Xerophyte

Description

Small-growing plant with low, spineless (or spiny), dark purple to almost black stem.

Roots

Tuberous root.

Flowers

Large, silky, whitish, yellowish to pinkish orange, 3.5 cm in diameter.

Spines

Spineless or spiny, 0 or 1 central spine, 2 -10 (or more) mm long; 4 to 8 usually shorter radials, 1-11 mm long. All the spines tend to fall as the plant ages. The spineless form is more popular with collectors

Stem

Flat, solitary, mostly underground, slowly clumping as it ages, 5 cm in diameter; generally 8 to 10, up to 14 tuberculate ribs. The unusual colouring ranges from pale pinkish-grey to a deep purple (or almost black)

Fruits

Red, showy in winter.