Xerophyte

Central Spines

Several, usually 4 more developed, up to 15 mm long one of which usually downward bent, brownish-reddish, paler at the base with darker tips.

Note

The Latin epithet 'apricus' means 'sun-loving, growing in a sunny position'

Flowers

Large near the apex, narrow-funnel-shaped, up to 8 cm long, 5 cm and more cm broad, yellow with a red center. Outer perianth segments with reddish middle stripes. Flower-tube very stout densely woolly and setose on the outside. Stamens yellow above, red below. Style below red, grooved, top yellow. Stigma-lobes 13 purple.

Ribs

15-20 vertical to somewhat curved, with small tubercles.

Stem

Solitary or with 2 to 10 branches from the main stem, light green, spherical 3 - 4 cm wide, apex flattened or umbilicate covered with interlocking brownish-reddish spines.

Radial Spines

18-20, bristle-like, flexible, laterally intertwined, yellowish or greyish-yellow.

Areoles

Orbicular, approx 3-4 mm apart tomentose when young, becoming naked in age.