Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent.

Description

Gymnocalycium friedrichii is a an invalid name used to indicate the pink flowered form of Gymnocalycium stenopleurum. It is a small solitary cactus with banded body that has perianth-segments pinkish-red with white margins (but also pale pink or almost pure white). This species is sometimes combined with Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, and sometimes kept as a separate species.

Remarks

Gymnocalycium friedrichii and Gymnocalycium stenopleurum are sometimes combined with Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, and sometimes kept as separate species. Gymnocalycium friedrichii and Gymnocalycium stenopleurum are quite distinct from Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, but many intermediate forms are also known and nowadays it is suggested that all should be combined into only one variable species.

Flowers

Pale-pink to purplish-pink, 6-7 cm long.

Ribs

8-14, very prominent, and sharp banded whit strong dark brown markings especially when young, and these sometimes have crossbands of lighter colors.

Stem

Flattened globose to elongated globose, grey green, olive green, greenish-purple, reddish brown to a dark grape colour 10-12 cm tall (or more), 6-12 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

3-6, acicular, to awl shaped, light to dark brown, somewhat twisted, 0,7-4 cm long.

Fruits

Gray-green up to 4 cm long, diameter 1 cm.