Xerophyte

Habit

Usually it grows solitary, but branched specimens are not rare.

Central Spines

Up to 6 approx 15-40 mm long.

Description

Copiapoa megarhizaSN|9765]]SN|9765]] var. microrhiza today it is only a synonym of Copiapoa megarhizaSN|9765]]SN|9765]], however some differences permits to distinguish it from the standard species. The most distinguishing features of this variety are the smaller and weaker roots-sysytem and the narrower neck between the stem and the the rootstock. However the two plants are quite similar and it is hard to tell apart one from the others.

Roots

Swollen taproot.

Flowers

2,5 to 4 cm long.

Spines

Yellow to black, becoming gray as they age.

Ribs

10-21 tuberculated.

Stem

Depressed globular to slightly cylindrical, grey-green 5-10 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

8-10 and measuring 5-25 mm in length.

Fruits

Covered with little green scales and measuring about 1 cm in diameter.

Areoles

Separated 7-10 mm in diameter, brown or light brown (areoles of Copiapoa megarhizaSN|9765]]SN|9765]] are usually only 4-7 mm in diameter).