Coryphantha echinoidea

Structure and identification

The monograph describes a spherical or ovoid stem with little wool near the apex. Tubercles are initially conical, later flattening and developing a rhomboid base. Pale lateral spines partly interweave, and upper ones are arranged in two layers. The darker, stronger central spine may have two shorter companions. Red glands occur in grooves and axils. Fibrous roots distinguish this species from the swollen root of C. glanduligera. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, p. 54–55]

Habitat and variation

Sites documented in the monograph lie in San Luis Potosí on lower slopes with limestone gravel. Seedlings are spherical, and successive central spines appear gradually during development. The flower description includes a lemon-yellow perianth and a sweet scent noted by the authors. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, p. 54–55]

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