Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent or one, with darker tip.

Description

Gymnocalycium hybopleurumSN|11445]]SN|15762]] is a strongly-spined and variable species related to Gymnocalycium multiflorumSN|15762]]SN|11445]], usually solitary in habitat, but occasianally branching basally in cultivation. This species is characterized by a marked variability in the length and shape of the spines and has received many names.

Flowers

Short-tubed, ivory white (occasionally pinkish) with a red throat.

Blooming Season

Flowers are borne in early summer. It flowers quite readily as a young seedling.

Ribs

About 10-13, rounded or acute, with small chinlike protrusions.

Stem

Hemispherical to globular in shape up to 15 cm tall and in diameter dark-green or blue-green.

Radial Spines

7-8, straight or slightly curved, thick and flattened, interwoven around the body up to to 3 cm long, dull creamy or pinkish coloured, later grey.

Fruits

Globose to cylindrical, blue-green.