Xerophyte

Habit

It is a rare geophyte, usually solitary.

Description

This plant is very similar if not identical to Strombocactus disciformisSN|2103]]SN|2103]] the only noticeable difference is the colour of the flowers.

Roots

Strong napiform (turnip-like).

Note

Some botanists believe that a specific rank for this taxon is not necessary.

Flowers

Arise on the crown, measure about 3.5 cm in length and breadth bright magenta.

Blooming Season

flowers emerge early in spring and are freely produced throughout the summer, remaining open for several days.

Spines

4 to 5, erect and dark grey at the tips and pale grey at the base, 1.2 to 2 cm long.

Stem

The body is flattened or spherical up to 3 cm tall, 8 cm in diameter. The crown is slightly depressed and felted. The colour is blue-green with greyish tinge. It is composed of hard, spirally arranged rhomboid and imbricate tubercles, 1 to 1.8 cm high. These tubercules are flattened and almost truncated above and somewhat horny or keeled below.