Xerophyte

Habit

It is a globular and single stemmed cactus species, but sometimes form clusters up to 15 heads.

Central Spines

0-1, grey, dark tipped, sometimes hooked, 7-15 mm long.

Seeds

Black.

Description

Sclerocactus mesae-verde is a rare and minute, globose grey-green cactus. It is very difficult to locate because it blends in with its surroundings, but when it is found it usually occurs in groupings of several dozens. Flowers range from creamy pink to creamy yellow. Sclerocactus mesae-verde was formerly classified in the monotypic genus Coloradoa.

Roots

Taproots much branched.

Tubercles

Inconspicuous.

Flowers

White to cream-yellow, with light green throats, 1-3,5 cm long, 1-3 cm in diameter and do not open completely.

Ribs

13-17 spiral-like.

Stem

Very small, pale green, depressed globose, with a maximum size of only (3-)5-7(-11) cm in height, 4 to 10 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

7-13, yellowish, spreading, 6-13 mm long.

Fruits

Fruits are green, spherical to short cylindrical, 8-10 mm long green, becoming brown with age, indehiscent or splitting horizontally at maturity.