Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary cactus (unless injured) until very old age, or with few branches from ground level when old.

Central Spines

1-4 (or more), strong, up to 7 cm long brown and go upwards. In older parts they become greysh, and go downwards.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped, large coppery-red, carmine or red, 3 (or more) cm across.

Blooming Season

Spring and summer, they usually appear one by one in succession.

Spines

Curved, dense, and variably coloured.

Ribs

13- 21, chinned and arranged in spiral.

Stem

The plant presents an extended spherical stem, mid-green to intense green in colour, 15 cm wide, with the apical part densely covered with white wool.

Radial Spines

8-10 (or more). Usually yellowish or amber at first and white later, 5-10 mm. long, opened on the outside and a little curved inwardly.

Areoles

Big and woolly at first, but they become naked with age.