Xerophyte

Central Spines

3-4(-5) per areole, sometimes not greatly different from radial spines, usually white (rarely light brown), 15-29 mm long. Some specimens lack central spines, or have central spines which are hooked.

Seeds

Black, 1,5 long, 2,5 mm broad; cells convex but flattened apically.

Description

Sclerocactus wetlandicusSN|13869]]SN|13869]] is a rare north American cactus with central spines not greatly different from radial spines. The crested form Sclerocactus wetlandicusSN|13869]]SN|13869]] f. cristata is a strong and fast growing but often short lived plant. There are several clones some thin with white, bristly juvenile spines and other thick stemmed whit mature long hooked spines.

Flowers

Purple or pink flowers fragrant, funnel-form, 2,5-5 cm wide and tall; outer tepals with brownish lavender midstripes and pink to violet margins, filaments green to white; anthers yellow.

Blooming Season

Spring (In habitat from late April to May).

Spines

Slightly or not obscuring stems.

Ribs

Tubercles evident on ribs.

Stem

Fan shaped, green to bluish green (glaucous) 5-4o mm thick (depending on clones).

Radial Spines

6-10(or more) per areole, white, creas, pale tan, brown, reddish brown (rarely black), 6-20 mm, central spines 3-5 per areole, sometimes not greatly different from radial spines; straight and unhooked or curved (rarely hooked), 12-26 mm long. Juvenile specimens has pure white short bristly spines all radials.

Fruits

Ovoid, barrel-shaped, 9-30 long, 7-12 mm across, with a few membranous scales, mostly near apex.

Areoles

3 mm in diameter, 9-10 mm apart. Red nectar glands are found above each areole.