Xerophyte

Habit

It is a small solitary cactus species that may slowly branches from the base.

Central Spines

None or sometime 1 or 2, 15-40 mm long.

Roots

Large taproot.

Flowers

Slender, infundibuliform, radially symmetrical, bright orange-red, 8-10 cm long and 3-5.5 cm in diameter.

Ribs

7-12, Broad, flattened. Forming round tubercles, with transverse grooves.

Stem

Flattened globose to short columnar, grass green, dull grey-green to dark green, 8-15 cm tall, up to 8 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

4-10, 10-30 mm long, cream coloured, brownish to blackish, becoming grey, flexible, straight or somewhat curved. They are fragile and detach easily, so the older basal parts of the stem are often naked.

Fruits

Oval, pale green, about 8 mm in diameter.