Xerophyte

Habit

It is a is a colourful barrel cactus usually unbranded, forming a slender tall column, although occasionally it forms a cluster of of 8 to 10 heads

Note

The flowers on all subspecies are yellow, occasionally with a red tint.

Radial Bristles

Sometimes wanting but when present 2 to 8, white or yellowish.

Flowers

Dark yellow at the crown of the plant, 4 to 6 cm in diameter.

Blooming Season

Spring ( in habitat May and June).

Spines

About 12, sometimes fewer, 3 or 4 central forming a crucifix shape, those on the lower part of the plant more or less spreading, those at or near the top erect, somewhat flexible, flattened, annulate, pungent, either straight or curved at apex, perhaps never hooked, usually yellow but sometimes reddish on young plants but also turning yellow in age.

Ribs

16 to 22, rather low (hardly 1 cm high), obtuse, somewhat tubercled.

Stem

Green, spherical becoming columnar up to 3 m tall and 30 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Fleshy, covered with scales, red, 5 cm long, 2,5 cm in diameter.

Areoles

Large, white-felted, closely set.