Xerophyte

Central Spines

2 to 7 spreading, thick, 12-16 mm long.

Seeds

Broadly oval.

Roots

Fibrous.

Flowers

Diurnal, about 3 cm long and in diameter, born on younger areoles from a yellowish woolly crown in summer, wide funnelform, yellow, outer perianth segments often reddish, floral tube short with tufts of dense wool and long reddish bristles.

Spines

Thick, dark reddish-brown to yellow in the centre changing to grey with age, but shading to grey-black towards their tips.

Ribs

19 to 25 low and obtuse.

Stem

Cylindrical, dark grey-green, erect, 40-75 cm tall later prostrate, about 12 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

12 to 18, shorter, radiating, (1-)6-10 mm long.

Fruits

Characteristic, up to 5 cm long, club shaped, balloon-like, pinkish to red, openings at maturity by basal pores. Pericarp initially fleshy but the interior always dry when mature.

Areoles

Approximate, very woolly, with creamy-white to grey wool.