Origin and Habitat: Distribution: Chile, Atacama: Cuastal hills between Chañaral and Puerto Viejo.

• Copiapoa mollicula F.Ritter

• Copiapoa mollicula F.Ritter
• Copiapoa mollicula f. variegata hort.

Description: This close relative of Copiapoa hypogaeaSN|881]]SN|881]] is usually solitary or forms small clumps.
Stem: The stem is thick soft, flat to globular 7,5 cm in diameter, often with a nice grey-green, blue-grey, pinkish-grey or brownish-grey colour. The apex is woolly.
Ribs: 10 to 14 ribs
Roots: Heavy underground root.
Central spines: (0-)1 to 3 blackish, up to 2.5 cm long;
Radial spines: 5 to 9 (sometime absent)
Flowers: Campanulate 3 cm long and grow from the centre of the white wool at the apex. Outer segments of the perianth are linear and orangish; inner segments are wide, blunt and yellow

Cultivation and Propagation: Very slow growing, need full sun but should be protected from excessive heat and sun in summer. Require light watering and good drainage. Keep warm and dry in winter to avoid rot. It needs mild heat in winter, avoid any frost.
Propagation: Seeds or or stems planted as cuttings. Grafting is often used to speed growth rate and to create a back-up to plants in collection.