About Oreocereus trollii (Kupper) Backeb.
Oreocereus trollii (Kupper) Backeb. is a slow-growing cactus that branches from its base to form small groups. Mature individuals reach up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in height, and does not typically produce red-toned flowers until it reaches several feet tall. Its short, columnar, light green shoots grow to 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) in diameter, and are densely covered in wool. The shoots have 15 to 25 strongly tuberous ribs. The white areoles on these ribs are covered in wool that can grow up to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) long. Spines produced from the areoles range in color from yellow to reddish or brown. There are 3 to 5 strong, subulate central spines, reaching up to 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) long, that are darker in color at their tips. It also has 10 to 15 bristle-like radial spines. Its flowers, which range from pink to crimson, grow up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. Its fruits are spherical in shape. This species is distributed in the Bolivian departments of Chuquisaca, Oruro, Potosí and Tarija, and in the Argentine province of Jujuy, where it grows in puna vegetation at altitudes between 3000 and 4000 meters.
