Gymnocalycium taningaense

Gymnocalycium taningaense is a species of Gymnocalycium from Argentina.

Description

Gymnocalycium taningaense is a solitary cactus that later forms offsets, featuring gray-green, flattened, spherical stems 4.5–6 cm in diameter and up to 2.5 cm in height. Its 9–11 flat ribs have weak chin-like protrusions. The thin, needle-shaped spines, initially reddish-brown to gray-brown, turn gray with age. It may have 1–2 central spines or none, and 7–10 radial spines pointing sideways and downward, 3–8 mm long.
The white flowers have a yellow throat, measuring 4–5.5 cm in length and 3–4.5 cm in diameter. The blue-green, typically club-shaped fruits grow up to 2 cm long.

Distribution

Native to Córdoba and San Luis, Argentina, where it grows at altitudes between 500 and 1500 meters in rocky slopes and meadows along with Butia yatay.

Taxonomy

First described in 1990 by Jörg Piltz, its species name refers to its occurrence near Taninga in Córdoba.