Xerophyte

Description

Gymnocalycium horstiiSN|18878]]SN|18875]] is a distinctive large cactus, minimally spined with a green ball-shaped body. Usually solitary or slowly clustering as they age. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate form and subsp. buenekeri (Swales) P.J.Braun & Hofacker. The latter was previously considered a good species, genetic studies are required to see if it should be raised to species level again.

Note

Gymnocalycium buenekeriSN|18875]]SN|18878]] and G. horstii are very similar if not identical, both have very similar great pink flowers and the same (usually) five ribbed appearance, and good yellow spines.

Flowers

White, pale pink, pink or pale purplish up to 11 cm long and in diameter.

Spines

Few (usually 5 of which one pointing downward others to the sides) , yellowish white, sparse, straight to slightly curved, definite and very irregular, up to 3 cm long.

Ribs

5-6 cm wide, rounded, somewhat acute, deeply furrowed.

Stem

Smooth, globoid, shiny green, up to 20(-25) cm in diameter.

Fruits

Ovoid, blue-green.