Ferocactus fordii f. variegated

The variegated shape of this cactus has clearer areas at the exact points where the chlorophyll is absent; these areas are never the same from one plant to another, therefore each specimen is absolutely unique, never identical to another and for this extremely sought after by collectors! It is a wild-looking cactus, which grows in the wild in the Mexican desert areas, assuming a globose shape but slightly depressed at the apex. It can reach a diameter of about 20 cm, developing rather prominent and asymmetric tubercles, wavy, from which emerge large woolly and candid areoles. This cactacea has long and thin radial spines, well straight and of a delicate yellowish-white colour that pleasantly matches the opaque green of the stem; the central spines, on the contrary, exceed even the 4 cm of length, are more robust and tending to brown or greyish depending on age, sometimes ending with a slightly curved tip. The charm of this cactus is further amplified in summer, when huge radial flowers of a beautiful intense pink bloom at the apex!