Xerophyte

Habit

It is a perennial stem succulent often clustering. The stems are almost hidden by soft tufts of bristly spines somewhat similar to small brushes.

Central Spines

About 4 (but varying from 2 to 12) medium length (6-12 mm long), needle-like, stouter than radials, purplish.

Seeds

Dull black tuberculate.

Flowers

A cluster of satiny, bright yellow flowers spring in the upper part of the stem forming a ring, The are 2-4 cm long and 3,5-4,5 cm in diameter. , Pistil with about 10, rayed, bright crimson stigma lobes. Tube short. Scales on the ovary woolly with brown bristles.

Blooming Season

June-July.

Ribs

25-30 (sometime up to 40 or more) low, obtuse, finely notched into low warts tipped with areoles, which may spiral slightly.

Stem

Dark green, at first globular, becoming bit columnar to clavate with age, depressed apically, up to 45 cm tall, 6-10 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Shorter, fine, bristles-like, glassy white 5-7 mm long, spreading around.

Fruits

Globose, about 7 mm in diameter, opening at maturity, with numerous seeds.

Areoles

White woolly.