Xerophyte

Central Spines

0-3 porrect, 1-3(-5) cm long.

Seeds

1.7-2 x 1.3-1.5 mm.

Description

Copiapoa echinoidesSN|1412]]SN|1109]] has a flattened globular shape with woolly top, green to brownish epidermis, stout maroon or black spines, usually slightly curved upward and pale yellow flower. It may be solitary or more usually forms dense clusters. This species is closely related to Copiapoa marginataSN|1109]]SN|1412]]. There are many different populations with different characteristics.

Note

Small seedlings often change considerably as they grow older which adds to the interest of these plants.

Flowers

Pale yellow, scented, 3.5-4 cm long; outer perianth-segments narrowly ovate, acute, reddish; inner perianth-segments broadly oblong, obtuse; scales of ovary and flower-tube.

Blooming Season

Summer.

Spines

Brownish-red to black, stout, straight to somewhat curved upward.

Ribs

11-17, straight, rounded or truncated.

Stem

Depressed-spherical to spherical, 7-18 cm across, very firm, green, sometimes brownish and woolly at apex. Only in cultivation plants may have an elongate till columnar shape.

Radial Spines

6 to 10 to 2.5 cm long.

Fruits

Round, c. 1.5 cm in diameter brownish red, with a few scales.

Areoles

Yellowish, becoming grey with age 2-10 mm apart.