Xerophyte

Habit

It branches profusely, forming large clumps up 1 m large and 60 cm high.

Central Spines

One or two thicker up to 3 cm long (or more).

Seeds

with large umbilicus.

Roots

Roots-strong, long, thick, narrower at top.

Flowers

Campanulate about 3-4,5 cm long , bright sulphur yellow and grow from the centre of the white wool at the apex. Outer segments of the perianth are linear and greenish or reddish; inner segments are yellow.

Ribs

There are about 10-17 tuberculate ribs with a rounded, raised edge and a wide base.

Stem

Elongated-globose 20-30 cm high, 10-15 cm Ø, pale to bright green, covered with copious grey wool at the apex, particularly at flowering time. 10-15 cm in diameter that branches profusely, forming large clumps up 1 m large and 60 cm high.

Radial Spines

8-10 fairly slender, acicular, mostly straight and horizontal, usually pale brown, but also honey-amber, red-brown or black becoming grey with age.

Fruits

Red brown.

Areoles

Apical, 5-8 mm diam, convex, covered with short wool when young, later glabrous about 0,5-0,8 cm, 2 cm apart.