Xerophyte

Habit

Small cactus, usually solitary, or heavily clustering.

Central Spines

0 - 4 whisker-like, twisted, asymmetrical, more or less long, interlaced up and disorderly curved up to 3 cm long (This taxon comprises both individuals with or without central spines). The length of these spines greatly depends on sun exposure and plant's age.

Seeds

Globular, small grained.

Roots

Tap root.

Flowers

Pretty, shining, small up to 5 cm long, unscented, somewhat bell-shaped-bulgy, dark orange-red or crimson that appears almost black when starting to open. The stamen's filaments are dark red, and bear cream-white contrasting anthers. The stigma lobes are greenish.

Blooming Season

The greater part of flowers appears in spring in the first flowering, but the plant can erratically produce some flowers in summer too.

Ribs

17-20 (or more).

Stem

Flattish, egg-shaped or slightly elongated, up to 12 cm tall, 9 cm in diameter, bright green to dark green or almost black.

Radial Spines

10-14 Thin, reddish.

Fruits

Globular, 5 mm in diameter, with little brown wool, up-drying.

Areoles

5-7 mm apart.