Xerophyte

Central Spines

4 to 7 spreading, thick, 12-16 (or more) mm long.

Seeds

Broadly oval.

Description

It is a small globose to cylindrical cactus with very woolly areoles and dark spreading spines, it is indeed very variable and has received many names, but it is clear from fieldworks that the different wild populations constitute a single but multiform species. The var. lindleyi has fewer spines.

Roots

Fibrous.

Flowers

Diurnal, 1,5-2 cm long and in diameter, born on younger areoles from a yellowish woolly crown in summer, wide funnelform, yellow, outer perianth segments often reddish, floral tube short with tufts of dense wool and long reddish bristles.

Spines

Variable in colour, horn-coloured with brow to shiny black tips, turning grey as they age.

Ribs

19 to 25 low and obtuse.

Stem

Grey-green, 5 to 40 cm tall (or more long), 5 to 20 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

12 to 22, shorter but stout, radiating, 6-10 mm long.

Fruits

Characteristic, up to 5 cm long, club shaped, balloon-like, pinkish to red, openings at maturity by basal pores. Pericarp initially fleshy but the interior always dry when mature.

Areoles

Approximate, very woolly, with grey-brown felt