Xerophyte

Habit

It is a basally branching columnar cactus, forming low clumps 0,8-1,6 m tall, 0,8-2 m broad, with few to several upright or sprawling, stems.

Central Spines

1 to 3 , the longest often 5 to 6 cm long, same colour but somewhat thicker than the radials, 2-7 cm long.

Flowers

Diurnal, scentless, very variable in color and size, funnel-form to bell shaped, red to yellow to orange, 7-10 cm long 6-7 (or more) cm in diameter, produced near the end of the stems. Pericarpel and floral tubes with densescales bearing long brown hairs. Anthers clear pastel and stigma white.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer. Flowers last for 1 to 3 days (depending on weather condition).

Spines

Needle-like, unequal, yellowish to brownish.

Ribs

(12-)14-17(-18) symmetrical, obtuse, low and rounded.

Stem

Cylindrical, stout, light green, 4 to 8 cm in diameter 30-90 cm long (or more) branching freely from the base.

Radial Spines

9 to 11 up to 1,5 cm inches long.

Fruits

Globose to ovoid, yellowish green or reddish, to 3 cm in diameter.

Areoles

Whitish or brownish more or less approximate, 5-10 mm apart.