Sclerocactus Papyracanthus

Sclerocactus papyracanthus is unusual for having flattened, papery, ribbon-like central spines, curled or twisted, and relatively long, up to 2 inches. There is usually one upwards-pointing central spine per areole, unhooked, and occasionally up to three shorter, downwards-pointing central spines. Sometimes all central spines are absent, however, in which case the radial spines (five to ten) are broader and more obviously flattened. Spines are generally quite dense, often obscuring the dull green stems, which are relatively small, up to 2 inches tall and 1 inch across.

Flowers are narrow in outline, bell- or funnel-shaped, up to 1 inch long and across. Tepals are brownish-purple along the middle (underneath), otherwise white to pale cream, and are pointed at the apex. Filaments are pale greenish yellow, the anthers creamy-yellow, and the stigma lobes pale green.

This species is associated with grama grass, and is also found in pinyon-juniper woodland; it is most widespread in central New Mexico, with smaller populations in eastern Arizona and west Texas.