This small green globular cactus is clump forming with up to 12 spirally arranged conical tubercles on the surface. It is armed with many brown to black sharp spines and the small creamy-white flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Gymnocactus gielsdorfianusis naturally found in North America growing in New Mexico in semi arid areas in stony well drained soils that are moderately fertile. It prefers an open sunny position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

This small cactus is grown for its habit and is planted in rockeries or arid gardens as a specimen. It is also found in botanical collections or grown as a potted specimen establishing from offsets in 2 to 3 years. In cool climates grow under glass or as an indoor plant. ID 2078

Gymnocactus(JIM-noh-KAK-tus)gielsdorfianus(geels-DOR-fee-ah-nus)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)