Xerophyte

Central Spines

Not present or 1 to 6 and very short, more or less porrect.

Description

It commonly remains single, but old plants sometime branch and form several heads.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped, diurnal, intense pink (but also magenta, lavender...Or...Yellow to near-whitish) with a white-greenish base, 6-8 cm long , petals quite long and pointed, areoles very spiny with white hairs on the floral tube. Stamen usually cream coloured.

Ribs

(12-)20-23 obtuse, usually straight.

Stem

Cylindrical stems 10-20 cm tall 3-6 cm in diameter almost hidden by the short interlocking spines.

Radial Spines

16 to 30 white or pinkish 5-10 mm long, spreading widely, pectinate, and intertwining with those of the other areoles often in coloured bands.

Fruits

Spiny, greenish-purple, becoming naked, 2-3 cm in diameter. Gooseberry-like rich in sugar and said to be very delicious.

Areoles

Approximate, but not touching one another, about 3 mm long, oval, young areoles with short white hair.