Xerophyte

Description

The plant is usually unbranched forming a single column up to 2m tall and 30cm in diameter. The ribs are 2.5cm high and tuberculate.

Flowers

Yellow flowers tinged with red appear in May and June at the crown of the plant, 4 to 6cm. The fruit with scales is fleshy, yellow or yellowish green 5cm long, 2.5cm in diameter

Spines

A large central spine and three auxiliary centrals form a crucifix shape, The primary central is 5 to 7cm, angles down and is slightly to moderately hooked, sometimes to 90 degrees. The other centrals are from 5 to 7.5 cm long. The centrals are noticeably annularly ridged and flattened with a flat upper surface and rounded lower surface. Spines can be very light grey to red and yellow but darken to black with age.