Xerophyte

Habit

Gymnocalycium hybopleurum is usually solitary in habitat, but occasionally branching basally in cultivation It is characterized by a marked variability in the length and shape of the spines and has received many names.

Central Spines

Absent or one, with darker tip.

Description

Gymnocalycium curvispinus var. acuticostatum is one of the several forms of the very variable Gymnocalycium hybopleurum which form a complex of related taxon. Gymnocalycium curvispinus var. acuticostatum is a cultivated form that distinguish for the strong curved spines and the very prominent acute chinlike protrusions on the ribs, and also for the colourful flowers that are often pink or orangish. It It is still unclear whether this variable complex is one or several species. There is so much variation in spination that most authors choose to lump them together until further studies are done.

Flowers

Short-tubed, ivory white (occasionally pinkish) with a red throat.

Blooming Season

Flowers are borne in early summer. It flowers quite readily as a youngseedling.

Ribs

About 10-13, acute, with small chinlike protrusions.

Stem

Hemispherical to globular in shape up to 15 cm tall and in width dark-green or blue-green

Radial Spines

7-8, more or less curved, thick and flattened, interwoven around the body up to to 3 cm long, dull creamy or pinkish coloured, later grey.

Fruits

Globose to cylindrical, blue-green