Xerophyte

Roots

Each plant has a large turnip-like taproot, which lies below the soil surface and serves for water storage.

Tubercles

The tubercles, about as long as wide, are closely packed and form a coarse mosaic. Exposed faces of tubercles, deeply fissured on either side of the central areolar groove, are coarsely rugose, and are often sharply angled apically; and with a lateral longitudinal furrow on each side of the tubercle, along the edge.

Flowers

These plants have a woolly crown, from which emerge bright pink-violet flowers up to 2,5-5 cm, 2 times wider than long when fully expanded. Flowers last for 3 to 4 days.

Forma Aurea

The yellow schizochromic form (Ariocarpus fissuratusSN|2114]]SN|2114]] f. aurea) has bright golden yellow stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments

Blooming Season

October, November.

Fruits

white or green, with lots of seed.

Areoles

The areoles are up to 3 mm wide, sometimes confined to middle of tubercle faces instead of extending to tips.