(1633-18). Flower to 4½ inches (11½ cm) across. Petals progressively longer from inners to outers, inners somewhat broad, truncate to slightly emarginate, tips lacerate, colored attractive light russet with purplish-pink midrib. Outer stamens in handsomely wide circle; all filaments milky purplish-pink. Throat green, contrasting strongly to the russet and pink of the petals and filaments. Stem semicolumnar, to 2¾ inches (7 cm) in diameter, handsomely adorned in closely spaced spines, spines to ⅝ inches (16 mm) in length.
The coloration of the ‘Keepsake’ flower has caused visitors to the Huntington to stop and admire the blossom’s subtle, sort of old-fashioned, sepia-toned beauty. The name, ‘Keepsake’, like that of another hybrid, ‘Reverie’, reflects that bygone-days quality. Even if you are not disposed to delicately colored flowers, though, think you might like this one! HBG 87022. Rooted offsets $9.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002