Aylostera einsteinii is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. It is native to Bolivia and Argentina. Description Aylostera einsteinii is a small, clustering cactus species. Its stems are spherical to cylindrical, light green or dark brownish-green, and measure 2 to 3 cm in diameter. The plant has a large, branching, thick root that resembles a beet. The stems have faint, spiral-arranged ribs divided into distinct tubercles. The areoles are elongated and carry 10 to 20 spines that are not clearly classified as central or radial. These spines vary from light to dark brown, are spaced widely, and each measures 3 to 8 mm in length. The bright yellow-orange flowers can reach up to 2.5 cm in both length and diameter.
Distribution Aylostera einsteinii is native to Bolivia and northwest Argentina. It grows primarily in deserts and dry shrublands, at elevations from .
Conservation In 2010, the species was classified as of least concern, though removal of specimens by collectors represents a minor threat. Taxonomy This species was originally described by Czech botanist Alberto Vojtěch Frič as Rebutia einsteinii in 1931 and named the speices in honor of Albert Einstein. In 2011 botanists Stefano Mosti and Alessio Papini reclassified it into the genus Aylostera, renaming it Aylostera einsteinii.
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