Publication: Succulenta (Netherlands) 72: 114, figs. 1993
Description
Usually solitary or slowly clumping 10-20 mm high (bu much more in cultivation), 25-50(-70)mm wide grey-green to purple, flat to globular depressed merging into a strong tuberous root .
Tubercles: Poorly developed nearly non-existent low and rounded.
Spines: Mature plants have (usually) one spine, rigid white with grey tip 10mm long. Juvenile have 7 to 10 spreading radials.
Flowers: Dirty white to pale pinkish-tan with a brown midstripe, 25mm long, 15mm wide. This species flowers in autumn/winter rather than the spring.
Origin and Habitat
North of Las Palomas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Cultivation and Propagation
Robust species to cultivate. Requires full sun and careful watering to keep plant compact and low. It has a tap root, and watering it properly is often difficult and tends to crack open or rot if over-watered. Keep dry in winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C, it is hardy to -4°C for a short period. Assure a good ventilation.
Exposures: Full sun where it obtains a natural-looking flat, or part sun.
Propagation: Seeds, which has good powers of germination, or from shoots which are grafted.
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