Xerophyte

Description

It is small-headed low growing, mound forming, cactus that forms large clumps, sometime with hundreds of heads. The tiny spines are held close to the body giving it the canigueralii look. The flowers are blood red.

Flowers

Very dark magenta or red sometimes with a paler throats. 3-4 cm long and in diameter. Floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured scales.

Blooming Season

Flowers are produced in late spring and remain open for three or four days.

Stem

Flattened globose, apex depressed which, branches profusely from the base. Dull olive-green, individual stems 20-40 mm in diameter, 20-30 mm tall. The stem is covered by flat tubercles (5mm wide). In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 16 spiral line merging in the apex.

Radial Spines

8-12 yellow/brown, fine, bristle-like 2-10 mm long. Pectinated, ± pointing diagonally and downward.

Fruits

Dark brownish red., 4 - 5 mm wide.

Areoles

Long narrow with short white felt.