Xerophyte

Description

Sclerocactus contortusSN|19525]]SN|19489]], is generally included within (as a synonym of) Sclerocactus parviflorusSN|19477]]SN|19477]] ssp. parviflorus, suggesting that there is not really a fundamental difference between the two.

Roots

A single taproot, branching repeatedly within 2.5-5 cm from the base of the stem

Note

"Contortus, -a, -um", twisted, in reference to the usually spirally arranged ribs, (and/or spines?).

Flowers

Near the apex of stem, funnelshaped, 4-5.5 cm long, 3-4 cm in diameter, dark pinkOuter perianth segments narrowly spatulate, translucent, inner segments pink, spatulate, with a dark pink midline. Stigma lobes 8-10, purple.

Ribs

Often arranged in a spiral or curved obliquely mostly clockwise. Tubercles distinct, especially at the top of the stem, 12-15 mm apart.

Stem

Usually solitary, depressed-hemispheric to shortly cylindrical, 3-9.5 cm tall, 2-8 cm wide.

Radial Spines

usually 6-8 (but varying from 5 to 11) 9-28 mm long, white to pink or grey or whitish.

Fruits

Dry 1.2-1.3 cm long, c. 1 cm in diameter, deihishing from a transverse incision in the ovary wall beyond the spines. Flower remnants persistent.

Areoles

Woolly especially near the stem apex.Central spines. 2 hooked, 3.9-8.2 cm long, usually 1-2 mm wide at base, white, pink, grey, or dark red moderately twisted or straight, one straight (rarely contorted) central 2-5.2 cm long, flattened or angular white to grey often twisted commonly 1-1. 5 mm wide, and (usually) 4 lateral centrals the the upper two 2.5-4.2 cm long and the lower two 2.2-3 cm, and 0.5- 1 mm wide, white or whitish to grey or rose, tinged with red or even the black, straight to very contorted.