Gymnocalycium paraguayense is a rounded, dark green cactus. Unusually, its spines are flattened against the the body of the cactus, making them practically harmless. It produces creamy white flowers that are 7cm wide in spring and summer. The species is known to be highly variable – for example some have relatively short spines, while others have longer spines that overlap each other more.
Gymnocalycium paraguayense is very easy to grow on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse. Water freely in summer and feed with a high potassium feed.
Gymnocalycium and wildlife
Gymnocalycium has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
