Xerophyte

Habit

It is a (usually) solitary geophyte succulent plant with a large tap root below the surface of the compost.

Description

Turbinicarpus macrocheleSN|12648]]SN|12661]] is a form of Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanusSN|12661]]SN|12648]] which is one of the most widespread and morphologically variable taxon. It has more flattened tubercles and fewer spines (1-4) thick and spongy, but showing the same, very distinctive, long, pink stigma lobes as the type

Tubercles

This subspecies has poorly developed tubercles.

Flowers

White or (rarely) pinkish white at the apex, 18 mm long, 3,5 cm in diameter. Stigma lobes pink.

Blooming Season

Blooms come in multiple periods from late winter to early fall.

Spines

0-4 thick and spongy or somewhat papery (sometime as many as 6) up to 4 cm long (or more).

Stem

Up to 35 mm tall, 4,5 cm in diameter, the stem is partly underground, with a woolly spiny apex.

Fruits

Small smooth, hidden in the apical wool, splitting when ripe.