Maihuenia

A cactus forming spreading, usually rather loose cushions, with small leaves and long-lived short shoots. Unusual intraxylary bark develops in older axes. Seed studies document slow and uneven germination under a cool temperature cycle.

A densely branched cushion cactus with persistent, fleshy leaves and soft stems. In Chilean populations, differences in site elevation are associated with changes in wood anatomy and habit. The species has its own growth and germination rhythm, different from Maihuenia patagonica.