Xerophyte

Habit

Usually grows solitarily.

Forma Rubra

The red schizochromic form (Gymnocalycium eurypleurumSN|21445]]SN|21445]] f. rubra) has bright orange-red to purple stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments

Flowers

Mostly near the apex, bell-shaped, pure white or white with a hint of lilac, about 30 mm in length and diameter. Inner petals are white to light pink, outer petals are a light purple colour with a dark purple centre strip. Filaments and style are white. Anthers creamy-white to pale yellow.

Blooming Season

Flowers freely throughout the Summer.

Spines

Stout, awl shaped, glassy white to light-brown in clusters of about 7 mostly straight up to10-30(-60) mm in length, very symetrical, and tending to curve upwards, away from the body of the cactus. no obvious central spine. The 1 or 2 central spines - when one exists - have the same length.

Ribs

Usually 7-12 (up to 16), very flat and broad, with scarcely evident protuberances and often a small horizontal indention above the areoles.

Stem

Bright orange-red to deep purple, flattish globular (mature plants may become slightly short columnar) 7-15(-20) cm across, with a somewhat sunken apex.

Fruits

Round or barrel shaped.

Areoles

Covered by some tomentum.