This genus of perennial cacti have a rounded habit with warty ribs and areoles that have spines. They may be solitary or grow in clumps and the yellow diurnal funnel-shaped flowers appear from the crown during summer.  

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Copiapoa species are naturally found in South America growing in northern Chile in extremely dry rocky coastal and mountainous regions from sea level to an altitude of 2000 m (6,200 ft). 

They prefer a sharply drained stony gritty soil that is poor to moderately fertile in an open sunny position with a shade from coastal fogs which supply there are only means of moisture and are very drought tolerant, but frost and cold tender.

These cacti are grown for their bright yellow flowers and rounded habit. They are planted in cacti or arid gardens or used in dry sunny rockeries. They are also grown as potted house plants or in cacti collections. They are slow growing and establish in 3-5 years and should not be watered during winter. If temperatures fall below 10º C place the plants in a glasshouse or protected area. ID 700

Note:
Many of the species are difficult to obtain or rare requiring a specialist nursery. 

Copiapoa (koh-pee-uh-POH-uh) species

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)