The mother-in-law's chair (Echinocactus grusonii) has always had countless fans. It comes from the central highlands of Mexico and was discovered in 1890. Large specimens soon appeared in Europe. They called it gold ball cactus, showed it at exhibitions and triggered a real boom. The ever-increasing demand was met by imports from Mexico, because cultivation from seeds was mistakenly considered too lengthy.

‍

Unfortunately, a large part of the remaining natural resources was later destroyed by a dam project. Conclusion: Experts estimate the number of wild plants still existing today at less than 250 specimens. For this reason, Echinocactus grusonii is considered extremely endangered and is protected.

‍

The specimens traded today — such as our male plant Jack — come from horticultural propagation and are grown in warmer areas such as the Canary Islands or California.

‍