Xerophyte

Habit

It is perennial stem succulent branching from the base. This variety ends up forming very big clumps when age.

Central Spines

About 4 to 12 dark yellow, brownish or violet, medium length, needle-like, stouter than radials.

Seeds

Dull black tuberculate 0,6-0,9 x 0,5-1 mm broad.

Flowers

A cluster of satiny, bright yellow flowers spring in the upper part of the stem forming a ring, The are 3-3,6 cm long and 3-4 cm in diameter. Inner perianth segments in two overlapping series, spatulate, rather wide for their length, more or less toothed above, Pistil with about 10, rayed, bright crimson stigma lobes. Tube short. Scales on the ovary woolly with brown bristles.

Blooming Season

June-July.

Ribs

18-24 (sometime up to 28 or more) low, obtuse, finely notched into low warts tipped with areoles, which may spiral slightly.

Stem

Dark green, at first globular, becoming bit columnar to clavate with age, depressed apically, 2,5-7 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

(12-)15-30(-40) shorter, fine, bristles-like, whitish, yellowish, or brownish 3-10 mm long, spreading around.

Fruits

Globose, about 7 mm in diameter, opening at maturity, with numerous seeds.

Areoles

White woolly.