Xerophyte

Description

Maihuenia patagonicaSN|30848]]SN|30848]] is a low to strongly domed cushion-forming, densely spiny cactus, 20-40(-100) cm high and one to several metres across. The white or violet booms are produced at stems tips on short spur shoots.

Central Shoot Cristation

The cristation of the central stem is quite rare and very different looking from the cristation involving a lateral shoot. It forms a snaky fan-shaped ridge with normal cylindrical lateral shoots developed on it and develops in time a large cushion-like mass 12-15 cm high by up to 30 cm wide

Spur Shoot Type Cristation

This cristation involve a fertile lateral spur shoot ending with an apical flower bud, sometimes it looks really red colour. It looks very different from the species and forms a thin flattened short living structure that dies when it blooms.

Crested Growth

The crested form (Maihuenia patagonicaSN|30848]]SN|30848]] f. cristata) - despite to its beauty - is very rare and sought after by collectors. The cause of cresting is not fully explained; biologists disagree as to why some plant grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of lightning strike or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line, which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested Neobuxbaumia are somewhat rare, cresting occurs naturally, and can be encountered in many other cactus species.

Stem

This specie has two cristate forms; one with a cristate central shoot, and another with cristate lateral spur shoot only, without main shoot.