Xerophyte

Central Spines

None, or sometimes one, straight, rigid, curving backward.

Description

Gymnocalycium ritterianumSN|21423]]SN|21423]] is a very variable small cactus, usually solitary to occasionally clustering. It has attractive discoid stems and freely-produces satiny white flowers with rosy throats. The "ritterianum" found in cultivation are often so dissimilar that hardly seem the same species.

Note

This member of the cactaceae family was given the name 'ritterianum' by Rausch. Rausch and Ritter are two explorers who played major roles in cataloging the South American cactus flora. With this species, one commemorates the other.

Flowers

Near the apex, up to 6,5 cm long and 7,7 cm in diameter, usually satiny white with rosy to violet throats, but also pure white, pink or red.

Blooming Season

Flowers appear recurrently from April to autumn.

Spines

7-9, up to 2,5 cm long, white, yellow or pink/brown, spreading or curved against the plants body, one directed downward , others to the sides

Ribs

10-12, with tranverse furrows, divided in more or less pronounced humped, chin-like tubercles.

Stem

Flattened, discoidal 3-5 cm tall, 8-11 cm in diameter, clear grey-green, that tinges reddish in full sun.

Fruits

Pear shaped, bluish.