Xerophyte

Habit

Usually single, sometimes 1-2 side branches when very old

Central Spines

4 to 6, slightly spreading, 12 mm long or less, acicular, brownish, but sometimes white at base.

Seeds

Black.

Flowers

1-3 per plant, 6-7 or more cm long and wide, diurnal, large and showy, slightly scented, pink-purple with dark burgundy centre. Tepals, oblanceolate, widely spreading, acute, serrate on the margin. Ovary 2,5 cm long, bearing numerous areoles, these spiny and very woolly.

Blooming Season

Late April/Early May to Late June.

Ribs

10-14 composed of low, rounded confluent tubercles.

Stem

Upright, short-cylindric or somewhat narrowed above, about 4 to 5 cm thick attaining occasionally a height of 15 cm, but usually not more than 5-10 cm tall, medium to dark green.

Radial Spines

about 20, white, spreading, 4 to 6 mm long.

Fruits

Ovoid green, up to 28 mm long, olive green, or dark green and covered with white, dense hair; fruiting 1,5-2,5 months after flowering.

Areoles

Round when young, becoming more oval on mature specimens, 4 to 6 mm apart, small.