Xerophyte

Description

Eriosyce umadeave is an attractive globular cactus species from the rainless desert region of the Northern Argentina. It is one of the rarer and more interesting Eriosyce sought after by impassioned cactus growers, but difficult to keep alive in cultivation.

Roots

Thin fibrous.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped, pale yellow, from old areoles 3 to 3,5 cm in diameter. Their pericarpel and the perianth tube, filled with some wool and bristles.

Spines

20-35 or more, to 45 mm long, not easily recognized as centrals and radials, curved upward, white, cream, orangish, brownish-red to violet. This Eriosyce is very peculiar because the spines move considerably. In the dry season the spines are as close as possible to the body of the cactus (it is not possible to see any green of the body) while when it had some rain the spines open in such a way that it is possible to see the body and to count the ribs. This all happens in a time-frame of less than 2 weeks.

Ribs

18 to 21 (rarely more) divided into deep tubercles.

Stem

Globular that eventually becomes shortly columnar, pale to dark-green, 10 to 20 in diameter and up to 40 cm tall. Apex bare without wool or felt.

Fruits

Long, light-brown, 3-4 cm long, drying rigid when mature .

Areoles

Long and narrow.