Sulcorebutia breviflora ssp. lauii is a charming miniature cactus native to Bolivia, where it occurs amongst the rugged mountainous landscapes of the Andes. It belongs to a fascinating group of small Bolivian cacti renowned for their compact growth, intricate spination and colourful flowers.
Plants form small, rounded to slightly flattened stems composed of numerous tubercles, with the body partly concealed beneath a covering of fine spines. Older specimens can produce offsets and gradually develop into attractive multi-headed clusters.
As its name breviflora suggests, this taxon is notable for its relatively small flowers. Blooms can range from clear yellow and rich golden-yellow through to warm orange, emerging from around the sides of the body and providing a vivid contrast with the plant's spination.
The subspecies name lauii honours Alfred Bernhard Lau, the celebrated cactus explorer and collector whose extensive fieldwork greatly increased our knowledge of South American cacti.
A delightful Bolivian miniature, Sulcorebutia breviflora ssp. lauii is particularly appealing for its compact proportions, clustering habit and cheerful yellow-to-orange flowers.
Caution: Toxic if eaten.