Xerophyte

Habit

It is a small geophyte cactus, with a heavy tap root that may exceed the size of the plant above soil level.

Roots

Tap root.

Flowers

Bright, electric carmine to purple with a paler pinkish-white throat.

Blooming Season

Flowers all tend to come in one late Spring rush, rather than spread over the Summer.

Spines

All radial, 6 to 8, pectinate.

Ribs

9 to 11 ribs

Stem

This pygmaea form has dark olive-green to brownish-violet body stems 1 to 2 cm wide, becoming short-cylindrical.