Origin and Habitat: North of Taltal to San Ramon and adjacent areas, 02 Antofagasta, North Chile.<br />
Altitude: 200-600 metres above sea level.

• Copiapoa montana F.Ritter
• Copiapoa hypogaea var. montana (F.Ritter) G.J.Charles

• Copiapoa taltalensis (Werderm.) Looser
• Copiapoa humilis subs. taltalensis (Werderm.) Doweld
• Copiapoa humilis var. taltalensis (Werderm.) A.E.Hoffm.
• Echinocactus taltalensis Werderm.
• Copiapoa desertorum F.Ritter
• Copiapoa rupestris subs. desertorum (F.Ritter) D.R.Hunt
• Copiapoa taltalensis subs. desertorum (F.Ritter) G.J.Charles
• Copiapoa desertorum var. rubriflora (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm.
• Copiapoa rubriflora F.Ritter
• Copiapoa rupestris subs. rubriflora (F.Ritter) Doweld
• Copiapoa desertorum var. rupestris (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm.
• Copiapoa rupestris F.Ritter
• Copiapoa hornilloensis F.Ritter
• Copiapoa desertorum var. hornilloensis (F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm.
• Copiapoa rupestris subs. hornilloensis (F.Ritter) Doweld
• Copiapoa montana F.Ritter
• Copiapoa hypogaea var. montana (F.Ritter) G.J.Charles
• Copiapoa olivana F.Ritter
• Copiapoa montana subs. olivana (F.Ritter) Doweld
• Copiapoa rarissima F.Ritter

Description: Copiapoa montanaSN|1391]]SN|1407]] is a controversial taxon that has undergone classification changes, Anderson chosen to lump it with Copiapoa taltalensis, while other authors suggest that it is intermediate between Copiapoa cinerascensSN|1420]]SN|1420]] and Copiapoa hypogea and consider it a good species rather than a local form of Copiapoa taltalensisSN|1407]]SN|1391]].
Habit: It is a geophytic cactus arising from a large tuberose root. It is at first solitary but can slowly branch from the base to form moderately large clump.
Roots: Large tap-root connected to the stem base through a slender neck.
Stem: Globular flattened in the young plant, later columnar, 4-20 cm tall, 4-10 cm across, pale green or olive green eventually lightly tinged with brown in the sun.
Ribs: 10 to 17 prominent, divided into large tubercles about 7 mm high.
Areoles: Round 3-10 mm in diameter, 5-15 mm apart and covered with white or brown felt.
Spines: Straight or slightly curved, brownish-black to black (later grey).
Radial spines: 4 to 9 straight or slightly curved, stoutly needle-like, 5-20 mm long.
Central spines: 0 to 3 stronger, straight, and about 2 cm long as well.
Flowers: The flowers arise on the crown, often several at a time, nearly hidden in the dense wool. They are glossy, pale yellow, with broad limb, 5.5 cm in diameter, and with a faint scent. The filaments, anthers and style are yellow, the 7 to 12 lobed stigma darker. The ovary measures about 1 cm across. It is one of the first species to flower, even 2 to 3 year old seedlings may bloom.
Blooming season: Flowers throughout the whole summer.
Fruit: 1-1.3cm in diameter, reddish.
Seeds: Small, black glossy 1,2-2 x 0,9-1,2 mm.

Notes: Copiapoa montanaSN|1407]]SN|1407]] is used as grafting stock for other copiapoas.

Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Adriana Hoffmann “Cactáceas en la Flora Silvestre de Chile” 1st edition, 1989
2) Schulz R., (2006). “Copiapoa 2006” Schulz Publishing.
3) Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
4) David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. "The New Cactus Lexicon" dh books, 2006
5) F.Ritter “Kakteen Südamerika” 3: 1072 1980.
6) Graham Charles “Copiapoa” Cirio Pub. Services, 1999
7) Hans Hecht “BLV-Handbuch der Kakteen” BLV-Verlagsgesellschaft, 1982

Cultivation and Propagation: This cactus can be easily cultivated on its own roots or grafted on stock with adequate fresh air and water. Need full sun but should be protected from excessive heat and sun in summer, Require good drainage to avoid root rot. In winter it requires a light and dry environment and a temperature of 10°C. Avoid any frost (Frost tolerance 0°C)
Propagation: Seeds, which has good powers of germination, or from shoots which are grafted.