Xerophyte

Tubercles

The tubercles of var. lloydii are very different from those of the standard Ariocarpus fissuratusSN|2114]]SN|2114]] and easily recognizable. They are imbricated, ovate, broad at base and usually more rounded at the apex, about 2 to 3 cm wide. They lack edges and lateral longitudinal furrow (or are only weakly fissured). They are only finely rugose with quite coarse, often confluent papillae in the whole surface which form transversal ledges and irregularly warty.

Flowers

These plants have a woolly crown, from which emerge 3 to 4 cm broad, white to purple (usually pink) 2 times wider than long when fully expanded

Forma Aurea

The yellow schizochromic form (Ariocarpus hybrid retusus f. aureaSN|26100]]SN|26100]]) has bright golden yellow stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments

Blooming Season

October, November. Flowers last for 3 to 4 days.

Stem

Flat to somewhat rounded and sometime even columnar shaped in cultivation, pale to golden yellow or orangish, from 10 to 15 cm in diameter, .

Areoles

Filled with a dense mass of hairs, up to 3 mm wide, sometimes confined to middle of tubercle faces instead of extending to tips.