Parodia magnifica (balloon cactus)

Parodia magnifica, widely called balloon cactus, is a succulent subshrub native to Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. It forms rounded to short-columnar blue-green stems divided into pronounced ribs, with pale wool and flexible golden spines along the rib margins. Older plants may develop broad clusters, and yellow flowers are produced near the crown. The species is assessed as Endangered because of its restricted range and continuing habitat pressures. Photographed in Florida.