Xerophyte

Description

Coryphantha echinoideaSN|10038]]SN|10204]] is a small solitary cactus with yellow flowers borne near the apex on young areoles.

Note

This cactus produces well marked red nectary glands on the tubercles ("extra"-floral structure secreting nectar) that attract ants.

Flowers

Large and yellow (5- 6 cm diameter) with - like the ones of the related Coryphantha vaupelianaSN|10175]]SN|10175]] and Coryphantha glanduligeraSN|10204]]SN|10038]] - a sweet fragrance. All Coryphanthas develop woolly grooves running down the tubercles as they grow towards maturity and plants will not flourish until this has happened which can take 4 years or more

Spines

20-24 radials, 1 to 3 porrect central spines 1-1.5 cm. in mature specimens;

Stem

Globose, to egg-shaped stems up to 6 cm high and diameter.

Fruits

Green, club-shaped.