Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-5, but usually only one, upright, up to 35 mm long, dark brown, occasionally light brown. In habitat at the type site about 30% of the plants have more than one central spine. In these plants, the central spines stand side by side, and are usually lighter in colour, shorter and sometimes indistinguishable from the radials.

Seeds

In this variety the seeds have bigger testa cells.

Description

Notocactus scopaSN|15901]]SN|15901]] fa xiphacanthus is one of the morphological or local forms of Notocactus scopaSN|15901]]SN|15901]] distinguished by larger stems with fewer ribs and usually a long, dark, sword-shaped central spine. Also the flowers are somewhat larger. This variety has a great variability at the site.

Flowers

40 mm long, 50 mm wide, buds and basal part of the flower covered with grey wool, petals yellow, lanceolate. Self-sterile.

Ribs

19-23, flat, about 3 mm high, straight to slightly turned.

Stem

Up to 60 cm long, 11 cm in diameter, epidermis blue-green.

Radial Spines

About 30, white, 4-6 mm long.