Turbinicarpus saueri ssp. ysabelae

Scientific Name: Turbinicarpus saueri ssp. ysabelae (K. Schlange) J. Lüthy
Synonym: Gymnocactus ysabelae, Gymnocactus ysabelae var. brevispinus , Neolloydia knuthiana var. ysabelae , Pediocactus ysabelae, Thelocactus ysabelae, Thelocactus ysabelae var. brevispinus , Turbinicarpus ysabelae var. brevispinus , Turbinicarpus ysabelae
Family: Cactaceae

Sun Exposure: Light shade to full sun

Origin: Mexico (Tula in Tamaulipas)

Growth Habits: Solitary, medium green globose stem, 2.4 inches tall (6 cm), 2.8 to 3.6 inches in diameter (7-9 cm); 13 to 15 ribs short tubercles, 0.2 inch long (5 mm); one white central with darker tip, 0.3 inch long (8 mm); 16 to 20 white radials, shorter ones at the top, some with brownish tips, 0.1 to 0.3 inch long (2-7 mm)

Watering Needs: Water only lightly. This Gymnocactus tends to crack open if over-watered.

This species is seldom seen in cultivation, it is coming from a limited area of Mexico and was almost entirely wiped out by illegal trade. It has a tap root, and watering it properly is often difficult.

Blooming Habits:
The Gymnocactus ysabelae has white flower with brownish mid-stripes, 0.4 inches long (1 cm), 0.3 inch broad (7.5 mm). It blooms in spring and then again in the fall. Each flower lasts 4 days.