A truly unique Copiapoa that does not go unnoticed! It has a dark purple globular stem with stout black spines delicately curving giving an extremely suggestive appearance.
It forms many tiny dark purplish bodies covered in contrasting white woolly areole. It looks like Mammillaria luethyi and produces a nice patch over time.
Copiapoa cinerea is one of the most admired species of cacti with chalky/white stems which contrasts well with the jet-black spines. The white coloration is a waxy coating produced to prevent dessication in it's extremely dry environment.
Plant with a large tap-root, connected to the stem by long slender neck. Seedlings naturally produce the huge tap root, starting from germination, i.e. before the plant stem becomes mature.
It is the smallest of the Copiapoa which begins to flower when it is only 1-2 cm in diameter. Slowly over time it forms many small heads. Stem soft brown whit minute spines, yellow flower and large tuberous root.
Plants on their own roots. This is a nice crested plant with olive-green, or somewhat grey-green, or rarely red-brown stems that forms nice brain-shaped mounds. It is easy to cultivate and a reliable bloomer that flowers throughout the summer.
Copiapoa maritima comes from a habitat with an extremely arid climate, they are remarkably tolerant of pot culture. These plants have thick taproots and are susceptible to overwatering.
Charming species nearly identical to (perhaps just a variety of) C. krainziana. ID marker: only 10-20 spines - exceptionally long, needle-like, flexible (straight/curved), typically pale gray-white, sometimes brownish-tinged.
Stem branching vigorously from the base, forming large clumps or cushions. In habitat, the bodies are much compact and very spiny. Flowers at the apex, long lasting, yellow with a subtle red mid-stripe or occasionally pinkish.
The subsp. tenebrosa is a rare Copiapoa related to C. haseltoniana, characterized by thinner and less obvious spines and a darker gray epidermis. Unlike other Copiapoa, it thrives in rocky and more shaded habitats, demonstrating a unique adaptability.
The classical Copiapoa armata (in Friedrich Ritter's sense) is instantly recognizable by its imposing spines - noticeably longer and stouter than other calderana varieties.
