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Cactus taxonomists have spent their lives being spiked, stabbed and speared by their subject
so it is hardly surprising that they can become strange, complex and wonderful beings as they mature. In the incomprehensible taxonomic world they have created names have come to resemble Russian dolls. Crack one in half and it will reveal a smaller identical name nested within. Crack that one open ... and so on. Thus Rebutia christinae could also be called R. steinmannii var. christinae if you choose. Should you wish to study it in the wild you must travel to the high mountains of Bolivia and on the long flight home you can amuse yourself by pulling the tiny spines from your fingers. |
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| 7th June 2009 | ||
