Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent. (very rarely has 1 central spine )

Description

Coryphantha retusaSN|3884]]SN|2315]] is a small greyish-green cactus thickly covered with tawny wool. Many of the yellowish-brown spines are curved backward. The flowers are deep yellow and borne from the centre of the plant. It flowers profusely.

Roots

Fibrous.

Note

Coryphantha retusaSN|2315]]SN|2315]] is difficult to distinguish from Coryphantha pycnacanthaSN|2315]]SN|3884]] as well as other species in the genus. The taxonomy of this species needs further research to determine its status.

Tubercles

Conical, flattened above (retuse), unequally swollen, but variable in width and shape rounded, up to 8 mm tall with abundant wool in the axil and furrow when young, parastichy arrangement

Flowers

Bell shaped, central, up to 4 cm cream or yellow, perianth segment lanceolate,oblong, acute, filaments reddish, anthers yellow, stigma and lobes whitish-yellow.

Blooming Season

Flowering time is between June and October

Radial Spines

6-12 ( to 15) pectinated, 3-4 of them on each side, strong subulate, flattened, curved to the body and slightly downward, radiating the lowest on straight downwards, the 3-5 in the upper part of the areoles thinner needle like. All 14-20 mm long, pale-yellow/white with darker tips later turning grey.

Fruits

Olive green, juicy, oblong 30 x 9 mm.

Areoles

Oblong 4 x 2 mm wide.