Xerophyte

Central Spines

As many as 3, pointing downward, to 5 cm long.

Description

The classical Echinopsis tiegelianaSN|20965]]SN|20965]] (Lobivia tiegeliana) is a small cactus with a much flattened usually solitary body, whose spines looks pectinate ( i.e., its spines are arranged like a comb). The variegated form (Echinopsis tiegelianaSN|20965]]SN|20965]] f. variegata) has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow. A very few variegated plants sprout unpredictably time by time among normal green seedling and are very rare. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized.

Roots

Large fleshy tap root.

Flowers

Lateral 2,5-3 cm long and 4,2 cm in diameter, deep red to violet-pink, although there are varieties with yellow flowers as well.

Blooming Season

Mature plants produce several waves of blooms over the season. The flowers open during the day. It blooms abundantly since an early age.

Spines

Arranged like little spiders, awl shaped, pectinated, variable, reddish, black, brownish, honey or horn coloured , often darker at the tip, turning greyish eventually.

Ribs

17-20, acute, spirally arranged with raised tubercles between which the areoles appear.

Stem

Glossy green and yellow, often purplish with strong light and in cold weather, depressed or spherical up to 15 cm in diameter, but usually about 6 cm broad. The crown is sunken.

Radial Spines

8 to10, 4-6 cm long.

Fruits

Globose to ovoid, semidry, dehiscent.

Areoles

White, to 1,5 cm apart.