Xerophyte

Description

Gymnocalycium spegazzinii subs. cardenasianumSN|995]]SN|994]] is a solitary, slowly growing cactus, densely covered with incredibly strong twisted spines pointing sidewards and downward.

Flowers

Open petaled, funnel-shaped, about 4(-7) cm in diameter, 3(-5) cm tall and pinkish in colour. They grow near the apex. The flowers of Gymnocalycium cardenasianumSN|994]]SN|995]] have a tough time trying to force themselves through the fierce spines, and is quite rare to see an open flower because the spines prevent the flowers from opening properly.

Blooming Season

They will bloom at an early age and bloom sparingly in mid-summer.

Spines

Long, stout, eagle claw-shaped, typically-twisted, up to 6cm long. Usually whitish or pale brown.

Stem

Grey green, compact, globular up to 12 (-15) cm wide 10 cm tall in cultivation (in nature it is partially underground) with a slightly concave woolly apex. Will not (usually) offset.