Xerophyte

Leaves

Linear, slightly curved, reddish and ephemeral, 8-14 mm long.

Central Spines

10-12 much stouter than the radials.

Seeds

Yellowish, 2 mm broad.

Description

Grusonia invictaSN|9874]]SN|9874]] (Corynopuntia invictaSN|9876]]SN|9876]]) is a mat forming cactus that grows approximately 20-50 cm high and up to 2 m across (or more) with stout stems and very broad formidable spines.

Tubercles

Large, flattened laterally, 3-4 cm long.

Flowers

Yellow up to 5 cm in diameter, with a magnificent form. Tepals ovate-acuminate. Ovary almost hidden by numerous reddish acicular spines.

Glochids

Few white up to 4 mm long.

Blooming Season

April to May.

Spines

Thick, sharp-pointed, straight and strongly flattened, that look like little daggers, 1-5 cm long, and are at first reddish or purple with bright carmine-red base, turning greyish-white and finally black.

Stem

Jointed, deep green ascending or spreading. Segments obovoid to club-shaped, up to 12 cm long. Strongly tuberculate.

Radial Spines

6-10.

Areoles

Large up to 1,5 cm in diameter with white wool.