Xerophyte

Central Spines

4 to 11 widely spreading about 1 to 2 cm long reddish brown (rarely black) with basal half cream or yellow, rigid, straight or slightly curved. Sometimes the spines almost obscure the surface of the plant.

Seeds

Gray to black, 2-3 × 1.5-2 mm, papillate but not rugose.

Description

Generally singular but occasionally forming small clusters, Pediocactus simpsoniiSN|19699]]SN|19699]] is an exceedingly variable species, a bit of variation throughout its range and some taxonomists recognize several varieties. The segregation of the many forms, varieties, and subspecies on the basis of morphology, however, is difficult to support, given the continuous range of variation in stem size and flower colour over its geographic range.

Tubercles

Spirally arranged, conical about 5 to 15 mm long.

Flowers

2 to 2,5 cm, bell shaped with scales and outer tepals minutely toothed and laciniate or entire and often undulate; ranging from magenta, pink, straw-yellow, to whitish outer tepals with greenish brown midstripes. The buds and flowers originate in a small circle at the apex of the plant.

Blooming Season

Open from mid April on into May. The flowers usually remain closed on cloudy days.

Spines

Located on the tips of the tubercles smooth, relatively hard, distinguishable as radial and central.

Stem

Depressed-ovoid to ovoid or globular stems that are 2.5-15(-25) tall × 2.5-15 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

15 to 35 widely spreading, white, slender, which are 3-13 mm long.

Fruits

Almost spherical to short cylindric 6-11 × 5-10 mm , green at first, turning tan, drying reddish brown and splitting along the side when mature.

Areoles

Circular to oval, hairy.