Description: Usually solitary, globular glaucous stems, 7 to12 cm in
diameter and across and has a woolly, spiny apex; It has about 35 (30 to
40) slender ribs deeply notched wavy and corrugated; Areoles are at
first covered with white felt.
Central spines: 1 or 2 (to 4), growing one above the other,
of variable form and length up to7 cm long. They are sharp and needle-like,
or sometimes flattened, pointing upward at first and then outward,
yellow or brownish, brownish-black at their apex and somewhat reddish lower down.
Radial spines:
(10 to) 15 to 25 slender, almost transparent white, 1-1.5 cm long
straight or slightly curved, and radially arranged, overlapping each
other above the ribs.
Flowers: The flowers are 2 (2,5) cm. long, often remain squeezed
between the apical spines, and have pale yellow, creamy-white or pink
segments with a darker mid-stripe.
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