Xerophyte

Habit

It is a slow growing clustering cactus that may forms large mound of many heads and these are practically level with the soil in habitat.

Central Spines

None.

Description

Sulcorebutia gerosenilisSN|22447]]SN|22447]] is one of the local form of the very variable Rebutia canigueralii subs. crispata.Sulcorebutia gerosenilisSN|22447]] and Sulcorebutia gerosenilisSN|22447]] are synonyms and the two are exactly the same.

Phenology

Flowers are produced in spring and remain open for three or four days.

Roots

Conical.

Similar Species

Sulcorebutia gerosenilisSN|22447]]SN|22447]] is almost identical and not easily separable by any character from the standard hertusii, if not for the geographical provenance.

Flowers

From the basal part of the stem, 20-50 mm long, 35-50 mm wide cherry-red or dark magenta with pale centre. Floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish-green or yellowish-red with tan coloured scales.

Ribs

With raised tubercles (3-5 mm wide). In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 13(-16) spiral line merging in the apex.

Stem

Rapidly offsetting from the base, small, grey-green, green to dark purple. A characteristic of this species is that the offsets often develop roots while still attached to the mother. Individual stems 2(-4) cm tall, 3(-5) cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Hair-like, fine, bristly, up to 20 (or more) mm long, white, cream-coloured or yellowish, tight, interlaced, and more or less twisted.

Fruits

Dark brownish red approx 4-5 mm wide.

Areoles

3 mm long, narrow with short white felt.