Xerophyte

Central Spines

5-6, similar to the radials except a little longer and stouter to 3 cm long.

Seeds

Small, black.

Description

Arrojadoa rhodanthaSN|4847]]SN|4847]] is a shrubby cactus, at first erect, afterwards branching basally, and clambering that can reach a height of over one metre. Every year the tubulaar violet-red flowers are produced in clusters from a cephalium at the tops of the joints.

Roots

Fibrous.

Cephalium

At the tops of the joints with 1 .5-2 cm long brown wool and up to 3 cm long reddish brown bristles.

Flowers

Deep pink to violet-red, diurnal at the upper areoles, forming in clusters of 12 to 14 in a pseudocephalium at the tops of branches, 3 to 4 cm long, 1.2-2(-3) cm in diameter, nearly cylindric, the tube short pink, rigid, ovary and lower part of tube naked. Perianth-segments in several rows, short, erect, uppermost scales and perianth-segments similar, obtuse. Stamens numerous, included.

Spines

At first brown, in age white when young accompanied by some long cobwebby hairs.

Ribs

Ten to twelve, fairly shallow.

Stem

Joined 1 to 2 meters long. Joints short cylindric, flattened at the top, dark green 20-40(-50) mm thick.

Radial Spines

About 20, to 12 mm long.

Fruits

Red, naked, juicy oblong to obovate, about 2 cm long.

Areoles

Small, with short wool, in close proximity, usually less than 1 cm apart.