(1391-57). Flower strikingly disk-like in form at warm temperatures, to about 5¼ inches (13½ cm) across. Petals generally narrow, elongate, oblanceolate-obtuse to oblanceolate-truncate, attractively colored in shades of pink. Inner stamens completely circling narrow throat; all filaments attractive light pink. Throat olive green. Stem semicolumnar, to 3½ inches (9 cm) in diameter, spines short, somewhat less than ¼ inch (5 mm) long.
Although the main attribute of ‘Flattycake’ is the unusual flat form of its flower when opened at warm temperatures, the blossom still has a unique beauty because of its handsome petals when opening only partially at cooler temperatures. For those not raised in an English-speaking country, the name, ‘Flattycake’, is a play on the words of a nursery rhyme, which goes, “Pattycake, pattycake, baker’s man, bake me a cake as fast as you can. Roll it, pat it, and mark it with a ‘B’. And put it in the oven for the baby and me!” So it’s a perfect gift for a cuddly infant! HBG 87020. Rooted offsets $9.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002