Submitted by: Jim Tanner & Mike Short

Matucana is a genus of cacti, containing approximately 22 species of mostly globular plants. The genus is only known from Peru, mostly along the Marañón River. Named after the small Peruvian town 50 miles east of Lima, where they grow at 6,000-13,000 feet

Overall, Matucana species are globular or cylindrical plants with shallow ribs and moderate to light spination. The largest maxing out at around 30 inches (75cm), most remain under a foot (30cm) in height. Ribs are distinctly tuberculate and the plant bodies are typically bright green. The flowers of Matucana are quite distinctive and showy. Most are bilateral and stand up above the plant on tall floral tubes that are reminiscent of “cowl vents” on a ship. (The vents that cartoon characters are always jumping into.) Most flowers are red, but may be orange, pink, yellow, or white. Fruits are juicy and round.

Matucana is a cold-hardy genus, accustomed to high altitudes and exposed to snow at certain times of the year. Their range extends into southern Peru near Nazca.

Oroya as a result of molecular analysis has recently been moved into Matucana. The species that were Oroya were found around the town of La Oroya which is just some 64 Km (40 miles) from the town of Matucana. There are two species identified Matucana borchersii and Matucana peruviana. All species are slow-growing, can be difficult to grow, and are often encountered grafted.

LATIN LOOKUP – Loquerisne Latine (Do you speak Latin)?

The meanings of latin plant names on this page – from http://davesgarden.com/guides/botanary/

• aureiflora [awr-ee-ih-FLOR-uh]
  From the Latin aureus (yellow) and florus (flowered).
• formosa [for-MOH-suh]
  Beautiful.
• intertexta [in-ter-TEKS-tuh]
  Intertwined.
• Matucana [mat-oo-KAN-uh]
  Named for the Pervuian city of the same name.
• Oroya [or-ROY-uh]
  Named for La Oroya, near Lima (Peru).
• peruviana [per-u-vee-AN-uh]
  Of or from Peru.