Tephrocactus conoideus
Cactaceae (Backeberg) apud Backeb., Cactac.: Handb. Kakteenk. i. 286, fig. 351. 1958
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Species
Tephrocactus conoideus
Author
F.Ritter ex Backeb.
Chinese genus
球形节仙人掌属
Chinese name
-
Primary
Accepted
DescriptionEdit description
Habit
This cactus forms dense and small cushions.
Central Spines
1-2 very variable, stout to bristly, long to short, up to 5 cm long flat, straight or slightly curved. Sometimes absent (spineless).
Seeds
Lenticular creamy-brown 2.5 to 4 mm with
Description
Maihueniopsis conoideaSN|7342]]SN|7369]], sometime considered a local or morphological form of the widespread and variable Maihueniopsis glomerataSN|7369]]SN|7342]], differes from the latter mainly for its usually smaller segment size in small flat clusters. Throughout its natural range there is considerable variation in segment size, spine colour and spine count per areola.
Flowers
Up to 5 cm, pale yellow. Pericarpel obconic.
Spines
Concentrated in upper areoles of the joint, the apex of which sometimes without spines.
Stem
Tapered-conical to spheroidal to 2 to 4 cm long, something sharply pointed and not tuberculate.
Radial Spines
0 to 2, bristly.
Fruits
Globular, large green or yellowish spineless.
Areoles
About 20 small.