Xerophyte

Habit

It is a solitary or few branched cactus.

Central Spines

Completely lacking, or infrequently one solitary central spine.

Description

Thelocactus bicolorSN|3420]]SN|3420]] cv. inermis is a very distintive spineless form. It not only lacks spines but it also has odd fringed flowers often developing in pairs (or even more numerous) from the same areole. The frequent development of flowers buds in groups from the same areole and the nude appearance make this plant very different from the spiny standard Thelocactus bicolorSN|3420]]SN|3420]]. At the first glance it is really difficult to say that it is a Thelocactus.

Tubercles

Rounded, with a woolly groove on the upper side. The axil is naked. With glands.

Flowers

55-110 mm wide, with bizarre shapes in shades of pale-pink to rich-magenta, petals with feathered edges, petals may curl in odd directions, twist or wave, and colours may exhibit flame variations for multiple hues.

Blooming Season

Early spring to autumn.

Ribs

8, distinct.

Stem

Globose, ovoidal or slightly pyramidal,8-20 cm tall, 5-12 cm wide, olive-green to purple, depending on the time in the growing season and the amount of sun and water, woolly apex. The base becomes corky with age.

Radial Spines

Absent.

Areoles

Elongate up to 8 mm long.