Xerophyte

Habit

Small low-growing globular segmented cactus loosely branched into small clumps.

Leaves

Very reduced, ephemeral.

Description

Tephrocactus geometricusSN|22328]]SN|14349]] is an extraordinary species that shows a strong adaptation to extreme desert habitat, with dwarf growth and geophytic habit. It is one of the showiest “opuntia” species sought-after by cacti impassioned, a strange "geometric" plants but fabulous flowers.

Stem Segments

4-5 cm in diameter, clear glaucous/blue that reddens to purple in full sun exposure. New growing cladodes are dark purple.

Similar Species

T. geometricus is closely related with Tephrocactus alexanderiSN|22328]]SN|22328]] and sometime considered a synonym of the latter. Tephrocactus alexanderiSN|14349]]SN|22328]] occurs in the mountains in a disjunct population and has different characteristics.

Flowers

White to light pink with a darker midstrip. Flowers last only one day.

Glochids

Not present, or very reduced.

Spines

Spineless, or with some spines sporadically present in the upper areoles, 2-15 mm long, white to black, very thin or somewhat robust, flattened, appressed and turned downward.

Areoles

A caducuous white felt is present in young areoles.