Neoporteria Violaciflora

Neoporteria Violaciflora has a relatively wide range from Antofagasta south to Caldera (coastal Atacama Desert) Atacama, Chile. It is found in inaccessible areas in the coast and into the nearby hills (lomas costeras) mainly on rock crevices in cliffs and in rocky slopes. It is also found in dry sandy soils in flats below the fog zone. The species is very scarce but seems stable. The total population size is estimated to be 700 mature individuals.Description: spiny geophytic cactus with solitary (or sometime branching) stems rising barely above ground level (in habitat). It shows a certain degree of variability depending on origin.Stem: Globose or semi-globular to elongate (especially in cultivation) (3-)8(-15) cm in diameter and 5-8(-15) cm tall, dull dark green, in the sun often tinged with purple.Roots: Fibrous, arising from a short, conical taproot.Ribs: (8-)10-13(-16) vertical, forming tubercles with chin-like protrusions.Areoles: Sunken, with creamy-white or yellowish felt.Spines