Family: Cactaceae

These small, globe- to cylindrical-shaped cactuses, native to Chile, Peru and Argentina, have green to brown bodies. They have ribbed stems covered in spines, which are variable in colour and form. The funnel-form flowers are diurnal and come in shades of pink through to yellowish cream. The buds are hairy and the fruit is pink. Most bloom in the period late spring to autumn.

Species

N. curvispina, from Chile, grows to about 15 cm (6 in) and is heavily ribbed. Yellow flowers, sometimes with a reddish tint, appear from spring to autumn.

N. horrida is a short, green, cylindrical plant with sharp ribs, strong brown spines turning gray, and pinkish yellow flowers.

N. subgibbosa, also from Chile, can grow as high as 1 m (3 ft). It has either an upright or prostrate growth habit and pink or red flowers, generally in autumn.

N. umadeave is a globose, green plant with ribs cut into tubercles. It has strong, curved, cream spines with dark tips and the bell-shaped flowers are yellow.

Cultivation

Grow in an intermediate green-house or conservatory in pots of cactus compost. Give maximum light. Do not water during winter.

Climate

Zone 10.