Xerophyte

Description

This eye catching garden selection is characterized by an unusual bright red colouring of the body, this colour is due to a reduced production of chlorophyll pigments, nevertheless the plant can normally do photosynthesis and grows normally from seeds.

Note

Seems to be a pretty variable plant. You might get some other names which are effectively the same plant.... and also not sure all plants identified as this are really this.

Spines

Nearly useless in terms of defence.

Stem

Up to 10 cm tall , 8-15 cm in diameter colourful and highly decorative, with characteristic horizontal clear and dark red strips. The clear areas (above the areoles) are pastel-pink while the dark zone (below the areoles) are Deep purple.