Ariocarpus furfuraceus var. Wide Leaf

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The Ariocarpus furfuraceus var. Wide Leaf is indigenous to southern Texas (limestone hills of Rio Grande), and Mexico. Unfortunately, the entire Ariocarpus genus is currently endangered and is extremely rare in the wild. As a defense mechanism to stop hungry herbivores from grazing, this cactus contains numerous toxic and bitter alkaloids such as hordenine.

The Ariocarpus furfuraceus var. Wide Leaf is typically solitary, however, small clusters of stems have been discovered. They sport thick, tuberous tap-roots. Roots grow vertically into the ground. Stems are practically invisible. Stems have tubercles as is typical for most cacti, but their triangular form is what sets this species apart. Tubercles are responsible for photosynthesis and food production/storage. Ribs are replaced by long, spiraling triangular tubercles. Triangular tubers form a globular, flattened structure. Coloration of said tubercles are variable, moving between light gray to pale green.

Spines typically only grow in seedlings. Flowers are funnel-shaped, on a woolly structure at the plant's apex. Flower color is highly variable. Colors include white, yellow, pink, purple and magenta. Seeds are black and pear shaped.

Synonyms:

Mammillaria furfuracea
Ariocarpus retusus -v- furfuraceus
Anhalonium furfuraceum