Plant of the Year

Ferocactus johnstonianus

About 60 cm tall
Collection of Mark Muradian

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All text, graphics and photos
Copyright © 2004-6
Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society
or Larry Homan

The FCSS is a local affiliate of the
Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA)

The Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society does not record information about visitors to our web site.

Leaf Succulent

[Image]

Mestoklema tuberosum

Root Succulent

Stem Succulents

Pachycaudals

Cyphostemma juttae

Phanerophyte

Collection of Jack Fleming

Ipomea

Caudiciform

Geophyte

Collection of Jack Fleming

Euphorbia flanagannii

Hemicryptophyte

See the flowers

Collection of Larry Homan

Dioscorea

Chamaephyte

Collection of Mark Muradian

Opuntia

Relatively spineless form

Euphorbia virosa

A succulent with spines but not a cactus

Convergent Evolution of Form

Euphorbia symmetrica

A succulent from Africa

Cactus are not native to Africa but have been introduced and become a nuisance there.

Astrophytum asterias

A cactus from the Americas

Example of a cactus that reaches very old ages in habitat.

Copiapoa cinerea

A cactus from the edge of the Atacama Desert in Chile where it rarely rains. Bunches of these cactus in the coastal habitat may be hundreds of years old but are now threatened by an even drier climate.

Flowers

Columnar flowers in the garden

Click on image for larger version

This plant blooms at least four separate times during the spring through summer, each time with progressively less flowers.

Changing Form

Astrophytum myriostigmata

This plant was once grown as a quadrastratum but with better treatment reverted when about ten years old.

Surviving Serious Damage

Echinocactus grusonii

Growing well after considerable damage. It will eventually grow over this area.

Introduction to Cactus and Succulent Plants Succulent (plant) Succulence (plant adaptation)  A plant adapted to drought-prone climates or periodic arid conditions (water deprivation) and characterized by fleshy water-storing tissues (stems, roots, or leaves) that act as internal reservoirs sustaining life when external water is not available or periodically insufficient. Succulents have also adapted plant systems that maintain metabolism with minimal exchange of water with the environment. Most growers exclude from the group clearly succulent plants such as many orchids and bromeliads simply because most succulent collectors do not grow them. It is often said with some accuracy that all cactus are succulents but not all succulents are cactus. Succulent plants come from many plant families. Cactus  make up the family Cactaceae and are mostly spiny succulents. Cacti are succulent xerophytes that have adapted the three main plant parts to survive in low moisture conditions. Xerophytic (adaptation) Xerophyte (plant)  A xerophyte is a plant adapted for life to a xeric (or dry) environment with a limited supply of water but does not need to be a succulent. They are often described as drought escaping, enduring, or resisting. All succulents are basically xerophytes but not all xerophytes are succulents Caudiciforms (appearance) Caudex (plant part)  The terms are derived from the Latin word caudex meaning tree. This is a nontechnical term used to describe a plant which has a thickened root or stem, often of a large bottle or round form. A "true" caudiciform should have a water storage rather than a food storage organ in the fattened portion. Collectors often include any plant that has a fat lower portion that they find attractive enough to cultivate. Commonly plants with primarily thickened lower stems are called pachycaul (pachycaudal) plants. This term is even more vaguely defined and applied. Most plants have one or more common names. These names usually do not uniquely describe the plant. The Latin binomial   is a more exacting two part name, the genus followed by the species epithet. Example: Common name: Fishhook Cactus Latin binomial: Ferocactus [genus] wislizenii [species] Further information can be gained by clicking the Links button on the left, when active, and visiting some of the sites listed. Cactus and succulent frequently asked questions (Link Inactive) Return to the top

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See events Schedule for details

Yearly dues now due. Don't forget.

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Purpose of the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society

The purpose of this society shall be the advancement of knowledge of cacti and other succulents among the membership and the general public.

The Society shall strive to foster good fellowship and establish cordial relationships with other groups interested in horticulture. Funds are raised for other organizations. Recipients in 2003 included Tree Fresno, the Discovery Center, the Ruth Bancroft Garden, and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden.

