Los Angeles
Cactus and Succulent Society
Meeting in the San Fernando Valley.
Welcome to the website of the
Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society.
Our more than 200 members come from throughout the southland and share a passion for cacti and succulents. Throughout the history of LACSS, many of the most prominent researchers, authors, and collectors of the succulent world have been leaders and members of our society.
When in-person meetings resume,
Doors open at 6:15 for our monthly meetings including the Social Hour, Ask an Expert, and much more. The business meeting starts promptly at 7:20. Attendance is FREE and open to the public. Each new visitor receives a free plant! We hope to see you at a meeting soon!
Mission Statement
The Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society (LACSS) cultivates the study and enjoyment of cacti and succulent plants through educational programs and activities that promote the hobby within a community of fellow enthusiasts and among the greater public.
LACSS Meetings are the first Thursday of the Month
November Meeting will be held on-line via zoom
Thursday November 4 at 6:30pm
Please watch your email for more information!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Exotic Cacti of Chile
by Steve Frieze
My wife and I decided to visit Chile after we were exposed to the marvels of this country in a presentation made by Paul Klaassen. Paul has visited this country many times previously and subsequent to our trip. This excursion left an indelible impression on us. We had the extraordinary opportunity to spend almost a month in Chile traveling from Santiago to Taltal, a mining town in the heart of the Atacama Desert. Along the way we located and photographed many of the cacti that are endemic to Chile. We were especially gratified to explore such a large portion of the country and find such a wide variety Copiapoas and Eriosyces. This fact made our adventure even more rewarding. A rather trying hike into the San Ramon and Botija valleys provided us with an enriching experience that we will never forget. We also took an assortment of side trips that included a visit to an island that is inhabited by penguins and sea lions. We look forward to sharing our odyssey with you that included a stay in a mansion that is owned by one of the wealthiest men in Chile.
Plant of the Month
Plants of the Month
November 2021
Cactus - Variegated
Succulent - Variegated
Current and complete list of all books in our library!
CLICK HERE for library list.
Library items are available to all members in good standing at the meetings.
While the world endures the Covid-19 pandemic,
please
take care of yourselves, take care of your plants,
and remember that spending time in your garden can provide some much needed tranquility.
For link to fun & informative CSSA presentations from 2015 & 2017 conventions
click on Members Info link
Steve Frieze is a past president of the LACSS and has served the club in numerous other capacities during the past 30 years since he initiated his membership. He is a retired university administrator and is currently teaching psychology courses at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Artie Chavez and Steve were the founding partners in Desert Creations, a nursery that sells unusual cacti and succulents. Steven is currently involved in another plant venture having started Distinctive Flora with his wife Phyllis. The Friezes have traveled to numerous locations throughout the world that house exotic plants including Costa Rica, Chile, East Africa, South Africa, Namibia, Brazil, and Oaxaca Mexico.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
Eriosyce crvispina
Euphorbia latiflua
Copiapoa solaris
