Xerophyte

Description

Eriosyce napinaSN|2370]]SN|2370]] is a tiny geophyte, with a solitary spherical or flattened stem slowly growing atop a thick, underground taproot, with a constriction between the stem and the root, eventually becoming somewhat elongated in cultivation.

Roots

Forms a tuberous root system with (usually) a very large carrot-like root

Tubercles

Larger than ssp. lembckei.

Flowers

Approx 3,5 cm long, 4-6 cm in diameter, whitish, yellowish, pinkish to pale brick-red with a silky shine, buds densely hairy with brown wool.

Blooming Season

Flowers already when young, synchronised flowering of the whole plants takes place over one or two days, and they remain open for about three or four days. Blooms in late spring.

Spines

Very short black radials.

Stem

Slow growing, up to 3-5 cm across, 2-6 cm tall, ranging from green to brown, but more commonly with brown-olive-grey tones.

Fruits

Large, red, clavate, wrapped in white wool.

Areoles

Grey.