Xerophyte

Habit

Plants usually solitary with a succulent tap root. With age it may offset from the base to form a small cluster.

Central Spines

Usually absent.

Tubercles

Short-cylindrical, without latex. Axils bare.

Flowers

Cream coloured with pinkish-red or pinkish-brown midribs, to 10 mm long and in diameter.

Blooming Season

Early spring (February–March in habitat).

Stem

Without latex, globose, to club shaped, green, to 6 cm tall and 4,5 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

About 25, but usually much more numerous, interlacing, 2 - 5 mm long, chalky white to very pale pinkish-brown which are pinkish or reddish towards the growing point.

Fruits

Red and very showy.