Parodia CULPINENSIS - Parodia culpinensis, Eriocactus.
Parodia, also referred to as Eriocactus, is a genus in the family Cactaceae. This genus unites approximately 50 species of diverse plants. In natural conditions, they can be found in countries such as Uruguay, Paraguay, northern Argentina, as well as central and southern Bolivia. These plants prefer to grow in foothill regions as well as mountainous areas (up to 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) above sea level).
Initially, just over 60 species were assigned to the genus; later, other representatives of Cactaceae were added to the list, including Notocactus. As a result, the number of species exceeded one hundred. All species of Parodia are stem succulents. In some plants, the stems are spherical, while in others they are elongated and resemble a short cylinder. Stem sizes also vary. The height of some plants barely reaches 10 cm (4 in), while others are capable of growing up to 2 m (6.6 ft). Ribs are distinct on the shoots, bearing areoles. Most species are covered with dense spines, with the central ones being longer and hooked at the tip. In some varieties, the stems are covered with fuzz.
The plant begins blooming at a young age. The flower tube is a scaly, hairy tube of modest length. Multi-petaled flowers arranged in small clusters at the top of the cactus have a funnel shape, predominantly in yellow and red color palettes. They open singly or in groups of up to 10. Location: top of the stem. Over time, fairly small dry fruits form. On the surface of both the fruits and floral tubes, there is a layer of smallish spines and hairs. It blooms in spring or summer.
Parodia culpinensis is a cactus with a large stem. Small spines completely cover the plant. The flowers are small in size, of a red hue.