Description: Simple or
dichotomicously branched (occasionally
ramifies , producing a few basal shoots) with short dense spines and
wools.
Stem: Symmetrically globose at first, later cylindrical, with a
depressed apex that appears completely white. Up to 12 cm tall, dull
green and may, with age, become rubberized at its base, With latex..
Tubercles: Short cylindrical/conical firm, 6 - 7 mm long and 2 mm
wide, arranged in numerous, very close-set spirals. The Axil is woolly
with bristles in the floriferous portion.
Areoles: Oval and woolly when young.
Roots: Fibrous.
Radial spines: up to 30,
short, 3-5 mm long, acicular, straight, somewhat horizontal radiating
and arranged laterally on each side of the tubercle, white.
Central spines: 4-6 up to 1 cm long, subulated, rigid, divergent,
one pointing upwards and often longer, smooth, thicker at base, they are
reddish with a darker tip.
Flowers: Small, funnelform, 10 - 12 mm long and in diameter,
yellowish with darker reddish midstripe.
Fruits: Attractively deep dull pinkish-red coloured .Club-shaped,
10 - 15 mm long and 2 - 3 mm wide.
Seeds: Pear-shaped, reddish-brown.. |