Budowa
Plants form compact clusters and have a fibrous root system. Stem segments are ovoid to oblong and distinctly tuberculate. Areoles have abundant whitish hairs and pale glochids. Spines are initially brown, then lighten, turn white and grey, and are often curved. This appearance can change considerably with the age of the growth. [Pauca-Tanco and Quipuscoa 2020]
Rozmieszczenie
The species occurs in Arequipa and Ayacucho departments. The regional Arequipa study found it in higher parts of Caravelí province, including near Sifuentes, Sondor and Pirca, at 3000–3500 m. It occupies flat or gently sloping, locally rocky ground in scrub with Parastrephia and Fabiana. [Pauca-Tanco and Quipuscoa 2020]
Flowers and fruits
Flowers develop at the stem-segment tip and open during the day. The yellow perianth turns orange as it wilts. Spines and bristles occur on the stem-derived covering of the ovary. The revision describes flowering in December and visits by hymenopterans. Fruits are globose, with areoles and armature concentrated towards the top. [Pauca-Tanco and Quipuscoa 2020]
Nazwy historyczne
Cumulopuntia alboareolata, described from the Quicacha area, is now a synonym of C. zehnderi. The revision authors considered differences in areole and flower size to fall within the species' variation. The name Tephrocactus zehnderi indicates its earlier generic placement. [Pauca-Tanco and Quipuscoa 2020] [2-WWW]
Synonyms and names in the literature
Cumulopuntia alboareolata · Opuntia zehnderi · Sphaeropuntia zehnderi · Tephrocactus alboareolatus · Tephrocactus zehnderi [2-WWW]