Xerophyte

Habit

Miniature clustering species (rarely solitary), readily forms clumps of many heads.

Roots

Conical.

Flowers

20-50 mm long, 35-50 mm wide; floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured scales, tepals deep magenta with a clearer throat.

Blooming Season

Late spring.

Spines

9-11 short black radial spines, 1 to 2 mm long, pointing diagonally and downward, completely flattened against the tubercles, they take the characteristic form of a fish-bone.

Stem

Individual stems 2(4) cm tall, 3(5) cm in diameter. The stem is covered by flat tubercles (5 mm wide) which vary in colour between pale to dark green. In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 16 spiral line merging in the apex.

Fruits

Reddish brown, 4-5 mm wide.

Areoles

Long narrow with short white felt.