Origin and Habitat: Coastal deserts of northern Chile (Atacama, Antofagasta, Caldera)
Habitat: In the area where this plants grows there is very little rain but frequent coastal fog, which provides a significant part of their water needs.

• Copiapoa lembckei Backeb.

• Copiapoa calderana F.Ritter
• Copiapoa atacamensis var. calderana (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm.
• Neoporteria pulchella (F.Ritter) Ferryman
• Copiapoa boliviana (Pfeiff.) F.Ritter
• Echinocactus bolivianus Pfeiff.
• Copiapoa calderana f. cristata hort.
• Copiapoa calderana var. spinosior F.Ritter
• Copiapoa lembckei Backeb.
• Copiapoa lembckei var. magnifica Kníže

• Copiapoa calderana subs. atacamensis (Middled.) Doweld
• Copiapoa atacamensis Middled.

Description: Solitary or slowly clumping
Stem: 10-30 cm tall , 10 cm in diameter, depressed spherical or shortly cylindrical with a woolly apex, Bright grey-green, with grey tips (the younger specimen are usually a dark tan/violet/green)
Ribs: 10 to 17 ribs, wide blunt, not notched, approx 1 cm high.
Areoles: Round, woolly, dull-white/grey that darken as they ages, 5-10 mm apart.
Spines: Amber, brown or black, awl-shaped to needle-like, hard and straight (or slightly bent), becoming grey with age.
Central spines: 1( to 2) about 2-3 cm long.
Radial spines: 4 to 7; ± 1 to 1.5 cm long.
Flowers: Large (± 3 cm) light yellow, funnel-shaped, scented.
Blooming season: Flowers in spring and summer, followed by green fruit.

Notes: Copiapoa lembckeiSN|1745]]SN|1745]] is an invaldid name (not validly published) and it is exactly the same as Copipoa calderana.

Cultivation and Propagation: This slow growing cactus is kept for the beauty of its form. It must be protected from excessive heat and sun in summer, and seems to do best in cultivation with a bit of shade. It requires light but regular waterings in summer, but let the soil mix dry between waterings, Prone to rot if over-watered. Needs good drainage. Keep warm and dry in winter (10°C) to avoid rot. Not highly tolerant of a great deal of frost. (Frost tolerance 0°C)
Propagation: Seeds (or offsets if available), Grafting is often used to speed growth rate and to create a back-up to plants in collection.