Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent or 1-2 more or less erect.

Description

It is a low growing, mound forming, cactus which branches profusely from the base.

Roots

Conical

Flowers

Pale to dark magenta or red sometimes bicoloured with white throats. 3-4 cm long and in diameter. Floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured scales,

Blooming Season

Flowers are produced in late spring and remain open for three or four days.

Stem

Dull olive-green tinged with red till dark violet, individual stems 40-50 mm in diameter, 20-30 mm tall. The stem is covered by flat tubercles (5mm wide) which vary in colour between dark green and violet. In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 16 spiral line merging in the apex.

Radial Spines

10-12 yellow/brown, fine, bristle-like 2-4(-10) mm long. Pectinated, ± pointing diagonally and downward.

Fruits

Dark brownish red., 4 - 5 mm wide.

Areoles

Long narrow with short white felt.