- Source: Thelocactus lausseri
Thelocactus lausseri is a species of cactus endemic to Mexico.
Description
Thelocactus lausseri grows as a single, spherical or short, elongated cactus. It has a grey-green body that is 7 to 10 cm (2.8 to 3.9 in) tall and 5 to 8.5 cm (2.0 to 3.3 in) in diameter. The cactus has 8 ribs arranged in a slight spiral. The areoles, which lack glands, are about 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) in diameter. The rounded warts are 7 to 9 mm (0.28 to 0.35 in) in diameter and 8 to 12 mm (0.31 to 0.47 in) high. It has 20 to 25 radial spines that are 18 to 25 mm (0.71 to 0.98 in) long and silvery-white to yellowish in color. There are 4 central spines (occasionally 6) that are 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 3.9 in) long, yellow to greyish, straight or slightly curved, and needle-shaped. The flowers are 2.5 to 4.4 cm (0.98 to 1.73 in) long and wide, ranging in color from whitish to light pink with a darker central stripe. The fruits have scales and burst open when dry. The seeds are 2 mm (0.079 in) long and thick.
Distribution
Thelocactus lausseri is found growing in shrubland on limestone and calcareous soil in the Sierra de las Ovejas, Coahuila, at elevations between 800 and 1500 meters.
Taxonomy
It was first described in 1986 by Jan Říha and Josef Busek. The species name lausseri honors the German plant collector Alfons Lausser.
References
External links
Media related to Thelocactus lausseri at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Thelocactus lausseri at Wikispecies
