Aylostera (= Rebutia) spinosissima Backb is a thickly white-spined cactus from the Salta region in Argentina. The flowers appear early in spring. The older plants blossom more profusely than younger ones and they are often completely hidden under an avalanche of blooms. The fruits are minute and bristly, a characteristic trait of the cacti in the subgenus Aylostera. The most handsome species are A. heliosa with short, white, adpressed spines and orange flowers, and the similar A. albopectinata with red flowers. Both can be grafted. Cultivation of other species of this subgenus is usually easy if a loam-based potting mix, plenty of sunlight, and fresh air in summer are provided. At this time of the year, they can be placed outdoors. In winter keep cool at 10° C.
