Gymnocalycium horstii is a globular cactus resembling a loaf of bread.
Description
Gymnocalycium horstii is a cactus species that starts as a solitary plant and usually offset over time, later forms clusters. It has bright green, glossy, spherical stems that grow up to 20 cm in height and diameter. Plants have a squat appearance and spines that are curved back towards the body. The cactus features 5–6 rounded ribs with transverse grooves and usually five yellowish-white spines, up to 3 cm long. One spine points downward, while the others extend sideways. The flowers are creamy white to pale purple-pink, reaching up to 11 cm in length and diameter. Its blue-green, egg-shaped fruits follow the blooms.
There are two recognized subspecies.
Image
Name
Description
Distribution
Gymnocalycium horstii subsp. buenekeri (Swales) P.J.Braun & Hofacker
200 km (120 mi) westward has a very similar but dull body with always pink flowers.
Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul).
Gymnocalycium horstii subsp. horstii
Glossy body, white to pink flowers
Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul).
