Parodia magnifica Balloon Cactus

Parodia magnifica—commonly known as the Balloon or Ball Cactus—is a striking globose to short cylindrical cactus native to southern Brazil (especially Rio Grande do Sul), sometimes also reported in Uruguay. It features 11–15 sharply defined vertical ribs lined with bristly golden-yellow spines that accentuate its bluish-green stem, which may develop offsets and form clusters as it ages. In summer it produces showy funnel-shaped sulphur-yellow flowers about 2 in (5 cm) across at the stem apex, often followed by small pink fruits. This species has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, reflecting its value in cultivation.