Thelocephala duripulpa (Huasco)

Thelocephala duripulpa, found in the Huasco region of Chile, is a small, geophytic cactus that typically grows with much of its body underground. It has a globular to slightly flattened shape with a grayish-green to brownish-green color. The plant features prominent tubercles and short, stiff spines that can range in color from white to dark brown. The funnel-shaped flowers, which emerge from the plant’s apex, are typically pale pink to white. Adapted to the arid, rocky environments of the Atacama Desert, Thelocephala duripulpa thrives in well-draining, sandy soils and requires minimal watering.