Thelocactus bicolor ssp. bicolor
(Glory of Texas)
Thelocactus bicolor var. bicolor, River Road, Big Bend National Park 4650
Thelocactus bicolor var. bicolor, River Road, Big Bend National Park 4649-1
Thelocactus bicolor var. bicolor, River Road, Big Bend National Park 4653
Thelocactus bicolor var. bicolor, River Road, Big Bend National Park 4649-2
| Scientific Name | Thelocactus bicolor ssp. bicolor | USDA PLANTS Symbol | THBIB |
| Common Name | Glory of Texas | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 913444 |
| Family | Cactaceae (Cactus) | Flora of North America Ref. | Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Desert environment; gravelly or sandy soils, in flat areas, limestone, sandstone and igneous slopes and outcrops; 2300 to 4000 ft. Found in South Texas and Big Bend region, and adjacent areas of Mexico. Plant: Solitary cactus with stem up to 15 inches tall and 4 inches wide, ovoid or long ovoid shape with about 8 ribs covered with tightly-spaced tubercles protruding 1/2-inch or less. Spines: Central spines (4) from 3/4-inch long to the longest being 2-3/8 inches long; radial spines (10 to 17 per areole) 3/8 to 1-1/8 inches long; younger spines are reddish and white (i.e. bicolored); older spines weather to ashy white. Inflorescence: Very showy flowers 2 to 2-1/2 inches across at the top of the stems; inner tepals rose-pink to magenta with red bases; many yellow stamens surround red to red-orange or yellowish center pistil. Bloom Period: March to September. References: "Cacti of Texas" by Powell, Weedin and Powell, Flora of North America and "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024