San Antonio Cactus and
Xerophyte Society
Established in 1977
Our mission to promote the study, propagation, conservation, protection, and public awareness of cacti and other succulent plants.
San Antonio Cactus and
Xerophyte Society
Monthly Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the
San Antonio Garden Center
3310 N. New Braunfels,
at New Braunfels & Funston.
Meetings Include Educational Speakers, Plant Auction and Plant Raffle. Members are encouraged to participate in all club activities
and provide additional content in the form of
mini programs and show & tell displays.
Other Club Benefits include our monthly newsletter SACXS FACTS, club field trips, and access to national programs through our affiliation with the Cactus & Succulent Society of America.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SACXS Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
7:00 PM
at the San Antonio Garden Center
February
Meeting Program:
"The Genus Mammillaria"
Presented by Woody Minnich
Presentation Description:
After over 40 years of field research and nursery study of this genus, I am still without an absolute understanding of their taxonomy. For years this genus has been one of the favorites of many a hobbyist. All around the world many serious growers have focused on trying to understand this taxon with its’ many forms and variations. In this presentation I will stay with the foundational work of previous scientific observations. By adding my 40+ years as a field observer, and as a serious grower, you’ll get a broad view of this complex genus.
The genus Mammillaria has a large number of species, varieties and forms ranging from 250+ to about 400, this depending on each taxonomists point of view. This amazingly large genus also has an extremely wide range of distribution, from the northwestern states of America through all of Mexico and further south through Central America into Columbia. Generally, they are rather small plants, but they can become very large clusters. Some of the miniature species are single headed and only reach ½ inch in diameter. Others become larger clustering taxa and may have many, many heads that can be 4 or 5 inches across, thus making clusters of two to three feet in diameter. Their flowers vary from species to species and can sometimes be tiny and with others get quite large, 2+ inches across. Needless to say, many of their flowers are very bright in color and they come in variations of reds, violets, yellows and white.
It is the extreme morphological variation within the Mammillarias that helps makes them so popular, and of course, they are considered to be some of the most beautiful of all the cacti.From the table top to the landscape garden, the Mammillarias are among the best. Even after growing them for 55+ years, I still love this fascinating and popular genus. My, how they have evolved!
Visitors are Welcome!
Want to Find Out More About SACXS? Be Our Guest at the September 17, 2025 Meeting.
SACXS Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of Each Month at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels in San Antonio.
Meetings also feature Auction & Raffle Plants
Link to the Garden Center:
Our Speaker:
Wendell S. (Woody) Minnich
I was about 5 years old when my dad introduced me to the cacti of the Mojave Desert. As the years passed, I became really fascinated with these wonderful plants and their near relatives, the other succulents. Soon after my introduction to the Mojave Desert cacti, came the start of my own cactus garden, and a coveted collection of rare potted specimens. In the late 1960’s I became a totally addicted cactophile. Joining the Los Angeles, the San Gabriel, and the Long Beach Cactus and succulent societies, I soon became a very active member of these clubs. Over the last 55 years I have been privileged to be very active in many cactus society leadership roles, (President, V. P., Show Chair, Newsletter editor, Program Chair, Conservation Chair, Plant of the Month, etc,). During these early years I also introduced the first cactus T-shirts, which I hand printed myself, and they are still popular today. I then quickly dedicated myself to doing extensive field work to study and photograph the cacti and other succulents from all around the world. With my contributions to various American C & S societies, I have now received Honorary Life memberships from 14 clubs. My most recent honor is being the past president for 10 years of the Santa Fe CSC.
I started my nursery (Cactus Data Plants) in 1975, where I grew most all of the above-mentioned genera. After numerous years as a grower and a field worker, I learned from these combined disciplines how important the nursery trade is to help in the conservation and protection of so many of our favorite species. As a passionate lover of all life, I shared many of my world experiences through my photography and publications. Much of my work, is published in various books and journals.
My favorite byproduct of numerous years of teaching and learning is, sharing the many wonderful experiences I have enjoyed. The stories told and the photography you will see, hopefully will make you a true lover of these plants, animals and their habitats. Optimistically, together may we all do our best to protect and preserve our amazing and precious wild world.
Here's What You Will Learn at the Meeting...
General Info about SACXS events and the Legacy Project.
Interesting facts about cacti and succulents in general.
How to join and get involved in the club.
Meeting will also include a plant auction and plant raffle.
SACXS: Not Only a Club, Also a Non Profit
High School Seniors and Eligible College Students Application Deadline:
April 30th, 2026.
Click Here for Larry Murphy Scholarship
Click Here for Paul Kibler Scholarship
Current Board Members
Nominations from membership begin in September and appointments are voted in at the November general meeting
Membership
Director
Ron Andring
Recording Secretary
Virgil Duncan
Field Trips
Ron Andring
Publicity
Director
Andrew Awalt