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Elephant's Tooth Cactus (Coryphantha elephantidens)

Elephant's Tooth, or Starry Ball, is a globular cactus with large, prominent tubercles and few, stout spines. The tubercles are topped with a groove. It produces large, fragrant, pink to magenta flowers with yellow centers that open during the day.

Botanical Profile

Family:	Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus:	Coryphantha (kor-ry-FAN-tha)
Species:	elephantidens (el-ef-FANT-id-enz)
Synonym:	Coryphantha elephantidens subsp. elephantidens
Synonym:	Mammillaria elephantidens
Synonym:	Mammillaria recurvispina
Synonym:	Coryphantha recurvispina

Cultivation

Full sun and very well-draining soil. Water sparingly. The large tubercles give it a unique, geometric look. The fragrant flowers are a highlight. Slow-growing but long-lived. A beautiful species for cactus connoisseurs.

Cactus and Succulents: Golden Ball Cactus (Parodia leninghausii): A Columnar Gem with Silky Yellow Spines; Ball Cactus (Parodia magnifica): A Handsome Globe with Silky Yellow Spines and Crown of Flowers; Purple Pincushion (Escobaria vivipara): A Cold-Hardy, Clumping Cactus with Magenta Blooms; Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana): The Soft, Recurving Agave with No Teeth; Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa: A Flattened, Epiphytic Cactus with Red-Suffused Stems; Lepismium cruciforme (Trailing Cactus); Elephant's Tooth Cactus (Coryphantha elephantidens); Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi: A Clumping, Pink-Flowered Hedgehog; Cannon Ball Tree (Couroupita guianensis): Bizarre Flowers and Cannonball Fruits; Tillandsia recurvata: The Curious Ball Moss Air Plant

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