Achacana
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A small spherical cactus. It is dark grey-green. It grows 6-10 cm wide. There are 16 or more ribs. They are divided into distinct triangle shaped lumps. The spine buds are below these and have 1-3 spines in the centre and about 10 spines around. They are curved. The flowers are white or pink. They are 18-20 mm long and across.

It is an at risk species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Bolivia between 3,000-4,000 m altitude. In Argentina it grows between 3,500-4,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The root of the cactus is peeled, cooked and eaten like potatoes.

Edible parts

Plant, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gymnocalycium vorwerkii (Fric) Hutchinson; Sulcorebutia vorwerkii (Fric) F.H. Brandt.; Weingartia vorwerkii (Fric) Backeberg;