Gymnocalycium rhodantherum

Pleasant cactus with a globose shape, slightly depressed at the apex and characterized by a rather slow growth and small size even in ripe age. The body, of an intense dark green tending to purple depending on the season and the sun exposure, is equipped with conical rather protruding tubercles, at the center of which stand large roundish and wooly areolas. The most marked characteristic of G. rhodantherum is without doubt the presence of long and robust spines, usually 5 for each areola, which are star-shaped towards the stem and cover almost the entire plant with their pinkish greyish hue. On the whole, the cactus appears strongly prickly and takes on a ferocious appearance, with which it contrasts pleasantly the delicate white-pink inflorescence that blooms at the apex of the cactus!