Xerophyte

Habit

It is a strongly spined cactus that branches vigorously from the base, forming large clumps or cushions. In habitat, the bodies are much compact and very spiny. When grown in pots, this species tends to elongate and have darker spines on most of the body, with grey-white spines only appearing on the oldest areoles at the bottom of the plant.

Central Spines

1-4 thicker up to 6 cm long.

Seeds

Rounded-oblong 1,4-1,6 mm long, 1-1,2 broad and 0,8 mm thick, without papillae and surface sculpturing.

Description

Copiapoa pseudocoquimbana var. vulgataSN|9820]]SN|9820]] is one of the several forms of the very variable Coquimbana coquimbana which form a complex of related taxon. It is still unclear whether this variable complex is one or several species. There is so much variation that most authors choose to lump them together. Copiapoa pseudocoquimbana var. vulgataSN|9820]]SN|9820]] distingushes from the longer spines.

Roots

It has a shallow, diffuse root system or (less frequently) a short taproot.

Tubercles

With a rounded, raised edge and a wide base.

Flowers

At the apex, diurnal closing at night, fragrant, protracting the period of opening many days, campanulate, from the centre of the white wool at the apex. The outer segments of the perianth are linear red-brown or greenish. The inner segments are wide and yellow with a subtle red mid-stripe or occasionally pinkish.

Ribs

There are 10 to 20 strongly tuberculate especially in young specimens

Stem

Elongated-globose, pale to bright green or bluish green up to 40 cm tall, but usually less than 30 cm, and crowned by a dense mass of long white wool, particularly at flowering time.

Radial Spines

LOng and stout, up to5 cm long, fairly slender or slightly curved, horizontal, pointing outwards, narrowed angle to the central spine, honey-amber, brownish-red or black, becoming grey with age.

Areoles

Apical, convex, covered with short wool when young, later glabrous.