Xerophyte

Central Spines

One (or two) of the same length.

Seeds

Microsemineum type, section pirisemineum, very small (0.6 X 0.4 mm), testa reddish shining and smooth.

Description

Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. riograndenseSN|18750]]SN|18755]] is a single headed, flattened globular cactus, with peculiar spine clusters characteristically bent backward in a distinctive fashion and with short tubed flowers with bluish-red centres. This species is characterized by a marked variability in the length and shape of the spines that resemble the long leg of a spider and is hard to tell it apart from the other similar Gymnocalycium pflanziiSN|18750]]SN|18750]] forms and varieties.

Roots

Fibrous

Note

Gymnocalycium pflanziiSN|18755]]SN|18750]] is a very variable species with a wide distribution and several controversial varieties, forms and subspecies has been described and it has received many names.

Flowers

Infundibuliform near the apex, diameter and height 45-50mm. Pericarpell dull green very short. External tepals spatulate, slightly bent outward , white with brownish green midrib. Inner tepals intern narrower, spatulate and slightly denticulate, white with carmine/pink/bluish/purplish throat. Style carmine with carmine pink 10-12 lobes. Pollen yellow.

Spines

Strong, very stiff, bent backward, initially blackish with a brown base then becoming grey-pinkish to whitish brown with black point.

Ribs

10 to 12 thick, large, divided into polygonal rounded (not chinned) tubercles, separated by arched furrows.

Stem

Flattened-globose, up to 20 cm in diameter, 10 cm tall pale green, to olive green that can tinge of orangish purple in full sun. The epidermis has a velvety appearance. The apex is slightly depressed and woolly.

Radial Spines

(5-)7-9 up to 25 mm long

Fruits

Globose of approximately 2 cm of diameter, becoming red carmine with maturity. Pulp intense cherry-red.

Areoles

Large long, oval 10x14 mm, with cream-yellowish wool, then blackish dismantling with time.