Xerophyte

Description

Small usually unbranched,

Note

The synonym name Gymnocalycium venturianumSN|11974]]SN|11974]] is very common in collections, and even at cactus nurseries. It is a very variable species in its general appearance. There are also many hybrids with a wide range of flower colours.

Flowers

on the crown, measuring 3 to 4 cm in length and the same across, open wide in sunlight, and commonly of a most rich purple-red colour, sometimes pinkish-purple (but also white, pink or orange). The stamens are purple, the anthers and the 6 lobed stigma whitish yellow. This plant blooms in early summer when it is only 2.5 cm. It is fast growing and can bloom one year after being sown.

Spines

5 to 7 thin radial spines that are straight or curved toward the stem, short, curved, pale brown or grey, tinged with red at the base.

Stem

Flat to globose depressed, up to 13cm in width, greyish-brown to blue-green (rather variable in colour in cultivation, and in some specimens it is almost blue-black). The 9 to 10 broad ribs are divided by deep grooves into tubercles.

Fruits

The ripened ovary is green, long and dehisces (splits) down its length.

Areoles

deep-set