Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary or freely offsetting from the areoles. It often form large groups and is extremely variable.

Description

Gymnocalycium anisitsiiSN|13315]]SN|13315]] var. tucavocense is a beautiful species, of modest size, particularly attractive for its beautiful lilac flowers and flattened multicoloured stems. The var. tucavocense seems to differ in being remarkably prolific in branching and in its very precocious flowering. Tiny seedlings will branch and flower sometimes when only 1.5 cm in diameter

Note

Seems to be a pretty variable plant you might get some other names which are effectively the same plant.... and also not sure all plants identified as this are really this.

Flowers

From the centre, narrow, funnelform, pink about 6 cm long. External tepals greenish whit reddish margins, internal tepals light or bright pink spreading. Scales on the ovary and flower tube small, scattered.

Spines

Nearly useless in terms of defence.

Stem

Up to 10 cm tall , 8-15 cm in diameter colourful and highly decorative, with characteristic horizontal clear and dark strips. The clear areas (above the areoles) are pastel-grey-pink while the dark zone (below the areoles) are Deep olive-green to brown-purple.