Xerophyte

Habit

It is a globose perennial stem succulent, that grows individually, but also sprouts abundantly at base, older plants may form mats.

Central Spines

None or sometime 1 stouter about 1 to 3 cm long, darker with black tip.

Seeds

Relatively large, black, finely rough.

Description

Echinopsis backebergiiSN|9502]]SN|9502]] is a small cactus species, with conspicuous bright coloured blooms. Due to its flower structure typical of the Lobivias it is commonly known as Lobivia backebergiiSN|9503]]SN|9503]]. It is very variable and has received lots of names (like most Lobivias) whit several controversial varieties and subspecies.

Roots

Napiform (Carrot like).

Flowers

Large, diurnal, borne laterally near the stem tips, funnel shaped, very colourful pale to dark carmine-red or violet, often with a bluish sheen and white throats, 4-9 cm long, 7,5-9 cm in diameter. Tube relatively slender 4-7 mm in diameter. Tepals lanceolate.

Spines

1-11 variable, unequal, not always differentiated as centrals and radials

Ribs

13-19 acute,more or le spiralling, notched, incised above the areoles.

Stem

At first globular becoming cylindrical as it ages, diameter about 4-5(-7) cm. Epidermis pale green to greys-green. The crown is somewhat sunken.

Radial Spines

3-7(-11) short, about 4-50 mm long, thin,curved backward somehow pectinated, at first pale reddish brown, yellow or amber, later greys, sometimes hooked at tip.

Fruits

About 1,5 cm in long, tannish-green to brownish-red semi-dry splitting vertically or horrizontally.

Areoles

Oval with dull white felt at first, 1-1,5 cm distant.