Xerophyte

Description

Ariocarpus furfuraceus f. cristata (crested form), only deviate from the standard species for the stem which is fan shaped up to 30 cm (or more) long with age. The typical Ariocarpus furfuraceusSN|2079]]SN|2081]] (commonly known as the "Living Rock Cactus") is a solitary, slow-growing geophyte cactus, with tubercles slightly projecting above ground level. The large tuberous body is below the soil. It differs from the standard Ariocarpus retususSN|2081]]SN|2079]] only for its equilaterally triangular tubercles, all the other characteristics clearly show that they are conspecific.

Roots

Tap root.

Tubercles

The distinctive characteristic of Ariocarpus furfuaraceus are the tubercles, which are equilaterally triangular shaped, divergent, convex or nearly flattened adaxially and often with shallow adaxial undulations or wrinkling, not fissured, 1,5-4 cm long, 1-3,5 cm wide, nearly as wide as long.

Flowers

Diurnal, 4-5 cm in diameter, 2-4 2cm long, white to clear pink.

Blooming Season

Autumn.

Stem

fan shaped Grey-green, flattened, rounded on top, 10-25 cm in width and up to 30 cm or more in spread.

Fruits

White, green, or rarely pinkish, 10-25 mm long, 3-10 mm in diameter.

Areoles

At the tips of the tubercles, rounded, 1-5 mm in diameter.