Xerophyte

Description

The Sclerocactus terrae-canyonaeSN|19491]]SN|19491]] is the population of S. parviflorus with some yellow-flowered individuals, often referred to as subspecies terrae-canyonae. But with the exception of the presence of some yellow flowers, all the other characteristics are absolutely identical, namely size and form of tubercles, number, size and arrangement of spines, flowers, fruits and seeds.S. parviflorus is the most frequent and well known cactus of the cold American deserts. Due to its vast region of origin, the plants vary in the amount and colouring of hooked central spines, as well as in flower colour. The scientific classification of this plant has been controverted, and many names, forms, subspecies or varieties have been proposed and changed.

Flowers

The crown of campanulate flowers in late spring are spectacular, usually yellow.

Spines

Often obscuring stems; radial spines 8-17 per areole, usually white, sometimes brown or purplish pink, 6-36 mm; central spines 4-8 per areole, 1-5, hooked, usually purple- black, hooked, 15-72 mm; lateral spines 2-6 per areole, similar to centrals, usually shorter and not hooked, usually white (rarely grey, straw-coluoured, pink, or reddish brown), flat to angled, straight (rarely contorted).

Stem

Usually unbranched, but also branched near base, depressed-spherical, spherical, cylindrical, or elongate-cylindrical, with tubercles evident on ribs.

Fruits

green turning reddish pink, with a few scales.