Xerophyte

Central Spines

4 to 7 spreading, thick, 12-16 (or more) mm long.

Seeds

Broadly oval.

Roots

Fibrous.

Flowers

Diurnal, about 4 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

Variable in colour, horn-coloured, brow to shiny black, turning grey as they age.

Ribs

19 to 25 low and obtuse.

Stem

Grey-green, 5 to 40 cm tall, 5 to 20 cm in diameter, apex very woolly.

Radial Spines

12 to 22, 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 grey-brown felt