Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually one or two thicker, 3 to 5 (or more) cm long.

Description

The “domeykoensis” is a giant form of C. coquimbana that is found on the far North part of the habitat of this species. These plants are very large (they are among the biggest of all Copiapoas) with long curved (but variable) spines. It is solitary or sometime form little clumps with usually not more than 3-7 individual heads. Another peculiarity of this species is the long, strong tap root that is bigger than that of the Copiapoa vallenariensis.

Flowers

Campanulate, 3 cm long, and they grow from the center of the white wool at the apex. The outer segments of the perianth are linear and greenish. The inner segments are wide, blunt and yellow.

Stem

Globose , 20-25 (or more) cm in diameter, that branch profusely, forming large clumps up 1 m wide and 60cm high. Pale to bright green, and crowned by a dense mass of long white wool, particularly at flowering time. There are 10 to 17 tuberculate ribs, with a rounded, raised edge and a wide base.

Radial Spines

8-10, fairly slender or slightly curved, horizontal, honey-amber, brown or black, becoming gray with age.

Areoles

apical, convex, covered with short wool when young, later glabrous, about 0,5-0,8 cm, 2 cm apart.