Members work to maintain the Deutsch Cactus Garden now located at the Discovery Center.

The FCSS is a local affiliate of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA)

History

The Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society was founded February 17, 1965. The original name was "Fresno Su-Cacti Society." This was changed sometime in the 1980’s. The Society belongs to the California Garden clubs.

Benefits of FCSS Membership

A renewal form accompanied the December newsletter—and we want you all to renew! If you haven’t done so yet, why not get your renewal in now.

You will meet a diverse group of enthusiastic people with a mutual interest in and fascination with the study, culture, propagation, collection and exhibition of cacti, succulents and other xerophytic plants. The Society members do not limit themselves only to the study and enjoyment but also promote the public awareness of cacti and other succulents in order to enhance knowledge, study, and interest through educational programs and public exhibits. FCSS is dedicated to the environmental protection and preservation of natural habitats, and propagation of these fascinating and unique plants, many of which are threatened and endangered in their native habitats. The members meet to exchange ideas and experiences amongst interested persons, to foster greater knowledge about plant development and cultivation, and to encourage use of succulent type plants in public and private gardens through active support and participation in programs, field trips, and projects.

There are many benefits to being a member of the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society.

• Information for beginner and experienced
• Member’s binder and first plant when available
• Subscription to the Monthly newsletter Cactus Corner News
• Informative and convivial monthly meetings
• Plant raffles at monthly meetings
• Speakers with educational, interesting and informative programs
• Good fellowship and refreshments
• Annual show and sale participation
• Bus trips to gardens and shows
• Plant show and tell
• Annual Garden Tour
• Annual Christmas Potluck
• Gift plants at meetings
• Plant sales at meetings
• Use of an extensive club library
• Plant show competition at Fresno Fair
• Summer barbecue and silent auction
• Participation in monthly discussion groups

Join our Society

Have some fun and really enjoy yourself. Join today. All are welcome.

Membership in the society is open to anyone with an interest in cacti and succulents or related subjects, no matter what your background or experience level. Attend and have some fun if you enjoy such plants. Members readily share ideas and techniques with other cactus and succulent growers. New members are often unfamiliar with the subject but are welcomed warmly. The Society provides an excellent place to acquire rare and interesting plants.

The membership is diverse in its makeup and interests, including people of various backgrounds, ages, and commitment. Members range in experience from novices to experts

Active memberships: Individuals, families, corporate, or organizations

There are three classes of membership:

Single: $15 per year

Family: $25 per year

Honorary Life

New members must purchase a standard club name tag for $7.50.

For both new applicants and renewals, please print this application, complete, and return to the address below with check made payable to the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society (or FC&SC).

Include on any application:

• Name
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip code
• Telephone
• E-mail address
• Birthday (Optional)

 

The membership includes a subscription to the newsletter. Members in good standing have access to all the resources and activities of the society.

Send dues, name tag fee, and an application to our club Treasurer:

FC&SS
415 W. Home Ave.
Fresno CA 93728

We look forward to meeting with you!

Lifetime Members

Sue Haffner
Karen Nichols
Burma Gunther

NEXT MEETING:
Thursday, February 4; 7:00 p.m.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center

5340 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, California

Program:

“BRAZIL, BAHIA TO MINAS GERAIS”

Speaker Woody Minnich

Woody’s program features a combination of three trips into the southeastern portions of Brazil. The region is commonly called the Brazilian Highlands and includes two states, Minas Gerais and Bahia. In these two states there are more cacti than in any other region of Brazil, and a wealth of other plants is to be found including bromeliads, orchids, and palms. This field adventure will feature the back country, the towns and their people, as well as a wide variety of plants and animals. The cacti he will focus on include Melocactus, Buiningia, Coleocephalocereus, Pilosocereus, Microcranthocereus, Discocactus, Tacinga, Arrojadoa, and Uebelmannia. Some of the other plant genera will include Bursera, Cissus, Dyckia, Encholirium, Orthophytum, and a myriad of other bromeliads. He will also feature some of the severe conservation issues facing many of the plants and animals from this unique part of world.

Public and perspective members welcome.

