Xerophyte

Central Spines

several, longer than radials, usually brown or black in upper part

Description

Usually simple or caespitose and very spiny, usually hidden by the spines.

Roots

Tuberous roots.

Note

Coryphantha chihuahuensis and Coryphantha henricksoniiSN|10220]]SN|10220]] are treated by Zimmerman as intermediate between Escobaria and Coryphantha

Tubercles

Short grooved on their adaxial (upper) sides in sexually mature plants.

Flowers

Small, produced laterally (like in mammillarias) and not apically, 1-2 cm long and up to 2 cm in diameter, pale pink to purplish. Outer perianth-segments broad, often rounded at apex with ciliate margins; inner perianth-segments pointed. Stigma-lobes, 5-6 white.

Blooming Season

Spring.

Stem

Spherical to short cylindric up to 20 cm tall and 7 cm in diameter, very variable ill size and shape.

Radial Spines

Numerous, dull white, spreading, mostly somewhat adpressed on the stem.

Fruits

Up to 10 mm long and 7 mm broad, green, oblong.