Xerophyte

Flowers

Mostly deep red.

Crested Growth

The crested form (Echinopsis tiegelianaSN|20965]]SN|20965]] var. pusilla f. cristata|SN|26121]]) - despite to its beauty - is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. It is a small low growing crested cactus that will slowly forms tangled groups up to 20 cm (or more ) in diameter with age. The plant tends to grow seated in substrate, but in cultivation it is almost always seen grafted on columnar cacti. There are several crested clones.

Spines

Arranged like little spiders, cream coloured, yellowish or brownish, turning greyish eventually.

Stem

Yellow, spherical more or less flattened usually less than 4 cm tall in habitat (but often larger in cultivation). It has up to 20 ribs, with raised tubercles between which the areoles appear. The tubercles are spirally arranged on the stem's surface.