Xerophyte

Habit

Plants usually solitary round or barrel-shaped, occasionally clustering.

Central Spines

2-4.

Flowers

Diurnal, small, at areoles below the apex of plant, 4-5(-8) cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter, deep red to orange; tube of flower short, its axils filled with wool; inner perianth-segments lanceolate, slightly spreading; filaments exserted beyond the throat, but shorter than the perianth-segments.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer. Flowers last for 1 to 3 days (depending on weather condition).

Spines

Several, spreading, usually yellowish or brown, those of the upper areoles connivent.

Ribs

15-50 or more, distinct but low, more or less inflated or tuberculate between areoles.

Stem

Globular, 20-30(-50) cm in diameter, becoming elongate or cylindrical with age 0,5-0,7(- 2) m tall, glossy dark green and more or less depressed in the centre.

Radial Spines

8-10

Areoles

Filled with short white wool.