Xerophyte

Description

Gymnocalycium stellatumSN|11493]]SN|11493]] var. paucispinum is a small cactus barely rising above ground level, usually solitary in habitat, but sometime branching basally in cultivation to form clusters. It differs from the standard Gymnocalycium stellatum (a.k.a. Gymnocalycium asterias) for the flat greyish/brown stems with only three stronger addpressed spines in each areole.

Flowers

Creamy-white with a dull red throat, up to 6,5 cm long, 4,5 cm. diameter.

Blooming Season

Flowers are produced in late spring and remain open for up to twelve days.

Spines

3 dark brown, becoming grey with age, add-pressed, usually slightly stronger and longer than in the common forms of Gymnocalycium stellatumSN|11493]]SN|11493]], straight to slightly curved and flattened against the stem

Ribs

7-11, flat rounded, without prominent chin-like protrusions.

Stem

Dark greyish-brown to olive coloured epidermis, flattened globose, 7,5-10 cm in diameter. Will offset after a considerable period of time.

Fruits

Cylindrical.