Xerophyte

Central Spines

3-4 per areole, straight, spreading slightly longer than radials.

Seeds

Bright reddish brown.

Description

Escobaria viviparaSN|9953]]SN|9953]] is a small solitary or clumping cactus, some varieties forming colonies of over 200 stems. This species is the most widespread, abundant and variable member of the genus.

Note

The “neomexicana” variety is hardly distinguished from Escobaria viviparaSN|9953]]SN|9953]] var. arizonica in having an average higher spine number, and in having the spines nearly always white. It cannot be quantifiably distinguished from occasional similar plants of var. arizonica.

Tubercles

Grooved, stiff or ± flaccid12-16.mm long; areolar glands absent.

Flowers

Subapical, rose-pink to reddish pink, violet or magenta with darker midstripes.

Blooming Season

Spring-late summer; fruiting 2-5 months after flowering.

Stem

Usually more than 1/2 above ground ovoid, obovoid, or cylindric with age to 9.5 x 7cm.

Radial Spines

20-30 per areole; white to cremy-white often with pinkish tips hardly distinguishable from centrals.

Fruits

Green, exposed portions slowly turning dull brownish red, ovoid to obovoid, juicy; floral remnant persistent.