Oltás Austrocylindropuntia alanyra

Nowadays, the variety of cactus grafting rootstocks broadens and collectors started to use compatible stocks which help to preserve the natural morphology of the scion. One of the new favourite stocks is the Austrocylindropuntia subulata. This large bush or tree-form species which can also reach the 4 m height is well-known from larger collections. Its stems are cylindrical, succulent, the young stems only bear glochids but on the older stems long needles develop. The large subulate leaves persist for the whole growing season. As a mountain plant, it can stand low temperatures or light frost but also tolerates winter wet. In South Europe, invasive populations can be found. Its hardiness and growing power, as well as biochemical competence make this species a good root stock for opuntioid taxa which are hard to keep on their own roots in collections. Technically, the grafting on A. subulata stock needs no specialities but the star-shape cross-section of the vessels need a little care when the scion is positioned.