Gymnocactus ysabelae

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Formerly known as Turbinicarpus ysabelae, this species probably benefited from the name recognition of its former genus rather than the relatively obscure Gymnocactus. Regardless, this dwarf geophyte has all the same charm, but with a spinier covering and larger-growing form. The taxonomy of this genus, and its relation to similar genera like Ariocarpus and Aztekium, is hotly debated. A recent molecular study put those genera closer to the true Turbinicarpus, while Gymnocactus like the species on offer are probably further towards Thelocactus and Mammillaria on that spectrum. The flowers, however, are indistinguishable from some “Turbs”, so some collectors still place this within that genus. Show more