Publication: Cact. Succ. J. (Los Angeles) 49(4): 168. 1977
Description
Turbinicarpus macrochele is a form of Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus which is one of the most widespread and morphologically variable taxon. It has more flattened tubercles and fewer spines (1-4) thick and spongy, but showing the same, very distinctive, long, pink stigma lobes as the type
Habit: It is a (usually) solitary geophyte succulent plant with a large tap root below the surface of the compost.
Stem: Up to 35 mm tall, 4,5 cm in diameter, the stem is partly underground, with a woolly spiny apex.
Tubercles: This subspecies has poorly developed tubercles.
Spines: 0-4 thick and spongy or somewhat papery (sometime as many as 6) up to 4 cm long (or more).
Flowers: White or (rarely) pinkish white at the apex, 18 mm long, 3,5 cm in diameter. Stigma lobes pink.
Blooming season: Blooms come in multiple periods from late winter to early fall.
Fruits: Small smooth, hidden in the apical wool, splitting when ripe.
Origin and Habitat
It occur in the vicinity of Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Cultivation and Propagation
Robust species to cultivate. It requires full sun and careful watering to keep the plant compact and low. It has a tap root, and watering it properly is often difficult, because it tends to crack open or rot, if over-watered..
