Coryphantha delicata

Structure and identification

The stem is hemispherical or spherical, solitary or forming groups through offsets. Tubercles are small and closely spaced, and the numerous lateral spines interweave strongly. The main central spine, when present, is short, darker and ends in a curve or hook. The monograph also describes populations without this spine. Yellow flowers are broad relative to the small stem, and the whole plant tapers towards the taproot. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, pp. 163–164]

Habitat and variation

Sites in the monograph cover a broad area of northern and central Mexico, including Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Nuevo León and Coahuila. Plants occur on plains, lower slopes and hilltops with limestone gravel. The colour and density of armature vary between populations. The authors describe both white, heavily spined plants and more lightly armed yellowish forms. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, pp. 163–164]

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