Xerophyte

Central Spines

0-1 in mature plants, 0-20 mm long, often lacking in juvenile phase, coming from the upper part of the areole, pale yellowish-brown when young, greyish brown to greyish black later.

Seeds

Tiny and black.

Description

Small cactus, usually solitary.

Roots

The basal underground part of the stem merges with the root forming a thick conical or turnip-like rootstock. Almost cylindrical at the young stage, later enlarged and branched

Tubercles

4 mm wide and 7 mm tall, conical, densely packaged in into 8, 13 or 21 spiral rows.

Flowers

Funnel shaped 27-33 mm in diameter, 30 mm tall, inner tepals in 2-3 circles, broadly lanceolate, acute, white with prominent violet mid-stripe.

Stem

Up to 8 cm in diameter, firm, dark glaucous green, cylindrical in juvenile seedlings that gradually enlarges becoming flattened globose or disoidal when adult.

Radial Spines

20 to 31, radiate or slightly pectinate when young, white to hyaline, 4-6 mm long.

Fruits

Dry.

Areoles

Round to elongated, 3-5 x 2 mm