Xerophyte

Central Spines

Often lacking.

Description

Gymnocalycium ochoterenaeSN|13754]]SN|13754]] is a flattened, brown bodied, interestingly spined species, solitary barely rising above ground level or sometime branching in cultivation to form small clusters. This species is characterized by a marked variability in in body form and spination and has received many names.

Roots

Branched taproot.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped, white with pale pink throat, 3,5-5,5 cm (rarely up to 6,5 cm) long and 3,5-5,5 cm in diameter.

Ribs

9 to 12(-16) wide and flat, or slightly tuberculate.

Stem

Flattened hemispherical to spherical, grey-green, olive green to brownish, 3-4,5 cm tall and up to 8 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Usually 3 (occasionally 1 or 5 or rarely 7) needle-like, stiff, straight to slightly curved, bent back on the body, pointing downward or comb-shaped radiating, brownish yellow to whitish yellow with a darker tip, 1-1,5 cm (rarely up to 2,2 cm) long.

Fruits

Barrel shaped green to dull red, 1,5-2(-3) cm long and 1,5-2 cm in diameter.

Areoles

Round to oval, initially felted but soon naked.