Xerophyte

Habit

Usually solitary, occasionally clustering.

Central Spines

3 to 5 white with black tips in a cross like formation, 2-4 cm long.

Description

Turbinicarpus viereckiiSN|14959]]SN|14959]], more often known with its old name Gymnocactus viereckiiSN|14962]]SN|14962]], is an attractive dwarf cactus covered with characteristic glassy white and black spines with bright magenta flowers.

Roots

Swollen bundled.

Tubercles

6 mm long rhomboidal conical.

Flowers

Bright magenta or pink with greenish-white throat and darker mid-ribs, 1.5-2.5 cm long, 12-20 mm broad.

Ribs

15 to 18 ribs divided in tubercles.

Stem

Dull green, globose to slightly cylindrical 3-5 (-12cm) tall, 3-5(-7) cm in diameter apex with abundant white wool.

Radial Spines

17 to 22 rigid white translucent, some with brown tips, 0.8-1.3 cm long.

Fruits

Greenish-brown.