Xerophyte

Central Spines

occasionally a central spine.

Seeds

1.4-1.6 mm long and 2,3-1,4 mm wide.

Cephalium

Small, 3-4 cm tall, white filled with strong, straight, erected dark red or black spines up 2 cm (or more) cm long.

Flowers

Nocturnal, fragrant, white, funnel form, nocturnal. The position of the stigma is half-way between the primary and secondary stamens.

Spines

Whitish, yellowish or brown becoming grey with age, more or less translucent, needle-like or flattened.

Ribs

About 10-16.

Stem

Globose or slightly depressed, green, ca. 10-20 cm in diameter, 4-8 cm tall (without cephalium).

Radial Spines

Typically 5 to 8, yellowish, amber coloured or brownish, 0,5 to 3 cm long, stout, very rough and more or less bent towards the plant's body.

Fruits

Usually white or pale pink.

Areoles

Round, approx 4 to 8 per rib (in plants with cephalium).