Fascinating species with flat grey-violet body. The spines are usually very reduced but it is quite variable.

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Scientific name:  Eriosyce occulta  Kattermann 1994

Origin: Northern Chile (Antofagasta).

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Synonyms:  

• Neochilenia occulta
• Neoporteria occulta
• Pyrrhocactus occultus

Eriosyce oculta
A very variable species, in particular for the  colours of stems and spination.

Description: Small-growing plant with low, spineless (or spiny), dark purple to almost black stem.
Stem: Flat, solitary, mostly underground, slowly clumping as it ages, 5 cm in diameter; generally 8 to 10, up to 14 tuberculate ribs.  The unusual colouring ranges from pale pinkish-grey to a deep purple (or almost black)
Root: Tuberous root.
Spines: Spineless or spiny, 0 or 1 central spine, 2 -10 (or more) mm long; 4 to 8 usually shorter radials, 1-11 mm long. All the spines tend to fall as the plant ages.  The spineless form is more popular with collectors
Flowers: Large, silky, whitish, yellowish to pinkish orange, 3.5 cm in diameter.
Fruit: Red, showy in winter.

This species reputedly grows almost completely hidden below the soil (in habitat), and is extremely hard to find unless it is in bloom. 

Fruit mature in winter while plants are resting.

Cultivation:  It is a summer-growing species.  Water regularly in summer, but do not over-water (rot prone).  It needs good drainage and very a porous potting soil   Keep dry in winter.  Feed with a high potassium fertilizer  in summer. Full sun to light shade

Propagation: Seeds (seldom produces offsets)