Sclerocactus whipplei is the first species that was described among the genus over a handred years ago. They generally live on gravely hills near the river in northern Arizona, altitude of 1500-1900m.They associate with Pediocactus peeblesianus,Toumeya papyracanthus in some locality.
　Plant body is solitary in many cases, 4-10cm in diameter and 4-15cm long, ribs 12-15. Spines are densely covering the plant body. Central spines are 4, black to redbrown, the lower one is hooked 2-5cm. Characteristic upper prominent spine is conspicuous, white and papery, to 7cm long, to 0.25cm wide. Flower is short small funnelform, 2-3cm long and 1.5-3 cm diameter. Flower color is generally yellow to white.
　S.whipplei is somewhat difficult species in classification.There are still some different opinions in experts. Some localities of this species are overlaped with S.parviflorus. Especially, in north western New Mexico there are small flower Scleros described as "whipplei var. heilii" "whipplei var. reevesii". These plants having both characteristics of S.whipplei and S.parviflorus have raised discussion among experts. Now, some people regard them as only local form of S.parviflorus. On the other hand some people regard them as separated species and call them "S.cloveriae". In this homepage I treat them in part of "parviflorus" for now.
　Cultivation of S.whipplei is not so difficult among the genus. I think they are as easy as S.parviflorus and easier than S.spinocior or S.polyancistrus. My seed-growing plants of this species reach flowering at 5 years old.

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