Tephrocactus alexanderi
{{Short description|Species of cactus}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Tephrocactus geometricus 01.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| genus = Tephrocactus
| species = alexanderi
| authority = (Britton & Rose) Backeb.
|synonyms =
- Tephrocactus geometricus (A.Cast.) Backeb.
}}
Tephrocactus alexanderi, also known as Tephrocactus geometricus, is a species of cactus under the genus Tephrocactus. It is also classified under the subfamily Opuntioideae. It is native to Argentina Catamarca (Angostura de Guanchim and Tinogasta) and close to the Bolivian border, where it is exposed to extreme heat and an arid climate.{{Cite web|url=http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/14349/Tephrocactus_geometricus|title=Tephrocactus geometricus|website=www.llifle.com|access-date=2019-03-17}} T. geometricus receives its name from the Greek word γεωμετρία (geometria), meaning geometry.
Description
Tephrocactus alexanderi grows in globular lobes, which sprout from one another and form clumps. The segments of the plant can be blue-green to purple with full sun exposure.{{Cite web|url=https://worldofsucculents.com/tephrocactus-geometricus/|title=Tephrocactus geometricus|date=2016-09-11|website=World of Succulents|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-17}} Spines are mostly not present, with some growing from the upper areoles. Flowers are light pink to white and have a darker midstrip.
Images
File:Tephrocactus geometricus 01.jpg|Flowering T. alexanderi
File:Tephrocactus geometricus 02.jpg|Flowers of T. alexanderi
File:Tephrocactus geometricus.jpg|Tephrocactus alexanderi