Xerophyte

Habit

Small low-growing globular segmented cactus loosely branched into small clumps.

Leaves

Very reduced, ephemeral.

Description

Tephrocactus geometricusSN|14349]]SN|14349]] is an extraordinary species that shows a strong adaptation to extreme desert habitat, with dwarf growth and geophytic habit. The "inermis" (Spineless form) is only an extremely short spined form, but both short and long spined plants (with all intermediate spine length) are found throughout the distribution range of the species and it difficult to classify Tephrocactus geometricusSN|14349]]SN|14349]] f. inermis as a separate variety. It is one of the showiest “opuntia” species sought-after by cacti impassioned a strange "geometric" plants but fabulous flowers.

Stem Segments

4-5 cm in diameter, clear glaucous/blue that reddens to purple in full sun exposure. New growing cladodes are dark purple.

Flowers

White to light pink with a darker midstrip. Flowers last only one day.

Glochids

Not present, or very reduced.

Spines

Spineless, or with very short thin spines sporadically present in the upper areoles, 2-3mm long, appressed and turned downward.

Areoles

A caducuous white felt is present in young areoles.