Morphology (Identifying Characteristics):
Habit: Small usually unbranched,
Stem: Flat to globose depressed, up to 13cm in width, greyish-brown to blue-green (rather variable in colour in cultivation, and in some specimens it is almost blue-black). The 9 to 10 broad ribs are divided by deep grooves into tubercles.
Areoles : deep-set
Spines: 5 to 7 thin radial spines that are straight or curved toward the stem, short, curved, pale brown or grey, tinged with red at the base.
Flower: on the crown, measuring 3 to 4 cm in length and the same across, open wide in sunlight, and commonly of a most rich purple-red colour, sometimes pinkish-purple (but also white, pink or orange). The stamens are purple, the anthers and the 6 lobed stigma whitish yellow. This plant blooms in early summer when it is only 2.5 cm. It is fast growing and can bloom one year after being sown.
Fruit: The ripened ovary is green, long and dehisces (splits) down its length.
Notes: The synonym name Gymnocalycium venturianum is very common in collections, and even at cactus nurseries. It is a very variable species in its general appearance. There are also many hybrids with a wide range of flower colours.