Xerophyte

Description

Turbinicarpus pseudomacrocheleSN|12810]]SN|12802]] subs. lausseri, best known as Turbinicarpus lausseri is a tiny solitary cactus species, but occasionally the root bears several stems.

Roots

up to 8 cm long taproot.

Note

This taxa is closely related (or identical) with Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele var. sphacellatus and very similar to Turbinicarpus krainzianusSN|12802]]SN|12810]] too.

Flowers

from the areoles at the apex reddish-purple 25 mm long, 25 mm wide.

Spines

Only radials- 3-12 yellowish-brown becoming greyish mostly erect bristly and twisted 15-30mm long. Juvenile spines at the base of the stem ± radiating and pectinated, 2-4 mm long.

Ribs

Spiralling, divided into low and rounded conical tubercles 3-5mm long.

Stem

Body flattened globular cylindrical, 20-40mm high 25-35mm wide dark green.

Fruits

The fruit is green almost round 4-6 mm diameter and bears the dried remnants of the flower. It opens with a vertical slit when ripe.

Areoles

In new growth with white wool.