About Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. brevihamatus
Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. brevihamatus is a small, dark-green to grey globose cactus. It has a short central taproot that produces many fine, fibrous offshoots. Its stem has 10 to 12 ribs, which are divided into tubercles that feature shallow, wooly grooves on their upper surface. The areoles are circular and covered in white wool. The central spines are white or yellowish, often hooked, and occasionally have red tips; they may turn grey as they age. The radial spines are straight and spread irregularly across the plant. Its small, funnel-shaped flowers come in a range of colors including various shades of green, yellow, and white. The fruits are egg-shaped, pinkish-green, and hold kidney-shaped, dark brown to black seeds. This cactus grows in shallow gravel and clay soils. It prefers slightly alkaline soils, and often grows in soils that contain a large amount of limestone sediment. Its natural habitat consists of open areas with sparse vegetation, including hilltops, floodplains, and rocky plains.
