Eriosyce ceratistes ( = aurata )
The colourful spines are strong, glassy and usually black.
 

Description: Spherical cactus with abundant white wool on top up to 50 cm in diameter . Adult specimens have around 30-35 ribs and become columnar, reaching over 90 cm in height. Spines colour is  almost black. Juvenile specimens have 1 central spine and 8 radial, but the number increase as they get older and areoles can have over 20 spines on mature specimens. Flowers are red campanulate or funnel-shaped 5 cm long, with a white hairy floral tube. There might be over 50 flowers on a mature specimen (only mature specimens bloom).
 

Cultivation: Slow growing, extremely rot prone if kept in a non ventilated place. Requires a very fast-draining drying soil.  Water regularly in summer, but do not overwater.
Needs a full sun exposure (or light shade)  Good heat tolerance. Hardy to at least -5°C.

Propagation: Usually propagated from Seeds. (seldom produces offsets), but as this species is very sensitive to root rot the young seedlings are frequently grafted on a strong stock.

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Eriosyce aurata complex. (This Taxon has several of synonyms whit various controversial varieties and subspecies):

• Eriosyce aurata
• Erisyce ceratistes ( = aurata)
• Eriosyce sandillon (= aurata)

Scientific name:  Eriosyce aurata (Pfeiff.) Backeb. 1936

Origin:  Chile (Coquimbo), at medium elevations in the Andes

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

• Echinocactus auratus Pfeiff. 1847
• Echinocactus sandillon Gay 1848
• Eriosyce sandillon (Gay) Phil. 1872
• Eriosyce ceratistes Britton & Rose 1922
• Eriosyce ausseliana F. Ritter (Nom inval.) 1980
• Eriosyce algarrobensis F. Ritter 1980
• Eriosyce ihotzkyanae F. Ritter 1980
• Eriosyce lapampaensis F. Ritter 1980

Eriosyce ceratistes Huatalame 1000m.
A form with strong black spines