Xerophyte

Habit

This cactus forms dense and small cushions.

Central Spines

1-2 very variable, stout to bristly, long to short, up to 5 cm long flat, straight or slightly curved. Sometimes absent (spineless).

Seeds

Lenticular creamy-brown 2.5 to 4 mm with

Description

Maihueniopsis conoideaSN|7342]]SN|7369]], sometime considered a local or morphological form of the widespread and variable Maihueniopsis glomerataSN|7369]]SN|7342]], differes from the latter mainly for its usually smaller segment size in small flat clusters. Throughout its natural range there is considerable variation in segment size, spine colour and spine count per areola.

Flowers

Up to 5 cm, pale yellow. Pericarpel obconic.

Spines

Concentrated in upper areoles of the joint, the apex of which sometimes without spines.

Stem

Tapered-conical to spheroidal to 2 to 4 cm long, something sharply pointed and not tuberculate.

Radial Spines

0 to 2, bristly.

Fruits

Globular, large green or yellowish spineless.

Areoles

About 20 small.