RECOMMENDED WEB SITES ON CACTI AND SUCCULENTS
DISPLAYS
BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL
Comprehensive information on the upcoming Ballarat Begonia Festival including dates, events, displays, accommodation, etc...
INFORMATION
CACTUS MALL
This site host a large number of other cactus based sites and also has a large repository of Cactus information such as common and scientific names, pictures, conservation information and the like. A must see for Cactus enthusiasts.
ARIZONA CACTUS
Home of the Arizona Cactus Botanical Garden, which has over 800 varieties of high desert plant life. The site has cactus and garden pictures. Also recipes for cooking with prickly pear cactus, and summaries of Native American medicinal uses of cacti and succulents.
GARDENING LAUNCHPAD: CACTUS & SUCCULENT
This site is simply a list (albeit a large one) of links to Cactus and Succulent sites around the world. Topics include how to grow you own Cacti and Succulents, picture galleries, publications, Cacti names and much more.
CACTUS MUSEUM
A very useful American grower’s site with loads of information and images. They grow their cacti in Mississippi and Tennessee. Their Collection page gives a detailed description of each plant, their growing conditions and photograph. Check out their Info pages for everything from cactus anatomy, diseases and uses to spine removal first aid! They also sell cactus plants, books and posters and host a Cactus Forum.
ARGENTINE CACTI
A wealth of colour photos of Argentinean cacti including in their natural habitat. Willy Smith runs tours from Buenos Aires visiting cacti locations in northern Argentina and Chile. He also sells field collected seeds. Links to the Argentine Cactus Society and other selected sites.
BRAZILIAN CACTI AND BROMELIADS
‘The Paradise ' site aims to research new species in regional Brazil plus awaken general public interest in the conservation of natural areas. Run by Eddie Esteves, it includes news, articles and links. Make sure to spend a couple of minutes watching the head of the page depiction of Brazilian nature by day and night!
TEXAS CACTUS COUNCIL
The TCC promotes the development and production of prickly pear and other cacti for farming and food. Especially relevant in dry land areas when other crop foods are out of season! This site gives an overview of the benefits of cactus farming, the Council’s aims and their interesting field excursions. Also highlights their popular annual cooking competition and includes a cactus photo gallery.
CHARLIE'S WEB
Homepage of Charles Dills, a retired professor of chemistry, who has built up a collection of 300 bromeliad species. A very extensive collection of colour photographs of bromeliads, their collectors plus the Dills family tree!
FIBONACCI NUMBERS AND NATURE
If you have ever wondered about the mathematics underlying the patterns of nature, then this is the site for you! Describes Fibonacci numbers (0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21, etc.) as they appear in branching plants, flower petals, seed heads, leaf arrangements and more.
SOCIETIES
CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF THE ACT
Homepage with brief summaries of Canberra society activities. Includes lists of cacti and succulents suitable for growing outdoors in the local region. Plus illustrated excerpts from their newsletter.
CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA) Site of the oldest C&S Society in Australia, established in Melbourne in 1927. With calender and reports of meetings, shows and excursions; 'In the Spotlight' plant; and links to major societies and online sellers. Also concise tips on cultivation and emergency care for damaged plants.
CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
An impressive, comprehensive site. As well as the usual information on society branches, meetings and journal, there are detailed articles ranging from the extremely practical (how to grow and FAQ) to the slightly obscure (cactus chemicals and Fibonacci numbers in nature). Caters for both the beginner and the more technically-minded. Also includes several photographic slide shows.
CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF NSW
Australia’s largest cactus and succulent society. Their well-developed site gives details of forthcoming meetings and visits plus extracts from their quarterly Cactus and Succulent Journal. It also hosts an active Australian Cactus and Succulent Forum to which visitors can contribute their knowledge and queries. Useful links plus a listing of Australian C&S societies.
CACTUS AND SUCCULENT SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND
Brisbane-based society site. Gives meeting and membership information and a brief history of the society. It features great photographs from their annual show plus many excellent sample articles from their quarterly journal, Dinteranthus.
GOLDCOAST SUCCULENT AND BROMELIAD SOCIETY
A clearly presented introduction to succulents and bromeliads and the activities of this south-east Queensland society. Site includes extracts and articles from their Bromlink journal (including practical growing hints), plus info on conferences, suppliers, links and a superb photo gallery
WESTERN SUBURBS CACTUS CLUB (SYDNEY)
Info on meetings, membership and plant suppliers .
BROMELIAD SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND
Details of monthly meetings, conferences and shows (with some very colourful photos). Plus a good description of the Bromeliaceae family and local Queensland growing conditions.
© Ballarat Cactus & Succulent Society