Xerophyte

Central Spines

9-12 per areole, 5-8 hooked, white, some hooked, 30-100 mm long. Adaxial central spines usually 3 per areole, white, usually curved or twisted, flat, usually 35-130 mm long.

Description

Sclerocactus polyancistrusSN|19506]]SN|19506]] is easily recognized by its big stem size (the giant of the genus), by numerous hooked, dense, central spines (five to nine) clothing and obscuring stems in a colourful assortment of red and white spines and large flowers with spicy, pungent odour.

White Spined Form

The white spined form (Sclerocactus polyancistrusSN|19506]]SN|19506]] f. albispinus) is easily recognizable from the standard species for its pure white central spines. White spined plants are somewhat rare, however some white specimens occurs naturally throughout its range, and can be encountered in many populations. The whiter forms are often very pretty and appreciated by collectors.

Note

S. polyancistrus is the only component of the genus that lacks papillae on the style, and its style possesses grooves, somewhat reminiscent of Ferocactus.

Flowers

With spicy pungent odour, funnelform, 5-10 cm in diameter outer perianth segments with greenish purple midstripes, inner segments rose-purple to magenta (rarely white).

Blooming Season

April to June.

Spines

Dense, obscuring stems.

Ribs

13-17.

Stem

Single or in clusters, cylindric or more or less elongate, 10-40 long, 5-9 cm across.

Radial Spines

10-18 per areole, white, straight, flat, 20-50 mm long.

Fruits

Green, tan, or red, barrel-shaped, 2,2-5 cm, dry at maturity;