Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-3 almost straight.

Description

Gymnocalycium saglionisSN|12116]]SN|12116]] 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 Gymnocalycium saglionisSN|12116]]SN|12116]] (commonly known as the "Giant Chin Cactus") is a solitary barrel cactus, rather flattened, often very large, with long spreading and sometimes recurved spines.

Flowers

Broadly funnelform, white or pale pinkish, with reddish throat up to 3-4 cm long, 2-3 cm in diameter, with a very short flower’s tube.; inner perianth-segments spatulate, acute; scales of the ovary nearly orbicular, rounded, with a scarious margin. The flowers forms a crown on the plant apex and have a hard time coming through the dense mass of spines.

Blooming Season

Appearing repetitively during the growing season.

Spines

8 to 10 on small plants but on old plants often 15 or more, 3-4 cm long, yellowish-brown, reddish or black becoming grey with time which contrast well against the green body at first ascending, afterwards more or less curved outward.

Ribs

10-32 according to the size of the plant, low, very broad, sometimes 4 cm. long, separated by wavy intervals, divided into large, low, rounded tubercles.

Stem

Flattened globose to shortly cylindrical more or less flattened up to 30 (40) cm in diameter, 15-30 cm tall occasionally up to 90 cm tall, dull-green or blue-green.

Radial Spines

10-15 bent against the stem.

Fruits

Red, globular.

Areoles

About 2 to 4 cm apart, large, felted when young.