Xerophyte

Description

Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanusSN|12648]]SN|12648]] is a tiny cactus species whit corky spines that grows almost completely buried in the ground. The crested form Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanusSN|12648]]SN|12648]] f. cristatus is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Roots

Has a large tap root below the surface of the compost.

Flowers

Apical funnel shaped, whitish to pinkish, outside with darker midribs 14-25 mm wide. This plant is capable of blooming when it is little larger than 1 cm Ø.

Spines

3 (more rarely 4) the lower one longer, up to 2,5 cm, the 2 side spines approximately 1/3 as short and the upper, very often missing, still shorter, flattened below, curved towards the apex and often contorted, grey, corky, rather soft, with transverse fissures. The spines are persistent only on the upper body; below they fall off, and the body and tubercles are corky and bare.

Ribs

completely divided into tubercles that are more or less well-rounded to square to almost short ,conical, 5 mm broad at the base, up to 7 mm long and pointing upwards, arranged in flat spirals.

Stem

Fan shaped, flattened on top, depressed centrally, green, apex with some white wool.

Areoles

On the tip of the tubercle, with a little wool, soon becoming bare.