Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent.

Seeds

2 mm matt black.

Description

Gymnocalycium uruguayenseSN|21391]]SN|21391]] is a small cactus species, usually solitary and barely rising above ground level. This species is characterized by a marked variability in the length and shape of the spines that resemble the long leg of a spider and has received many names.

Flowers

Few at any one time, pale citron-yellow, bell shaped 4 cm. long 5,5-6 cm in diameter at Anthesis; scales green, tinged brown; outer tepals pale yellow-green; inner perianth-segments linear-lanceolate,white with yellow or pink midstripe

Spines

Rarely more than 3-5(-7), strong.

Ribs

12 to 14 obtuse. flattish, strongly tubercled.

Stem

Spherical or hemispherical, usually much depressed, 3-3,5(-8) cm tall 5-9 cm in diameter, dark green.

Radial Spines

Usually 3, occasionally up to 5 or more, stout, recurved and adpressed at first yellow, becoming brownish or whitish with age, 1,5 to 2 cm long.

Fruits

Oblong-clavate green.

Areoles

Orbicular, greyish tomentose when young.