Xerophyte

Central Spines

2-5, about 20 mm long, thicker than the radials, protruding at the top of the areoles, bright yellow.

Seeds

About 1.2 mm long and 0.8 mm wide, testa matt black, hilum rounded, dark.

Flowers

35 mm long, 40-50 mm wide. Perianth segments, often with a fine tip, dark to pale violet-red, with lighter medium strips, sometimes almost wholly white. Ovary and tube pink with darker scales. Throat, stamens, style and stigma white.

Stem

Single, flat hemispherical 25 mm tall and 60 mm wide, in cultivation occasionally reaching 60-70 mm in width and forming a tuft. Epidermis bright green. Ribs up to 18, spiralling.

Radial Spines

About 24, up to 20 mm long, bent radially towards the apex, bright yellow.

Fruits

Sherical, 7-10 mm wide, reddish brown with lighter scales.

Areoles

Elongate about 8 mm long with a creamy white wool.