"Argent" means silver in Latin, so silverweed = argent-weed! The country Argentina was also named after the Latin word for silver, as precious metals were something the conquistadors were looking for.
I wonder if hybridising Opuntia with Maihuenia might be a way to disable the glochid production pathways in the offspring. One concern I have is the amount of effort needed to create raised gravel beds to grow this type of cactus to replicate its alpine habitat (lots of work for a few watery fruit). It is worth considering that the oldest ancestors of cacti were epiphytes from seasonally dry rainforests. I wonder if it might be easier in the long run to breed epiphytic forms and supply their nutrient needs in soluble form. Timing of flowering is likely to be your biggest hurdle, and accessing pollen from warmer climate species to add into the mix. The good news- cactus pollen can be stored (dry/frozen) for at least a few months. You may be able to find a collaborator with a wider range of flowering Opuntioid species to try pollinating your fledgling Maihuenia collection.
I mean, in terms of plant size, the fruit production is phenomenal - it's like an apple tree bearing apples 1m in height. As to the taste and texture, I'd say that will vary from person to person.
In terms of freely draining beds, you can use any old rubble, or sand, or whatever is easily available. I regularly throw away random rocks from digging in my garden so these can just be placed aside. It needn't be too hard, and if it is, don't bother(!)
I really hope these posts inspire someone to try, and who will then report back. Certainly, as you have pointed out, I have only scratched the surface of each of these projects. So much to do, so little time.
For arid climates where not much else will thrive, I can see the cactuses being a great food source! But for underwater Britain? Btw I was a bit surprised you get just 800 mm, considering our friend in Portugal gets way more than that...
"Argent" means silver in Latin, so silverweed = argent-weed! The country Argentina was also named after the Latin word for silver, as precious metals were something the conquistadors were looking for.
That's really nice. Do you think that's post justification or really the true etymology of the Argentina genus?
I live in Port Angeles, Washington, and there are several well-established plantings of fruiting prickly pear around here.
Wonderful, have you tried any of the fruit?
Makes great smoothies
I wonder if hybridising Opuntia with Maihuenia might be a way to disable the glochid production pathways in the offspring. One concern I have is the amount of effort needed to create raised gravel beds to grow this type of cactus to replicate its alpine habitat (lots of work for a few watery fruit). It is worth considering that the oldest ancestors of cacti were epiphytes from seasonally dry rainforests. I wonder if it might be easier in the long run to breed epiphytic forms and supply their nutrient needs in soluble form. Timing of flowering is likely to be your biggest hurdle, and accessing pollen from warmer climate species to add into the mix. The good news- cactus pollen can be stored (dry/frozen) for at least a few months. You may be able to find a collaborator with a wider range of flowering Opuntioid species to try pollinating your fledgling Maihuenia collection.
I mean, in terms of plant size, the fruit production is phenomenal - it's like an apple tree bearing apples 1m in height. As to the taste and texture, I'd say that will vary from person to person.
In terms of freely draining beds, you can use any old rubble, or sand, or whatever is easily available. I regularly throw away random rocks from digging in my garden so these can just be placed aside. It needn't be too hard, and if it is, don't bother(!)
I really hope these posts inspire someone to try, and who will then report back. Certainly, as you have pointed out, I have only scratched the surface of each of these projects. So much to do, so little time.
For arid climates where not much else will thrive, I can see the cactuses being a great food source! But for underwater Britain? Btw I was a bit surprised you get just 800 mm, considering our friend in Portugal gets way more than that...
I bet he gets it in bursts, while I get it continually in a mildew, mould inducing mist.