Xerophyte

Description

Sclerocactus glaucusSN|13861]]SN|13861]] is a ball cactus with a squat, ovoid or globular shape. Single or clumping, in groups of up to 9 green or powdery blue coloured stems, like the scientific name, They have 8-15 ribs and the rib is sometime tuberculous 4 to 30 cm tall, 4 to 9 cm in diameter.

Roots

Taproots much branched.

Note

The "Debeque form" has tall larger blue body with stiff spines. It grows in northern edge of distribution for this species.

Flowers

Beautiful purplish-red flowers Purple or pink flowers, 4-5 cm in diameter, 3-4 cm long.

Spines

(0 or) 1 to 3 generally characteristic unhooked central spines, the lower ones brown, the upper ones white 1-3 cm long,; 6 to 8 radials, 5 mm long. Some specimens lack central spines or have central spines which are hooked. Red nectar glands are found above each areole.