Xerophyte

Description

Epithelantha micromerisSN|6936]]SN|6936]] var. rufispina is a minute globular button cactus, becoming somewhat elongated when old. A dainty plant, and an easy one to handle. The short spines of this little cactus are appressed to its body and so do not puncture your hands.

Taxonomy

Dr. Helia Bravo first described this cactus in 1951 as Epithelantha rufispinaSN|12633]]SN|12633]]. Backeberg in 1954 found it to be a variety of Epithelantha micromerisSN|6936]]SN|6936]] and called it E. micromeris var. rufispina.

Flowers

Small cream-pink coloured, emerging from the wool at the apex.Blooming season Flowers start open from April in succession over a longer time later in summer.

Spines

30-40 all radials, greyish-white in young specimens, turning to a grey-reddish or brownish tinge in adult plants crown, while the rest of the spines on the body of the plant are greyish.

Stem

Solitary, up to 10 cm tall, but at times has offsets at the base. The appressed apex contains many reddish spines. The stem becomes quite dehydrated during drought, but fills out quickly.

Fruits

Oblong to clavate, red, edible, referred to as "chilitos" or little chili peppers. Their taste is tart, however, and not peppery.