• Sharing of Knowledge
• Participation in field trips and other organised activities
• Invitation to assist in the running of the Society's activities
• Use of the Society's library
• Cultural advice
• Assistance in plant identification

Conophytums in Flower

:: Ariocarpus bravoanus ssp bravoanus -- This species is a relatively new inclusion in the Ariocarpus genus.

First isolated in 1992, this plant was originally called Ariocarpus Fissuratus ssp Bravoanus, due to the fisures on the plant's tubercles.  The plant is endangered in habitat, having been poached to near extinction in the state of San Louis Potosi, where it originates.  The plant is characterized by sharply acute leaf-edges, minor fissures and gray-green tubercles.  The Ariocarpus bravoanus ssp bravoanus produces small pink flowers with a cream outer rim. ::

:: Ariocarpus confusus -- This species was included in the Ariocarpus genus as a seperate species in 1997 and poses a particular dilemma within the Ariocarpus genus.

Plants belonging to this species are found in the Aramberri area of Nuevo Leon (Anderson, 2004).   Aramberri is located in a valley between two mountain slopes.  On either side of the valley one may find the Ariocarpus retusus ssp retusus and the Ariocarpus retusus ssp trigonus.  Morphologically, plants belonging to the confusus species resemble either the retusus ssp or the trigonus ssp.  However, they are easily distinguished from either of these retusus sub-species by their dual colored flowers.  Specifically, the Ariocarpus confusus may develop magenta flowers, white flowers, variations of the two or even bicoloured flowers in the same plant. ::

Ariocarpus confusus

:: Ariocarpus retusus ssp trigonus -- The Ariocarpus retusus ssp trigonus may be found in several areas in the state of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon (close to the Aramberri region).

Being a retusus sub-species, the trigonus ssp may reach up to 30 cm in diameter.  Variations exist in tubercles size and shape, with some plants exhibiting long and thin tubercles whilst other have a rather short and broad appearance.  Furthermore, the ssp trigonus' tubercles are smooth and curve inwards.  The Ariocarpus retusus ssp trigonus produces large yellow flowers. ::

Ariocarpus retusus ssp trigonus