About Pelecyphora alversonii (J.M.Coult.) D.Aquino & Dan.Sanchez
Pelecyphora alversonii typically grows by sprouting, and forms cylindrical underground offshoots that are 6 to 9 centimeters in diameter. Its more or less spherical shoots can grow up to 7 to 25 centimeters in height. Each areole on the plant bears 18 to 33 radial spines. It has eight to ten central spines, which measure 1.2 to 1.6 centimeters long and have white to dark red or black tips. Its twelve to 18 white marginal spines are 1.2 to 2 centimeters long. The flowers are magenta to pink, reaching an approximate diameter of 3.2 centimeters. The fruits are ellipsoid and green. The chromosome count for this species is 2n = 22. Pelecyphora alversonii is widespread in the United States, where it occurs in southeastern California’s Mojave Desert and neighboring Arizona, at elevations between approximately 75 and 600 meters.
