Tephrocactus geometricus
Möller's deutsche gärtner-zeitung 1934, xlix. 105, in obs., nomen; et Backeb. in Backeb. & F.M.Knuth Kaktus-ABC [Backeb. & Knuth] 111. 1936 [12 Feb 1936]
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Species
Tephrocactus geometricus
Author
(A.Cast.) Backeb.
Chinese genus
球形节仙人掌属
Chinese name
-
DescriptionEdit description
Habit
Small low-growing globular segmented cactus loosely branched into small clumps.
Leaves
Very reduced, ephemeral.
Description
Tephrocactus geometricusSN|22328]]SN|14349]] is an extraordinary species that shows a strong adaptation to extreme desert habitat, with dwarf growth and geophytic habit. It is one of the showiest “opuntia” species sought-after by cacti impassioned, a strange "geometric" plants but fabulous flowers.
Stem Segments
4-5 cm in diameter, clear glaucous/blue that reddens to purple in full sun exposure. New growing cladodes are dark purple.
Similar Species
T. geometricus is closely related with Tephrocactus alexanderiSN|22328]]SN|22328]] and sometime considered a synonym of the latter. Tephrocactus alexanderiSN|14349]]SN|22328]] occurs in the mountains in a disjunct population and has different characteristics.
Flowers
White to light pink with a darker midstrip. Flowers last only one day.
Glochids
Not present, or very reduced.
Spines
Spineless, or with some spines sporadically present in the upper areoles, 2-15 mm long, white to black, very thin or somewhat robust, flattened, appressed and turned downward.
Areoles
A caducuous white felt is present in young areoles.