Xerophyte

Central Spines

4-6, reddish brown, somewhat bent, up to 20 mm long.

Description

As the name implies Notocactus horstiiSN|20345]]SN|20345]] f. purpureus is a distinct purple blooming form. However the plant occurs in several places, and is quite variable both in habitat and in our collections too. The spines range from nearly white to red-brown, and flowers from light-pink to dark purple.

Flowers

Up to 4 cm wide. Inner perianth segments purple, 18 mm long and 4-5 mm wide. Nectar chamber narrow. Stamens inserted along the whole length of the tube. Style pink, stigma-lobes 10, spreading, almost white, 7-8 mm long.

Stem

Grass green, up to 14 cm in diameter, solitary (non-offsetting).