Rebutia cactus in flower

The Rebutia is a pretty common cactus in the family Cactaceae, and is native to Bolivia and Argentina. It seems I can't get away from South American plants, what with my recent Jacaranda blips!

However many of these South American plants thrive in our part of Australia.
This particular one was named after Pierre Rebut (1828-1898), a French cactus nurseryman. See this one better in LARGE!

The Rebutia species has been in cultivation since 1887 and are generally small, colourful cacti, round and prickly in form, and produce flowers that are quite large in relation to the body.

They are very easy to grow and need little maintenance. This particular plant has special significance to me. It came from my father's garden and was given to me shortly before his death in 1996.