Xerophyte

Note

Gymnocalycium hamatumSN|13338]]SN|13350]] has been made synonymous to Gymnocalycium marsoneriSN|13350]]SN|13338]] subs. megatae by G. Charles without specifically justify that choice.

Flowers

Produced around the stems side, away from the apex. Large, about 5 cm long, white with a pink middle stripeFruits Red, with a blue bloom, fusiform, 25-30 mm long , 15-20 mm wide. Pulp pinkish.

Spines

All radial, 5 to 9, 15-20 (or more) mm long mostly creamy-white or light yellowish brown, some-times reddish-brown, stiff, straight but slightly hooked at the tip, hence the specific name (Latin adjective “hamatus”, “hamata”, “hamatum” = hooked).

Ribs

9-16 with blunt tubercles.

Stem

Usually solitary (not clustering), globular flattened, 6-18 cm in diameter grey-green, olive green to coppery brown.

Areoles

5-8 mm long, 3 mm wide, 10-18 mm apart, with a cream to white wool.