Xerophyte

Central Spines

1 to 4, hooked, somewhat arched, or almost straight stout, the lower and longest about 3-4(-6) cm long, creamy- white, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, mahogany or almost black. Older spines are grey and provide effective camouflage in habitat.

Seeds

Broadly oval, flattened.

Description

Austrocactus bertiniiSN|4001]]SN|3996]] forms a low column of more or less hooked spines, simple or branched at base with several stems. This plant is extremely variable especially for the presence of hooked spines and size of the stems. The several forms found in the vast distribution area have received different specific names, but all them show a continuous variation, so it is extremely difficult to establish the limit from one species to another.

Flowers

Diurnal, up to 10 cm in diameter and 6 cm long, pinkish or yellowish sometime with some violet, borne on the upper part of the areoles near the top of the plant. Stigma lobes numerous, red or purple. Stamens in two series the lower forming a ring around the style. Tube and ovary very spiny with woolly hairs and bristles.

Ribs

Up to 12 prominent and tuberculate.

Stem

20-30(-50) cm tall and 3-5(-8) cm in diameter, dark olive green slender cylindrical to cylindrical(A thin growing form with stem of only 1-2 cm in diameter is known as Austrocactus gracilisSN|3996]]SN|4001]]).

Radial Spines

6-10 light coloured, up to 1,5 cm long.

Fruits

Nearly dry, globose, spiny with wool and bristles, flower remnants persistent.

Areoles

Circular yellowish-felted about 1 cm apart.