Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-4, white with reddish tips up to 4 mm long.

Seeds

Brown.

Description

It is a popular sun-loving succulent that forms large groups. It is readily identified by its long, white, thin, flexible hairs which can densely cloak the plant's body and increase in thickness, richness and length in age. This cactus flowers prolifically, even when young, making it a good species to have in a collection.

Axils

with 20 or more white hair-like bristles, spreading, curly, which can be, short or, on some plants, up to 5cm long.

Tubercles

Numerous, small, triangular conical, with latex.

Flowers

M. hahniana var. albiflora produces concentric rings of white flowers about 12-15 mm in diameter.

Blooming Season

Late winter to spring.

Stem

At first globular, later cylindrical, light green,or greyish-green up to 9 cm high and 10 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

20-30 pectinate, sometimes absent or nearly so, hairlike, white,5-15 mm long.

Fruits

Club shaped, red, 5-7 mm long.