Xerophyte

Central Spines

As many as 3, pointing downward, to 5 cm long.

Description

Echinopsis tiegelianaSN|20965]]SN|20965]] (Lobivia tiegeliana) is a small cactus, usually solitary, whose spines looks pectinate ( i.e., its spines are arranged like a comb). This species is very variable in colour and number of spines, size and colour of flowers. It comprises several questionable varieties and its taxonomic history has undergone several changes. The great variability of Echinopsis tiegelianaSN|20965]]SN|20965]] is due to the fact that cross pollination among different forms and different species (in habitat and especially in collections) is very frequent and it can be quite difficult to determine what is the "pure type" and the cross.

Roots

Large fleshy tap root.

Flowers

Lateral 2,5-3 cm long and 4,2 cm in diameter, deep red to violet-pink, although there are varieties with yellow flowers as well.

Blooming Season

Mature plants produce several waves of blooms over the season. The flowers open during the day. It blooms abundantly since an early age.

Spines

Arranged like little spiders, awl shaped, pectinated, variable, reddish, black, brownish, honey or horn coloured , often darker at the tip, turning greyish eventually.

Ribs

Approx. 17-20, acute, spirally arranged with raised tubercles between which the areoles appear.

Stem

In nature plants usually grow flat with the ground most of the year, contracting under the soil to endure drought periods. In culture plants grow larger forming depressed or spherical stems up to 15 cm in diameter, but usually about 6 cm broad. Epidermis dark green, shiny, often purplish with strong light and in cold weather. The crown is sunken.

Radial Spines

8 to10, 4-6 cm long.

Fruits

Globose to ovoid, semidry, dehiscent.

Areoles

White, to 1.5 cm apart.