Gymnocalycium stenopleurum

This cactus specimen from Paraguay has a special appearance and is very popular among collectors all over the world. It has a globose stem with numerous well marked vertical ribs ending in tubercles. Above each tubercle there is the white and fluffy areola from where its spines come out: generally the central spines are absent while the radial ones are thin, twisted and yellow/brown with dark tips. The epidermis has numerous horizontal streaks of grey green and brownish red colour contrasting with each other creating a pleasant visual effect. Its beautiful flowers bloom at the apex of the stem and are light pink.