Publication: Kakteenkunde (unnumbered volume) 1943, 54 (1943); cf. Gray Herb. Card Cat.
Description
It is a small solitary cactus. It is a quite variable and doubtful species (especially cultivated plants may be quite different) In fact some plant labeled “deszianum” are so different-looking that the only uniting factor is the white bloom and rounded ribs.
Stem: Globose, flattened to elongate, light olive green, becoming deep green with age, to 6.5 cm tall, 8-10 cm in diameter.
Ribs: Rounded, slightly chinned.
Radial spines: Spreading, straight to more or less curved and bent against the stem. Creamy yellowish with darker tips.
Central spines: 0-1 (Often absent).
Flowers: Pale pink or (usually) pure white.
Origin and Habitat
Argentina (Córdoba)
Cultivation and Propagation
This is a species that offers no cultivation difficulties. It is a summer grower that enjoy some shade during the hottest part of the day. Water regularly in summer (but do not over-water). Keep rather dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. Hardy as low as -5° C (or less) if kept dry.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost or cuttings, but seldom produces offsets.
