From eastern Argentina, Tephrocactus articulatus var. papyracanthus is an interesting form of the species with it's flat papery spines. Don't let the harmless appearance fool you, though the spines are flexible the tips can still be sharp. They also have glochids at the base of the spines like most Opuntoids. The segments of this plant can be quite large. The largest one in the picture above is about 5 inches tall and 3 inches around. I got this one at Bachs Cactus Nursery and think it is the largest I've ever seen.
     I have several of these all different sizes and a cutting I'm rooting happened to flower for me. I've never had any flowers before. Click below for more pictures.

First flower	Closeup	And one more	Earlier pic of above
Another for the garden	A happy cutting