Cristates

A crest or 'cristate' shape emerges when the vegetative point grows very evenly but repeatedly divides into two. The crest curls while already growing in all sorts of curved shapes. Monster shapes almost always have to be grafted to stay alive. There are some specialists that only collect cristate cacti.

There are many variations of cristate that occur in all shapes sizes and colour. As a general rule very few produce flowers, but are still attractive because of their unusual appearance.

A freak form of the species Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is 'Gymnocalycium mihanovichii cv hibotan'. The unusual colouring is due to a lack of chlorophyll when the seed was germinated Its survival depends upon its being grafted onto a robust stock such as 'Hylocereus'. Regardless of its peculiar existence, it nevertheless is able to produce attractive pink flowers.