Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually one, straight, gray, pointing slightly upward.

Note

Do not confound the red schizochromic 'f. rubra' with the naturally occurring 14302]SN|14305]]|'var. rubra'] which is a redder non schizochromic variety.

Forma Rubra

The red schizochromic form (Uebelmannia gummiferaSN|14302]]SN|14302]] subs. meninensis f. rubra) has bright orange-red stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments

Flowers

Diurnal sulphur-yellow about 2 cm long, 1,5 cm in diameter.

Blooming Season

Flowers come sporadically from early summer to late summer.

Ribs

When fully mature it has up to 32 ribs, but initially it has considerably fewer. These ribs at first are strongly tuberculate, later narrow and continuous.

Stem

6-8(-10) cm wide, becoming 10-12 cm high with age.

Radial Spines

3 (seldom more), one longer pointing slightly downward, the other lateral more or less erect, subulate, light to dark grey with darker brownish tips, 3-5 mm long.

Fruits

1,8 x 6-8 mm yellowish-green and globular with numerous seeds.

Areoles

Close set, greyish white, at first 3 mm or more apart, then nearly confluent and encompassing the stems.