General Description | One of the few naturally-occurring white-variegated species of cacti found in the wild. |
Shape | Upright-spreading. |
Landscape | In potted succulent and cacti collections, in arid gardens, in rock gardens, as a potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen. |
Propagation | Cuttings. |
Cultivation | Plant in loose, well-draining cactus mix, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. |
Notable Specimens | Centennial conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
Habitat | Rocky sunny plains. |
Bark/Stem Description | Smooth glabrous succulent flesh that is variegated in clusters of small bands. Areoles 3 - 6 mm in diameter, visible, with 4 - 8 thin spines up to 4 cm long. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Small insignificant pinnate flowers, carrying 1 - 3 scales that appear as buds near the crowns of developed lobes. |
Colour Description | Succulent flesh varies in colour from medium green to a pale creamy sage green. Areoles vary from brownish-red to reddish-pink with brownish-black spines. Flowers and flower buds are reddish-pink. |
Texture Description | Smooth, thorny. |