Xerophyte

Central Spines

One (or two) of the same length.

Description

Gymnocalycium pflanziiSN|18750]]SN|18750]] is a solitary or slowly clustering cactus, with peculiar spine clusters characteristically bent backward in a distinctive fashion.

Roots

Fibrous

Note

It is a very variable species with a wide distribution and several controversial varieties, forms and subspecies has been described. Of them only three or four has been recognized

Flowers

Infundibuliform near the apex, diameter and height 45-50 mm. Pericarpell dull green very short. External tepals spatulate, slightly bent outward , white with brownish green midrib. Inner tepals intern narrower, spatulate and slightly denticulate, white with carmine/pink purplish throat. Style carmine with carmine pink 10-12 lobes. Pollen yellow.

Spines

Strong, very stiff, bent backward, initially blackish with a brown base then becoming grey-pinkish to whitish brown with black point.

Ribs

10 to 12 thick, large, divided into polygonal rounded (not chinned) tubercles, separated by arched furrows.

Stem

Flattened-globose, 10-15 (25) cm in diameter, 10cm tall pale green, to olive green that can tinge of orangish purple in full sun. The epidermis has a velvety appearance. The apex is slightly depressed and woolly.

Radial Spines

(5-)7-9 up to 25 mm long

Fruits

Globose of approximately 2 cm of diameter, becoming red carmine with maturity. Pulp intense cherry-red.

Areoles

Large long, oval 10 by 14 mm broad, with cream-yellowish wool, then blackish dismantling with time.