Xerophyte

Seeds

Hemispheric to helmet-shaped. black, papillate.

Description

Rebutia heliosaSN|5204]]SN|5204]] is a small cactus with heads densely covered covered in brown areoles with white short pectinate spines, giving it a silvery appearance. The crested form Rebutia heliosaSN|5204]]SN|5204]] f. cristata is very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. It is considered by many one of the nicest crested species.

Phenology

It flowers profusely in spring.

Roots

Fleshy tap root.

Flowers

Large, funnel-shaped, long-necked, 4 cm in diameter, 4,5-5,5 cm long, orange-red. Tube up to 3 cm long 2-3 mm across, solid for more than half its length, deep rose to orange pink. Tepals orange with lilac mid-stripe.

Spines

24-26 all radials, short, about 1 mm long, distinctively silvery-white, dense, speading laterally and pectinate, covering almost completely the small stems.

Stem

Fan shaped, depressed centrally along the line meristem amd forming with time tangled brain like mounds.

Fruits

4 mm in diameter, deep crimson to purple.

Areoles

Small, brown and narrow, elongated 1-2 mm long, less than 0,5 mm broad.