Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary or forming clusters or cushions from a large tap root, it is a very variable specie with several different forms.

Central Spines

0 to 7, brown, with darker tips straight or somewhat curved. Larger at the base, 0,5 to 2 cm long.

Description

Echinopsis densispinaSN|12452]]SN|12452]] is a low growing cactus species with colourful flowers ranging from yellow to orange and red. It is an exceedingly variable species with 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 spines morphology and flowers colour, however, is difficult to support, given the continuous range of variation in spination and flower colour over its geographic range.

Flowers

The flowers occur in many colours, varying from yellow to orange and red, up to 8,5 cm long.

Spines

Quite variable in form, length and number, forming a close network that shades and in many cases almost hides the body.

Ribs

Approximately 17, more or less notched, forming tubercles.

Stem

Ovoid, greyish-green, dull green or brown-purplish-green, up to 8 cm tall and 5 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

16-22, spreading or sometimes appressed against the stem, bristle-like, flexible, whitish, 4 mm long.

Areoles

Yellowish-white, somewhat sunken, about 5 mm apart.