Copiapoa humilis aka Chinna Cactus

Copiapoa humilis is a small cactus from the Chilean coast. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Kew gives Antofagasta as its native range. LLIFLE also records it on the coast in Atacama. It grows in rock cracks and among loose stones. Rain is rare there. Fog from the coast brings water the plants need. Its large taproot grows deep into the soil. This soil holds little organic matter, or plant and animal remains.

Plants may grow alone but often form clumps from the base. Each round stem has a low, flat top. Stems reach about 0.07–0.20 feet (0.02–0.06 metres) tall. They measure about 0.08–0.30 feet (0.025–0.09 metres) across. These sizes are for each stem, not the whole clump. Adult stems range from pale olive green to tan. Young stems can look purple-red or almost black. A thick patch of wool grows on the crown. Eight to fourteen ribs have a slight twist. They form raised bumps called tubercles. White wool covers the spaced areoles. Young spines are pale grey or tinged with yellow. The spines turn dark with age. Thin radial spines spread out to the sides. They may have a slight curve.

Yellow flowers with a strong scent grow from the stem tip. They measure about 0.07–0.13 feet (0.02–0.04 metres) long. Plants can bloom while their stems are still young. Grown plants may first bloom around two years after seeds sprout. The smooth, round fruit turns bright red and holds black seeds. Its length reaches about 0.026 feet (0.008 metres).

This cactus grows well in pots. With good care, its growth is quite fast. Give its thick roots a coarse cactus mix rich in minerals. Rich compost can make growth stretch out. Use a pot that drains well, with good airflow. Give modest amounts of water from spring through autumn. Do not leave the roots soaked for long. Keep it dry through its winter rest. Too much moisture can cause rot. Dry plants can bear brief cold near −4°C. A winter minimum of 5–8°C is safer for growth. In summer, feed with a fertiliser high in potassium.

Growers can raise plants from seed, cuttings, or grafts. Shield young seedlings from full sun and give them good airflow. Mines, roads, and unlawful plant collecting harm wild plants. Grazing animals can harm stems. Drought affects some groups in the wild. The supplied sources give no evidence on food use. They give none on toxicity either.