Gymnocalycium horstii
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| Gymnocalycium horstii | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Gymnocalycium horstii in cultivation | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Gymnocalycium |
| Species: | G. horstii |
| Binomial name | |
| Gymnocalycium horstii Buining | |
Gymnocalycium horstii is a globular cactus resembling a loaf of bread.
Subspecies
Gymnocalycium horstii is a cactus species that starts as a solitary plant and usually offset over time, later forms clusters. It has bright green, glossy, spherical stems that grow up to 20 cm in height and diameter. Plants have a squat appearance and spines that are curved back towards the body. The cactus features 5–6 rounded ribs with transverse grooves and usually five yellowish-white spines, up to 3 cm long. One spine points downward, while the others extend sideways. The flowers are creamy white to pale purple-pink, reaching up to 11 cm in length and diameter. Its blue-green, egg-shaped fruits follow the blooms.[2]
There are two recognized subspecies.[3][4]
| Image | Name | Description | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Gymnocalycium horstii subsp. buenekeri (Swales) P.J.Braun & Hofacker | 200 km (120 mi) westward has a very similar but dull body with always pink flowers. | Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). |
 | Gymnocalycium horstii subsp. horstii | Glossy body, white to pink flowers | Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). |
Distribution
This species is native to the southern Brazilian province of Rio Grande do Sul, Uruguay, East Paraguay, and Northeast Argentina growing in rock outcrops and grasslands at altitudes above 300 meters. It has been considered endangered since 2010 due to wild specimens being collected for the plant trade.[5][6]
