Xerophyte

Roots

The root system is broad and near the surface.

Flowers

Flower-buds obtuse or nearly truncate; flowers rose pink or purple-red fleshy 4 to 6 cm long; upper scales and outer perianth-segments broad, rounded at apex; inner perianth-segments purple; style exerted They extend horizontallv out from the branches and open at night, but last into the next day.

Blooming Season

Flowers are found year-round when rainfall is adequate.

Spines

Up to 3,5 cm. long, acicular, at first golden-yellow or amber.

Ribs

Rounded vertical.

Stem

Fan shaped, about 7 cm thick, green. Older basal pats of the branches often form a thick bark.

Fruits

Depressed globose, pulp white or red. Fruits are edible, juicy and sweet and contain many tiny black seeds. Fruits do not have spines. They are usually found year-round.

Areoles

About 1 cm apart, at first producing a white little wool and this appressed against the ribs.