Xerophyte

Central Spines

None.

Seeds

1.2 x 1.2 mm matt black. Uruguay (Rio Negro).

Description

Gymnocalycium schroederianumSN|13933]]SN|29277]] is an attractive low growing cactus species barely rising above ground level, usually solitary in habitat, but on occasion branching basally in cultivation to form clusters. It was first discovered many years ago but was lost again so thoroughly that only Van Osten's description survived and doubts arose as to whether the mystery plant really exists. This species is different from the general run of gymnocalyciums in the colour of its flowers, in this case a pale yellowish green.

Flowers

Near the apex, bell-shaped or funnelform, about 70 mm long and 55 mm in diameter at anthesis. The tube slender with conspicuous olive green, white-bordered, kidney-shaped scales. Perianth-segments pale greenish white, or yellowish-green with pale green base.

Blooming Season

Blooms appear recurrently from June to autumn. It flowers quite readily as a young seedling.

Taxonomic Notes

Gymnocalycium schroederianumSN|29277]]SN|29277]] is sometimes united with the little-known Gymnocalycium hyptiacanthumSN|29277]]SN|13933]].

Ribs

About 24, broad, obtuse, divided by transverse grooves in very prominent, broad tubercles.

Stem

Depressed-spherical up to 7 cm tall and 14 cm across, dark grey-green.

Radial Spines

Mostly 7, pale yellow at first,soon ash-grey, red at base, unequal, uppermost pair shortest, lateral pairs intermediate, lowermost spine longest, usually reaching the areole below.

Fruits

Narrowly pear-shaped, ca. 25 mm long, pale grey-green.