Xerophyte

Habit

It branches basally to form small crowded mounds barely rising above ground level, eventually up to 15 cm across.

Flowers

Bell to funnel-shaped, 6 cm wide, with an unusual shade of lavender-white in early spring, followed by olive-green fruits.

Spines

Brownish bristly, straight or curved

Stem

Flattened, blue-green, thick growing up to 4 cm in diameter, 2-6 cm long.