Xerophyte

Habit

Sclerocactus papyracanthusSN|13716]]SN|13716]], best known as Toumeya papyracanthaSN|13720]]SN|13720]] is a tiny solitary, or slowly branching cactus with flattened grasslike spines.

Central Spines

Usually 1-2 (occasionally 3-4), strongly flattened, flexible, grooved, nicely twisted, curved or contorted, papery in texture, 18-38 mm long. often obscuring the surface of the stem.

Seeds

Quite large (2.5 mm long) black, covered with minute bumps, irregularly oval in shape, slightly flattened.

Description

Sclerocactus papyracanthusSN|13716]]SN|13716]] cv. Curly Spines is a selected form or cultivar characterized by an array of flattened, nicely curved or contorted central spines. Though plants with contorted spines are somewhat rare, curly spined specimens occurs naturally throughout its range, and can be encountered in many cultivated specimens.With the exception of the existence of curved or contorted centrals, all the other characteristics are absolutely identical with standard Sclerocactus papyracanthusSN|13716]]SN|13716]], namely size and form of stems, roots, flowers, fruits et.

Phenology

Blooming time April/May.

Roots

Fibrous 5-10 cm long.

Flowers

On the new growth of the current season near the apex of the stem. Whitish, bell-shaped, with a brownish central midstripe, 18-25 mm wide.

Stem

Dark green, 2,5-20 cm tall and 1-2 cm in diameter. It has no ribs and tubercles are elongate.

Radial Spines

Parallel to the stem surface, 6-8 per cluster, ashy-white, about 3 mm long.

Fruits

Green, often changing to tan, spherical, 12-20 mm long, dry and dehiscent at maturity.

Areoles

1-2 mm in diameter at the summits of the tubercles, and generally 3 mm apart.