From Bolivia and Argentina, Gymnocalycium pflanzii v. albopulpa is a gnarly and impressive member of the genus similar to G. saglionis. Not quite as big as saglionis, it nevertheless gets up to 6 inches around. With it's purple brown body and impressive spination it reminds one of a battle helmet from some mythical medieval warrior from a Tolstoy tale. In total contrast to it's looks, it produces delicate and lovely light pale pink or white flowers in spring and summer.
     I have two of these the one above and another larger one in the garden. The first two flower pics are of the one I later planted in the garden. The others are the one above.

A flower in April	Closer view	More flowers from the other	Another view
Closer view