Xerophyte

Habit

It is a slow growing clustering cactus that may forms large mound of many heads and these are practically level with the soil in habitat.

Central Spines

None.

Phenology

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

Roots

Conical.

Note

var. gerosenilis and var. patriciae are definitively synonyms of Sulcorebutia patriciaeSN|11564]].

Flowers

From the basal part of the stem, 20-50 mm long, 35-50 mm wide cherry-red or dark magenta with pale centre. Floral tube funnel-shaped yellowish-green or yellowish-red with tan coloured scales.

Ribs

With raised tubercles (3-5 mm wide). In older plants tubercles are arranged in up to 13(-16) spiral line merging in the apex.

Stem

Rapidly offsetting from the base, small, grey-green, green to dark purple. A characteristic of this species is that the offsets often develop roots while still attached to the mother. Individual stems 2(-4) cm tall, 3(-5) cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Hair-like, fine, bristly, up to 20 (or more) mm long, white, cream-coloured or yellowish, tight, interlaced, and more or less twisted.

Fruits

Dark brownish red approx 4-5 mm wide.

Areoles

3 mm long, narrow with short white felt.