The FCSS meets regularly on the first Thursday of each month throughout the year at 6:30 (unless noted in newsletter) at The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center. Any special meetings or alterations in the normal schedule are noted in the previous newsletter.

Anyone interested in cactus and succulents is invited to attend a meeting as our guest. The general public or perspective members are welcome.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center is located at

5340 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, California

Get a map of the location (note there is a new location for the meetings in Manchester Mall).

at www.mapquest.com  

at maps.yahoo.com  

While traveling south or south on Blackstone turn onto Shields avenue going east of Blackstone. While traveling east or west on Shields, enter the mall area from Shields by turning into the parking area to the north. The carousel is on the end of the mall on the south side. Enter through this door. Other approaches are similar. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend as guests at these informal meetings.

Board meetings are held as announced (generally the early evening of the regular meetings or a few days before) and are also open to the membership.

Events around a meeting will proceed in the following format:

• Early dinner with the visiting speaker (Open to all prior to regular meeting)
• Occasionally a board meeting (sometimes a day before)
• Setup chairs and tables by early birds
• Arrival and visiting, of members and guests (Use of library and book transactions, etc.)
• Plant display setup
• Plant sales (either by the speaker or the club or the members)
• Meeting commences
• Welcome new members, plant gifts to new members, introductions and presentations
• Minutes of previous meeting
• Treasurers report
• Short, systematic, convivial business reports
• Discussions of events, trips or programs and jokes and witticisms from our officers.
• Cactus and succulent show and tell brag table
• Refreshment break
• Guest lecture and slide presentation
• Raffle
• General conversation
• Cleanup and departure

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Newsletter

The club newsletter, Cactus Corner News, is published once a month and sent to the members in the week of each meeting. Sue Haffner is the current editor. A copy typically contains several articles on plant topics of interest, especially monographs on individual types and articles on propagation and culture. News on members, activities and scheduled events are featured. A synopsis of current business and issues is presented for members unable to attend meetings. Officer messages are included when needed.

Deadline for inclusion in monthly newsletter is the 25th of previous month.

Newsletters published online:

July, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

August, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

September, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

October, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

November, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

December, 2009 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

January, 2010 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

February, 2010 Newsletter in .pdf format: Newsletter

Download Adobe Reader to your browser

Schedule of Events and Meetings

 

Schedule of 2010 Speakers and Events

January	Pam Margosan	“What a Beautiful Day for a Desert Forum!”
February	Woody Minnich	“Brazil, Bahia to Minas Gerais”
March	Ernesto Sandoval
April
May
June
July	Summer Potluck
August
September
October
November
December	Christmas Dinner

BOARD MEETING:

Monday, Feb. 8th, Senior Center, at Manchester Center; 6:00 p.m.

All members are welcome to attend.

Any club member may attend; officers and board members should attend. We need to get started planning the upcoming year. If you have a concern that you think the board should address, let one of us know.

If there has to be any change to this information, members will be notified. All club members are welcome to attend. If you are interested in the "nut and bolts" of club business and/or have an issue that the board or officers should address, please attend. All board members should attend, as they are the only ones who can vote on issues.

CLUB WORKSHOP:

Wednesday, Feb. 17th, 6 p.m., Senior Center.

Subject: continuing with plants in genera that start with ‘A’.

All members welcome

The workshop is an informal hands-on discussion and learning experience for expert and novice alike. We are always happy to share our knowledge and we always learn from each other. If you have any questions about the workshops and what they’re about, get in touch with Rudy Rapisura

All members are welcome. These are informal sessions where attendees can bring any plant they want to show or discuss; cuttings and seeds to share; etc. We have a lot of fun—and even learn a thing or two! We started out going through the alphabet regarding plant genera and familiies.

We hope that more members can attend. We discuss anything anybody wishes to bring up. If a change is made in the site a notice may be posted here.

 

Local Fresno Events of Interest

Check the Local Scene at Get Out!

Information at the Fresno Bee newspaper

Entertainment

Mypages.com Fresno directory

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Contact Information

This web site is currently being developed by members of the Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society. Please be patient and excuse any shortcomings. For those with questions, suggestions, or corrections please E-mail the Webmaster.