Xerophyte

Description

Miniature clustering species (rarely solitary), readily forms clumps of many heads

Phenology

Blossoming time

Roots

Conical

Flowers

20 - 50 mm long, 35 - 50 mm wide; floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured scales, tepals deep magenta with a clearer throat.

Spines

9-11, short, black radial spines, 1 to 2 mm long, pointing diagonally and downward, completely flattened against the tubercles. They take the characteristic form of a fishbone.

Stem

individual stems 2(4) cm tall, 3(5) cm in diameter. The stem is covered by flat tubercles (5mm wide), which vary in colour between violet-green and bright mauve. In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 16 spiral line merging in the apex.

Areoles

Long, narrow, with short white felt.