Xerophyte

Habit

Thelocactus tulensisSN|1065]]SN|1065]] subsp. matudae is a solitary geophyte stem succulent.

Central Spines

3 to 7 grey to reddish vertical and stright, up to 2 cm.

Description

Thelocactus tulensisSN|1065]]SN|1065]] subsp. matudae is a globular cactus with distinctive long tubercles and large purple flowers. The variegated form Thelocactus tulensisSN|1065]]SN|1065]] subs. matudae f. variegatus has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow or orange. All variegates are mutants. Something has gone wrong with the cellular structure of the growth tip (apical meristem) of the plant. As a result of this mutation, chlorophyll is missing from some or all layers of the plant epidermis. The odd variegate appears in many seedling batches in a small percentage (especially among hybrid seeds) and are generally separated from normal plants. Variegated plants grow slower and are generally smaller than non-variegates of the same species. Coloured areas are also generally weaker, and more susceptible to fungus, sunburn and other defects. A large well grown variegate Thelocactus is truly an achievement. These are harder to grow well than they appear. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized.

Roots

Fat underground tap root.

Tubercles

Broad, 1,5-3 cm long, conical more or less angular in cross section.

Flowers

Diurnal Bright purplish-pink to purple, up to 8 cm wide

Blooming Season

Early summer.

Ribs

Indistinct and completely divided into tubercles.

Stem

Glaucous green to dark brown or magenta with yellow or orange, depressed to globose 5-22 cm tall,11-16 in diameter.

Radial Spines

7 to 12 radiatimg..

Areoles

2-9 mm long, 2-6 mm wide, 12-35 mm apart, with partially developed grooves,without extrafloral nectaries.