Xerophyte

Habit

It is a cespitose, globular cactus, similar to Copiapoa cinereaSN|1380]]SN|1380]] strongly branched basally, forming imposing mounds more than 2 m wide.

Seeds

Black, bumpy.

Description

Copiapoa dealbataSN|1322]]SN|1322]] f. gigantea is a larger stemmed form of Copiapoa dealbataSN|1380]]SN|1322]] usually with longer spines, singly from the areoles.

Flowers

Apical, pale yellow, scentless, 2,8-3,5 cm long and in diameter. Outer perianth segments with brown-reddish mid stripes.

Blooming Season

Summer. It is not unusual for copiapoa to take 6-10 years before it starts blooming, but once it does, it should every year.

Spines

Copiapoa dealbataSN|1322]]SN|1322]] has mostly 1 single spine, 2–5 cm long (sometimes 1–3 smaller) straight, stiff, needle-like, black to light brown, becoming greyish white with time. Younger specimens usually have more numerous spines (up to 7) per areloa.

Ribs

(15-)21-33 more higher and acute than in Copiapoa cinereaSN|1322]]SN|1380]], slightly tuberculate and narrow between the areoles.

Stem

Individual head, globose to short cylindrical, 6 to 16 cm in diameter, apex wool-covered. Epidermis white-dusted, covered greyish-white waxy film, but not so white like in Copiapoa cinereaSN|1380]]SN|1380]].

Fruits

Yellowish white to reddish green, rounded, with few scales.

Areoles

Large oval, 5-9 mm in diameter, widely separated (1-2,5 cm apart) and covered with yellowish-grey or whitish-grey felt.