[Overview]
A cactus.
The plant body is often spherical to short cylindrical.
It often produces offsets and forms clumps.
It has ribs, and on the ribs there are areoles bearing sharp spines.
The thickness, length and color of the spines vary, and some are curved.
The flowers are large, with tepals of a metallic-glossy yellow, rarely red or pink.
The stigma is usually red.
The flower tube and ovary bear woolly hairs and bristles.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings (offsets).
It prefers a sunny, well-ventilated place and should be planted in well-drained, airy soil.
From spring to early summer, excluding midsummer, water when the soil has dried until water runs out of the bottom of the pot.
In midsummer keep it somewhat dry, and if watering, do so in the morning or evening so that it does not become stuffy from steam.
From autumn to winter, watering once every 2 weeks to 1 month is sufficient.
Care is needed not to overwater or overfertilize.
Pests include scale insects and spider mites.
