Xerophyte

Habit

It is a pretty little species, with a low thick flat to cylindrical stem. Plant almost always grows solitary but sometime ramifies from the base to form clusters, size depending on the clone.

Central Spines

1 to 2 longer than the radials curved upward, somewhat thickened at the base . Older plant begins to produce very long spines (up to 10 cm in some clones).

Roots

Tap root.

Flowers

Short funnel-formed 3 to 5 cm long, 5-6 cm in diameter, pale yellow in colour with a usual clearer centre. Inner perianth segments oblong, acute. Scales on the ovary and flower tube lanceolate, acute with black hairs in the axil. Filaments yellow to red. Stigma lobes about 7 or 8.

Blooming Season

Bloom in the daytime, from late spring to summer and remain open for about three days.

Ribs

About 18, broad at the base, acute straight or wavy, approx 1 cm high.

Stem

Nearly globular or slightly elongated glaucous green. About 5-8 cm tall.

Radial Spines

9-10 straight or more or less curved, up to 5 cm long, amber or brownish.

Areoles

Felted1-2 cm apart.