Xerophyte

Central Spines

3-4 per areole, straight, spreading slightly longer than radials.

Seeds

Bright reddish brown.

Description

Escobaria viviparaSN|10274]]SN|9953]] is a small solitary or clumping cactus, some varieties forming colonies of over 200 stems. This species is the most widespread, abundant and variable member of the genus.

Note

The “borealis” variety is a controversial name that has sunk into complete obscurity and considered by some authors synonymous with Escobaria viviparaSN|9953]]SN|9953]] var. neomexicana. Perhaps the name "borealis" (of the north) was originally intended for the strange very northern vivipara that have very open spination and look somewhat more like Escobaria missouriensisSN|9953]]SN|10274]], but this northern form never seem to have acquired a name.

Tubercles

Grooved, stiff or ± flaccid 12-16 mm long; areolar glands absent.

Flowers

Subapical, rose-pink to reddish pink, violet or magenta with darker midstripes.

Blooming Season

Spring-late summer; fruiting 2-5 months after flowering.

Stem

Usually more than 1/2 above ground ovoid, obovoid, or cylindric with age to 9.5 x 7cm.

Radial Spines

20-30 per areole; white to cremy-white often with pinkish tips hardly distinguishable from centrals.

Fruits

Green, exposed portions slowly turning dull brownish red, ovoid to obovoid, juicy; floral remnant persistent.