Lobivia densispina forma cristata
A small and quite cold tolerant species from the high Andes of Bolivia. 
It has tiny spines that forms a dense coating on red-purple stems.

Description:  Contorted multi-fan crest.
Stem: Dark green to red-purple ribs with flat tubercles between which the areoles appear.
Spines: Teeny, tiny, arranged like little spiders forming  a dense coating, cream to brownish, turn greyish eventually.

Cultivation: It is a summer grower species that offers no cultivation difficulties.  Water regularly in summer (but do not overwater ) keep rather dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer  in summer. It is quite cold tolerant if kept dry (hardy to  -5° C).  Need a bright exposure, full sun or half shade in summer.

Propagation: Grafting, cutting.
 

Origin: Soutnern Bolivia, northern Argentina

This taxon has lots of synonyms (like most Lobivia) whit several controversial varieties and subspecies.

Photo of plants belonging to the Lobivia (Echinopsis) haematantha complex (This taxon has lots of synonyms (like most Lobivia) whit several controversial varieties and subspecies):

• Lobivia haematantha
• Lobivia haemathantha ssp. hualfinensis
• Lobivia amblayensis ( haematantha var. amblayensis)
• Lobivia amblayensis v. albispina ( haematantha )
• Lobivia densispina cristata (haematantha v. densispina cristata)