Xerophyte

Central Spines

Only in adult specimens, straightt; 3-14 per areole; slightly projecting, in "bird’s-foot" arrangement or radiating like spokes, longest spines 9-25 mm.

Description

Escobaria viviparaSN|9953]]SN|9953]] var. bisbeana is a small solitary or clumping cactus that form small colonies over time. It is densely covered in a mat of star-shaped arrays of spines.

Roots

Mostly diffuse or moderately enlarged, but less than 1/4 of stem diameter.

Tubercles

Grooved, 8-25 × 3-8 mm, stiff or ± flaccid; areolar glands absent.

Flowers

Subapical, 20-65 mm long; pale rose-pink to magenta.

Blooming Season

Spring-late summer.

Spines

Approx 25-35 radial per areole weakly tightly appressed, pectinately arranged in subadults plant, vitreous bright white with reddish brown, or pinkish orange tips, fading, then blackening with age (dark tips rarely absent). Subcentral spines are sometimes present.

Stem

Spheric, ovoid, obovoid, or cylindric with age, 2.5-7,5 × 3-11 cm tall.

Fruits

Green, exposed portions slowly turning dull brownish red, juicy; floral remnant persistent.