Xerophyte

Habit

Pelecyphora aselliformisSN|855]]SN|855]] is a small very slow growing clustering cactus

Seeds

Brown, curved and reticulate.

Description

The typical Pelecyphora aselliformisSN|855]]SN|855]] (commonly known as the "Hatchet Cactus") is among the most famous of all cacti for is unique shaped stem.

Tubercles

Laterally flattened, elongated, arranged in spirals.

Flowers

Pink to violet flowers with lighter outside petals, 2-3,5 cm in diameter. The floral buds are acuminate and appear on the apex.

Blooming Season

It normally flowers from February till October, but only if the sunlight is strong enough.

Crested Growth

Pelecyphora aselliformisSN|855]]SN|855]] f. cristata only deviate from the standard species for the stem which is fan shaped up to 10 cm (or more) long with age.

Spines

40 to 60 pectinated.

Stem

Spherical to shortly cylindrical, 5-10 cm tall, 2-5 cm in diameter. The stem in young plant is quite different, very thin, pencil-like or clavate.

Fruits

Dry, papery.

Areoles

Oval shaped areoles. Areoles in this species are clearly dimorphic, much as in the mammillarias, but the vestigial groove is reminiscent of Coryphantha and related genera.