Xerophyte

Central Spines

4 white or one dark at base, to 2 cm long, all straight bristle-like.

Seeds

Small to 0.8 x 0.5 mm smooth, brown, glossy.

Description

The powder puff cactus (Parodia nivosaSN|28340]]SN|28340]]) is a small ovoid, perennial cactus that has a solitary green stem with fine, stiff, white spines, each 1-2 cm long. It has a white, woolly crown from which bright red flowers appear in summer.

Flowers

Borne 1-7 together mostly 3 long, 2.5-3(-5) cm wide, red. Pericarpel and tube with wool and bristles throughout.

Ribs

Several, spiraling, forming distinct conical tubercles.

Stem

Spherical or eventually somewhat longer to 15 cm tall and 8 cm broad dull green, with dense white wool apically.

Radial Spines

About 18, white, 15-18 mm long, like the centrals but finer.

Fruits

small.

Areoles

White woolly when young.