Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary, depressed to globose.

Roots

Fat underground tap root.

Tubercles

1,5-2,5 cm long.

Flowers

Bright purple diurnal , up to 8 cm wide, in early summer.

Spines

3 to 7 grey to reddish central vertical spines, up to 2 cm; 7 to 12 radials.

Stem

Flat with indistinct ribs completely divided into broad tubercles, glaucous green to dark brown or magenta, 5-22 cm tall, 11-16 in diameter.