Publication: Eriosyce (Cactac.) gen. revis. & ampl. (Succ. Pl. Res., 1) 119 (1994)
Description
Solitary spherical to short cylindrical cacti with very spiny stems, up to 15 (30-40) cm tall, 6 -10 cm in diameter.
Stem: Dark green to very dark purple-black.
Spines: variable between different populations , the type plant have strong long brown-black spines that become greyish as they age and almost obscure the plant, while others have spines that are much shorter or thinner.
Roots: taproot.
Flowers: magnificent hot pink/magenta with a contrasting neon yellow throats in spring up to 5 cm long.
Origin and Habitat
This plant is widely distributed in various locality of Coquimbo (Region 04) - Chile. Among them: Las Coimas, Las Chilcas, Salamanca, Metro, Choapa, Llapel, Combarbalá, Los Vilos, Palomar, Chagres.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a summer grower species. Easy to cultivate but somewhat rot prone if kept in a non ventilated place. 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 ( but probably can tolerate - 10° C for brief periods.)
Propagation: Usually propagated from Seeds. (seldom produces offsets)
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