Xerophyte

Habit

It is a globular usually solitary cactus.

Central Spines

3-4, long, ochre to reddish, straight, acicular, the upper one often very long, somewhat flattened and papery.

Description

Thelocactus bicolorSN|3420]]SN|3420]] var. texensis is an invalid name published by Backeberg in 1962 applying to a Texas form, however, such Texas plants show no significant differences from other Texas specimens, plants fitting Backeberg's description cannot be set off from the variety schottii, but intergrade with the others and must be included within that variety, so this does not seem a valid basis for a variety, and the name probably should be dropped.

Tubercles

Rounded.

Flowers

55-110 mm wide, magenta with a red throat.

Blooming Season

Early spring to autumn.

Ribs

8, distinct.

Stem

Globose, ovoidal or slightly pyramidal, 8-20 cm tall, 5-12 cm wide.

Radial Spines

8-18, 10-30 mm long, ochre to reddish, straight or slightly bent inwards, acicular.

Areoles

With glands.