Xerophyte

Description

Stenocactus ochoterenanusSN|21700]]SN|21700]] is a solitary or clustering cactus characterized by numerous, acicular radial spines. The 4 central spines are usually more or less terete and the green plant body is generally obscured by the spination. It is extremely variable with one form intergrading into another, creating a taxonomic nightmare.

Flowers

Pale pink or pale greenish yellow, 2.5 cm long.

Spines

Radials white numerous 22 or more (S. ochoterenanus) 8 to 10 (S. lexarzai) close to the body, 8-12 mm long. Centrals 4, the superior one up to 6.5 cm long flattened dark-brown that age to tan.

Ribs

Barely visible beneath the numerous white radial spines, thin sometimes wavy, ± 30 (S. ochoterenanus) or 40 to 50 (S. lexarzai) or 30-34 (S. heteracanthus)

Stem

Up to 8 cm tall, 10 cm in diameter with woolly apex;

Fruits

Greenish fruit with whitish scales.

Areoles

Young areoles with white hair.