Xerophyte

Description

A pretty little species, with a low, thick, flat to cylindrical stem. The dark green body slowly ramifies from the base to form clusters, whose size depends on the clone. Felted areoles line the edges of 25 to 30 ribs.

Roots

Tap root.

Flowers

Slender, pink to reddish-brown, orange or yellow with usually a clearer centre, approx. 6.0 cm. long, 5.0 cm. in diameter. Blooms are produced in spring, and remain open for about three days.

Spines

7 or more, brownish, radial spines that grow up to 5 cm. Old plants begin to produce very long spines (up to 25 cm in some clones).