Xerophyte

Central Spines

1 or 2, thicker, red to nearly black, 2-3 mm long.

Description

Rebutia fuscaSN|5039]]SN|5046]] is a very distinctive species with an overall brown aspect, and with very short spines lying close to the stem that barely reach 2-3 mm long and give the impression that the plant could be grasped with impunity. It is the “Bolivian form” of Rebutia spegazzinianaSN|5046]]SN|5033]], but it has a very different habit from that species, growing tallish stems and solitary or clustering randomly. This slow growing cactus is highly priced for its vibrant orange red blooms.

Note

It is sometimes seen misnamed Rebutia vulpinaSN|5046]]SN|5039]], an altogether more bristly and more globular species.

Flowers

Orange-red to scarlet, 2-3 cm long and wide. The stigma lobes are very pale and the anthers are cream coloured.

Spines

Rebutia fuscaSN|5033]]SN|5046]] is one of the shortest spined species in the genus.

Ribs

13-17 scarcely discernible.

Stem

Solitary, slowly and sparsely clustering in cultivation, 2-4 cm wide, and up to 8 cm tall or more.

Radial Spines

8-14, pectinate, 1.5-3 mm long, lying flat to to the body, red, sometimes yellow, with red at the base.

Areoles

With brown wool.