can find many interesting and strange flowers all around the world. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the cactus plants are some of the most amazing and unusual you can find.
They are extremely durable, able to survive in some of the harshest and most demanding environments. An outer layer of spines protects almost all types of cactus plants, and their thick skin helps them to go without water for a very long time.
Among those incredible types of cactus plants, we can find some verities that are very rare and unusual, even for cacti. Check out this list and see it for yourself.
1. Turbinicarpus subterraneus
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The most interesting thing about Turbinicarpus subterraneus lies below the soil’s surface. This cactus has incredible roots, often the same size as the plant’s part that you see above the surface. It allows them to survive long periods of drought or temperatures as low as 28.4°F.
2. Agave Cactus
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The agave cactus starts growing as any normal cactus seedling but then it develops its points. The older it gets, the more they will look like some thick fingers tipped with small clusters of spines. The agave plant will continue maintaining the shape but won’t produce any small offspring.
3. Ariocarpus Fissuratus
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Ariocarpus Fissuratus has very small and weak spines as a seeding which will fall off when this cactus plant will age. It produces small amounts of psychoactive substances to protect itself against animals. This plant grows extremely slow.
4. Sulcorebutia rauschii
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Sulcorebutia rauschii is a miniature clustering species, and it forms clumps of many heads with very short, black spines. The stem is covered by flat tubercles, which can be found in dark green and violet color. The plant will blossom in late spring.
5. Pachypodium lamerei f. cristata
Pachypodium lamerei forma cristata is a large unique looking succulent. The plant should be re-potted every 3 years, which can be quite tricky given all the spines. Due to genetic mutation, crested growth occurs. Some areas may normally be growing, but they should be removed to promote the crest’s growth.
6. Astrophytum caput-medusa
The name already implies that this cactus looks like the snake hair of medusa. Astrophytum caput-medusae produces some of the largest seeds among cacti. It also blossoms with beautiful yellow flowers.
7. The artichoke cactus
The artichoke cactus plant grows in a geophytic manner. It grows in a spiral which is formed from the growth point. This gorgeous cactus blooms in the summer. Small flowers are resulting in edible, fleshy fruit.
8. Blossfeldia liliputana
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Blossfeldia liliputana got the name from the land of Lilliput in the novel Gulliver’s Travels. That is because it is one of the smallest cactus maxing out at half an inch across. The plant produces beautiful flowers during the summer months.
9. Hylocereus undatus
Hylocereus undatus can be quite large. It can reach about 14 inches in length and around 9 inches across. The interesting thing is that the cactus blooms only during the night, and each flower opens only once. This fragrant plant produces delicious dragon fruits.
10. Pereskiopsis spathulata
This unusual-looking cactus plant actually has both leaves and spines. Pereskiopsis spathulata grows extremely fast. The plant also produces flowers. The seeds are very rare in the wild, but they can easily be cut and replanted.
