When not in flower this flattened globular cactus resembles an over-ribbed astrophytum or a miniature horse-crippler (Echinocactus texensis) with its stout triads of flattened spines. The flowers, however, are typical of its genus, with many petals, pale with purple midstripes. With a little imagination, adding more ribs and giving them a few sinuous curves, one can see the affinity to the more typical vegetative form of the genus which has given rise to the common name “brain cacti”. This species is native to several states of central Mexico. Our plants come without specific locality information but are nevertheless worthy container-specimens or rockery subjects in drier climates where they can tolerate winter temperatures in the 20s°F. HBG 97500. $5.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 80 (2), March - April, 2008