Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent.

Description

Gymnocalycium griseo-pallidumSN|13315]]SN|13323]] is a small cactus barely rising above ground level, solitary or branching basally in cultivation to form clusters. It differs from Gymnocalycium anisitsiiSN|13323]]SN|13315]] for the paler greyish-green, sharply ribbed stem (usually green and reddish-brown in anisitsii) and for the greenish-white flowers.

Roots

Fibrous roots.

Flowers

From the centre, narrow, funnelform, about 6 cm long. External tepals greenish whit reddish margins, internal tepals greenish-white often suffused with pink, spreading. Scales on the ovary and flower tube small, pink and scattered.

Blooming Season

It produces flowers almost continuously during the year.

Ribs

About 10-11, acute, obscurely notched into chin-shape protrusions.

Stem

Spherical-depressed to short cylindrical, up to 10 cm tall, 8-15 cm in diameter, pale greyish-green, pale bluish-green, or pale-brownish-green often with subtle horizontal clear strips.

Radial Spines

5-8 up to 12 mm (or more) long, straight or slightly tortuous, short, nearly useless in terms of defence. Young spine are pastel-white or yellowish with a darker tip, later become pale-grey.

Fruits

Oblong, 2,5 cm long, 6 mm in diameter, reddish at maturity.