About Pediocactus peeblesianus (Croizat) L.D.Benson
This is a description of Pediocactus peeblesianus, a small cactus species. It reaches up to 6.5 centimeters in height and approximately 5.5 centimeters in width. Its body is grayish-green, and typically takes a spherical or egg shape. Sometimes only the top of the cactus is visible above the soil surface; during dry periods, the entire plant body may shrink and disappear completely below ground. Each circular, hairy areole on the cactus surface bears a small number of spines. The longest spine on an areole may grow over 2 centimeters in length, while marginal spines measure 2 to 10 millimeters long. Most spines are corky and flexible, with hard tips, and are white or dull in color. The funnel-shaped, yellowish flowers are up to 2.5 centimeters wide, and bloom between April and May. The fruits start out green, ripen to reddish-brown, and grow to around 1 centimeter long. Each fruit holds 5 to 10 dark brown to black seeds. This species grows in desert habitats and transition zones between desert and Great Basin grassland, at elevations ranging from 1450 to 1600 meters. It grows in sandy soil and among rocks. In recent years, drought has been a major threat to this cactus species.
