Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-4, weaker 2-4 cm in length.

Description

Eriosyce heinrichianaSN|2658]]SN|2658]] var. simulans (Neochilenia simulansSN|2703]]SN|2703]]) is a peculiar cactus species often with elongate grey-green stems with long white wool covering the stem tips. The stems and spination simulate in colour and texture the copiapoas that surround them.It shows beautiful red flowers in spring. Individual plants of this species shows a certain degree of variability depending on origin.

Roots

Fibrous, arising from a large taproot which is narrowed into a necks where joining the stems.

Flowers

Diurnal, campanulate, 4 cm long and broad, closely packed apically from young areoles, bright red often with red/brownish midveins. Pericarpel and floral tube with bracts, wool and sparsely bristly.

Spines

Stiff, needle-like, straight and not easily distinguished as centrals or radials. Dark grey.

Ribs

Noticeably tubercled with pronounced chinlike protrusions.

Stem

4-10 cm in diameter, simple, globose becoming somewhat elongated-cylindrical and branched with age. Epidermis grey-green.

Radial Spines

8-12, slightly stronger 1-3 cm long.

Fruits

Reddish, fleshy, thin walled and splitting open by a basal pore generated by the detachment from the areola.

Areoles

Orange brown with grey felt.