Xerophyte

Seeds

margin is extended into large lobes resembling human ears

Description

Tephrocactus weberiSN|7330]]SN|23592]] is a small shrubby species branching both basally and above that will eventually develop into a moderately large, open clump up to 20 cm tall and will reward the patient gardener with a display of yellow flowers in summer. It is quite variable.

Stem Segments

Cylindrical 3-10 cm long and 2 cm thick.

Note

As in other tephrocacti, “Tephrocactus weberiSN|23592]]SN|23592]]” propagates itself by fragmentation of its joined stems, although the joint are not as easily caducous as in other taxa (e.g., Tephrocactus articulatusSN|23592]]SN|7330]]).

Tubercles

Closely set, well distinct but not raised.

Flowers

From stem tips, bright lemon yellow or (less frequently) golden yellow up to 3 cm long, pericarpels tuberculate, bristly and short; style yellow; stigma green to reddish. An orange flowering forms “var. deminutus” is reported from near Salta and a pink flowering population has been found in San Juan, on the southern part of the taxon areal.

Spines

5-10, more or less flexible, needlelike, rather interlacing, up to 5 cm long, yellow or reddish, upper ones more erect, lower ones usually thinner and add-pressed against the stem surface.( the varieties “deminutus” and “dispar” have creamy-white bristly spines)

Fruits

Flattish, tuberculate, dry, thin walled and bristly.

Areoles

Small with few pale red glochids.