Xerophyte

Description

Eriosyce esmeraldanaSN|2647]]SN|2647]] is a tiny geophytic , spineless (or spiny) plant usually solitary or sometime branching.

Roots

Long turbiniform conical taproot.

Note

Individual plants of this species shows a certain degree of variability depending on origin, The plant found from north of Pan de Azucar, arriving to Esmeralda, are mostly with white spines. The plants at north of Esmeralda have usually black spines. While in Esmeralda most of the plants are spineless.

Flowers

Apical, yellow (greenish) or reddish, 2-3 cm long and wide. Black bristles and dense wool cover the floral tube and pericarpel.

Spines

Almost spineless or with 5-7 short, thin, needle like spines, 3-5 mm long. The spineless form is more popular with collectors.

Ribs

13-22, dissolved into more or less rounded tubercles.

Stem

Flattened, mostly underground, the unusual colouring ranges fromdark green to purplish-brown, 3-4 cm in diameter (but up to 6 cm in cultivation).

Fruits

Ovoidal, dry with a thin wall and dehiscing by a basal pore.