Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent, rarely one.

Seeds

Black.

Description

Habit

Axils

Somewhat woolly or naked.

Roots

Tap root, thick, but when in a cluster of 3 or 4 somewhat spindle-shaped.

Note

The dense covering of spines reduces the interception of solar radiation by the stem surface lowering the risks of overheating the apex during a summer day and of freezing during a winter night.

Tubercles

Conical low, terete in section, not at all milky. Parastichy number 8 - 13.

Flowers

Bell shaped, up to 40 mm long and in diameter pale carmine or pink, with distinctive whitish throats,. Petals pale pink with deeper mid-stripe.

Blooming Season

Summer.

Stem

Semiglobose to globose, 4-6 high and in diameter.

Radial Spines

10-12, pectinate, slightly curved, glassy white with yellow bases, 8-10 mm long, spreading and interlacing.

Fruits

Ripening almost embedded in the plant body, colourless.