Gymnos in habitat
Gymnocalycium glaucum F. Ritter
The species was discovered by Friedrich Ritter in February 1959 (FR 961) and was described in "Sukkulentenkunde" 7-8, 37-38 in 1963. The type location is situated south-east of Tinogasta in the south of Catamarca province, Argentina.
Further locations can be found in the north of La Rioja province near San Blas, Alpasinche, El Rincon and Cerro Negro. G. glaucum often grows on weathered granite on small mounds. It's surprising that seedlings are able to develope on rocky ground that is nearly devoid of humus. Old plants posses mighty conical tap roots.
