Cactus of the Month: Turbinicarpus

Succulent of the Month: Adromischus

PRESENTER FOR OCTOBER IS:  Gunnar Eisel _ “Astrophytum Revisited”

How does a genus like Astrophytum, consisting of six species, remain such a perennial favorite and source of joy, headaches, and frequent disappointment? Clearly, a major attraction is the stunning beauty of these plants’ exquisite symmetry and often intricately detailed body patterns. However, successful growing of these plants can pose problems and pitfalls even to some experienced growers.

The presentation will focus on primarily two species; A. myriostigma and A. asterias and the multitude of cultivars that have made these plants so popular. Starting with identification and sorting out the myriad of variations sought by Astrophytum collectors, Mr. Eisel will share a few tips based on his successes as well as point out some colossal failures in his attempt to master cultivation of these species.

Gunnar Eisel’s interest in cacti and succulents can be traced back to his childhood infatuation with photographing night-blooming cereus flowers and a few unfortunate encounters with opuntia glochids. His interest in cacti became intensified through many annual trips to the Anza-Borrego desert.

Born and raised near Heidelberg, Germany, Eisel has taught music at CSULA, CSUF, Whittier College and Fullerton College. He recently retired as a  full-time music theory and history of music professor at Citrus College in Glendora where his students were occasionally subjected to his rantings regarding cacti and succulents.

An avid C&S collector, he serves as Executive Director of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA) and President of the San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society.

Seed Propagation Workshop

At the end of the meeting Gary Duke will be running the seed propagation workshop for those who signed up. The workshop should last about
30 minutes after the meeting and we would expect to leave no later than 4:30pm.