Xerophyte

Habit

It is a globular cactus, solitary at first, later forming massive clumps to 1 m wide. Each head is surrounded by a complete ring of star-like purple-pink flowers. There are ample variations among plants from different origin.

Central Spines

3 to 5, acicular, the lowest the longest, straight, stiff, chalky white with brown tip.

Seeds

Brown, club-shaped, 1 mm long and 0,8 mm wide. Hilum sub-basal and small.

Roots

Fibrous.

Tubercles

Prominent, pyramidal, bluntly angled, keeled and closely set, firm,. The Axil bears white wool and a few bristles.

Flowers

Bell shaped, dull purplish pink to deep red, 15-20 mm in diameter. Selfsterile

Blooming Season

Spring (April to May).

Stem

Club shaped to cylindrical, sunken apically, dark green, 5-8 cm in diameter, 5-20 cm tall. With latex.

Radial Spines

1 to 3, very short white or brownish, 1-3 mm long.

Fruits

In a ring around the sides of the stem, club shaped, 15-25 mm long and 4-6 mm in diameter, glossy red.

Fruits ripen 6 months after flowering.