Naming Identity
Kaktus kursi mertua is scientifically named Kroenleinia grusonii in Latin. Internationally, in English, this plant is known as golden barrel cactus, golden ball, or mother-in-law's cushion.
The genus name, Kroenleinia is a tribute name given to Marcel Kroenlein (1928 - 1994). He was director of Jardin Exotique de Monaco (1969 - 1993) (Lodé, 2017). This species was first described by German botanist Heinrich Hildmann in 1891 (Academic Accelerator, n.d.).
Taxonomy
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Caryophyllales |
Family | Cactaceae |
Genus | Kroenleinia |
Species | Kroenleinia grusonii |
Origin
The mother-in-law's cushion cactus originates from the Mexican region. This species is considered rare and endangered in the wild and is endemic to eastern and central Mexico. This species is found near Mesa de Leon in Queretaro and Hidalgo. The construction of the Jimapán dam and reservoir in Hidalgo in the 1990s caused a significant population decline (Academic Accelerator, n.d.).
However, according to other sources, in Mexico, the mother-in-law's cushion cactus can generally be found in Guanaguato, Hidalgo, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, and Zacatecas (Lodé, 2017).
Shape Description and Habitat
The mother-in-law's cushion cactus species has a shape that resembles a large, round ball that can grow to a height of 2 meters. This species needs to grow for many years to reach its maximum height. The estimated age of generations between plants in this species is estimated at up to 30 years.
The spines are sharp and long, grow straight or sometimes curved, and are yellow or white. The flowers are small yellow flowers that appear around the crown in summer after 20 years of age (Academic Accelerator, n.d.).
The mother-in-law's cushion cactus species usually grows on volcanic rocks on slopes at an altitude of about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).
Uses and Cultivation
The mother-in-law's cushion cactus is widely cultivated as a garden decoration plant, especially in modern designs, and is now often found in various botanical gardens. In England, this plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
This species can grow in temperate climates throughout the world and is considered to have relatively easy care requirements because like other cactus species, this species is also drought tolerant. However, the mother-in-law's chair cactus needs sufficient sunlight and excessive watering will actually cause it to rot.