Publication: Kakteen Südamerika 3: 1081 (1980)
Description
Copiapoa megarhiza var. microrhiza today it is only a synonym of Copiapoa megarhiza, however some differences permits to distinguish it from the standard species. The most distinguishing features of this variety are the smaller and weaker roots-sysytem and the narrower neck between the stem and the the rootstock. However the two plants are quite similar and it is hard to tell apart one from the others.
Habit: Usually it grows solitary, but branched specimens are not rare.
Root: Swollen taproot.
Stem: Depressed globular to slightly cylindrical, grey-green 5-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: 10-21 tuberculated.
Areoles: Separated 7-10 mm in diameter, brown or light brown (areoles of Copiapoa megarhiza are usually only 4-7 mm in diameter).
Spines: Yellow to black, becoming gray as they age.
Central spines: Up to 6 approx 15-40 mm long.
Radial spines: 8-10 and measuring 5-25 mm in length.
Flowers: 2,5 to 4 cm long.
Fruit: Covered with little green scales and measuring about 1 cm in diameter.
Origin and Habitat
East of Paipote on the hills around the town.
Cultivation and Propagation
Need full sun otherwise the bodies tended to elongate in cultivation, but should be protected from excessive heat and sun in summer, Require light watering, good drainage, and deep pot to accommodate tap root. Keep warm and dry in winter to avoid rot. Frost tolerance 0°C.
Propagation: Seeds (offsets rarely), Grafting is often used to speed growth rate and to create a back-up to plants in collection.
