Xerophyte

Central Spines

2-4.

Similar Species

Echinopsis bruchii var. nivalisSN|2530]]SN|19237]] is a controversial variety sometime considered by some a paler spined form of the brown spined Echinopsis formosaSN|19237]]SN|48]] subs. Korethroides growing in the same or overlapping geographic areas. Intermediate forms with variable spine colour between the mentioned species will occur in habitat.

Habitat

It is a massive growing barrel cactus with a solid and spiny presence, solitary at first, but often branching basally to form colonies later. The dense yellowish or whitish spines would protect it from the extremes of cold and sunshine. The new spines are actually dark brown and appear in the spring.

Flowers

Diurnal, small, at areoles below the apex of plant, 4-5(-8) cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter, deep red to orange; tube of flower short, its axils filled with wool; inner perianth-segments lanceolate, slightly spreading ; filaments exserted beyond the throat, but shorter than the perianth-segments.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer. Flowers last for 1 to 3 days (depending on weather condition).

Spines

, those of the upper areoles connivent.

Ribs

15-50 or more, distinct but low, more or less inflated or tuberculate between areoles.

Stem

Globular, 20-30(-50) cm in diameter, becoming elongate or cylindrical with age 0,5-0,7(- 2) m tall, glossy dark green and more or less depressed in the centre.

Radial Spines

8-10

Areoles

Filled with short white wool.