Enjoy this presentation recorded at the 2025 CSSA convention.
Elisabeth’s talk graciously sponsored by South Coast Cactus and Succulent Society.
About Elisabeth and Norbert Sarnes
Elisabeth and Norbert Sarnes, a passionate German couple, began their journey into the world of cacti in 1977. However, it wasn’t until a transformative trip to Patagonia in 2004 that they decided to focus on specific genera: Austrocactus and Pterocactus in Argentina, Copiapoa and Eriosyce in Chile, and Maihueniopsis in both countries. This initial expedition sparked a deep fascination that led them on numerous travels across South America, primarily in Argentina and Chile, where they spent more than two years collectively in search of cacti.
Their extensive fieldwork and studies have resulted in several published articles in both German and international journals, including the first descriptions of new Austrocactus species and a Pterocactus. Their dedication to the field also led to the publication of their books, Cactus de Patagonia in 2012, Austrocactus 2015, and a booklet on the genus Pterocactus in 2021.
At their home in western Germany, Elisabeth and Norbert cultivate a diverse collection of seed-grown cacti, covering about 50 square meters. Both are active members of the German Cactus Association (DKG), British Cactus & Succulent Society (BCSS), Cactus & Succulent Society of America, Inc. (CSSA), Succulenta, and IOS. Norbert served as Vice-President of the DKG from 2008 to 2017, while Elisabeth plays a key role in organizing the ELK, Europe’s largest cactus event. Over the past decade, they have had the honor of speaking at numerous cactus events and meetings worldwide, sharing their expertise and passion with the global cactus community.
Elisabeth and Norbert maintain a website dedicated to the Cacti of Patagonia.
Videos from the 2025 CSSA Convention in San Diego
Every other year, CSSA members meet for 3 days of presentations from the world’s top succulentists. Browse more talks from the April 25-27, 2025 convention here.
You can also see the full playlist of videos from the 2025 convention on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe there to help more people see our content.
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Photo Credits: The presenters
