This clumping globose to columnar cactus has the woolly crown and 30-35 spiny ribs. It has needle-like whitish spines and the canary yellow cup-shaped diurnal flowers appear towards the top of the plant during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Parodia scopa is naturally found in South America from southern Brazil to Paraguay and Uruguay. It prefers a lightly shaded to full sun, open position, and grows on very well drained neutral to slightly acid, sandy stony soils that are moderately fertile and is drought tolerant but frost tender. 

The Silver Ball Cactus is grown for its clumping habit and the flowers. It is planted in arid gardens or semi shaded rockeries and is grown as a potted specimen plant for courtyards or under glass in cold climates.  It is suitable for inland regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived developing a large clump over time. ID 2096

Parodia (pa-RŌ-dee-a) scopa (SKOH-pah)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)