Xerophyte

Habit

Gymnocalycium friedrichii (Gymnocalycium stenopleurum) is a small solitary cacti with banded body sometimes combined with Gymnocalycium mihanovichiiSN|11931]]SN|11929]], and sometimes kept as a separate species.

Central Spines

Usually absent.

Description

Gymnocalycium friedrichii f. cristatum (crested form), deviate from the standard species for the stem which is fan shaped up to 30 cm (or more) long with age.The typical Gymnocalycium friedrichii is among the most famous of all cacti for is unique shaped stem and pink flowers.

Note

Gymnocalycium friedrichiiSN|11932]]SN|11932]] and Gymnocalycium stenopleurumSN|11929]]SN|11931]] are sometimes combined with Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, and sometimes kept as separate species. Gymnocalycium friedrichii and Gymnocalycium stenopleurum are quite distinct from Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, but many intermediate forms are also known and nowadays it is suggested that all should be combined into only one variable species.

Flowers

Pale-pink to purplish-pink, 6-7 cm long.

Ribs

8-14, very prominent, and sharp banded whit strong dark brown markings especially when young, and these sometimes have crossbands of lighter colors.

Stem

Flattened globose to elongated globose, grey green, olive green, greenish-purple, reddish brown to a dark grape colour 10-12 cm tall (or more), 6-12 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

3-6, acicular, to awl shaped, light to dark brown, somewhat twisted, 0,7-4 cm long.

Fruits

Gray-green up to 4 cm long, diameter 1 cm.