Plant of the Day: Echinocereus

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about fifty cacti from the southern U.S. and Mexico. These pretty cacti come in a wide range of shapes and colors. Some species form round, spiny mounds and are commonly called Hedgehog Cacti, while others develop thin, rambling stems. The flower buds of these succulents form inside the stems, bursting out near the stem tips in late spring and early summer. The flowers open completely in full sun and come in an array of colors such as yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and white. Since the flowers break through the skin as they open, a small scar may be left behind. Sometimes the dead flowers can cause a stem to rot; therefore, remove any withered flowers. E. chloranthus (Cylinder Bells) is an interesting species that grows up to 5 inches high. Its colorful spines range from red or brown to cream. In the spring, an abundance of brownish-green flowers are produced at the plant's crown. This variety needs a dry winter dormancy. E. rigidissimus var. rubrispinus (Rainbow Cactus) is a very pretty variety that grows up to 8 inches high with a 2-inch diameter. In good light, the short spines of this plant will grow in red and white bands. This plant will blossom when fairly young. In early summer, a ring of 23/4-inch, pink to magenta, light-throated flowers are produced at the crown of each stem. E. triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Hedgehog) grows up to 8 inches high producing corrugated ribs armed with formidable spines. The beautiful, cup-shaped flowers of this plant have brilliant scarlet petals and contrasting bright green stigmas. Small, pink berries follow the blossoms. E. papillosus forms clumps of sprawling stems, 3/4- to 11/4-inch thick and 12 inches long. This species is excellent for growing in hanging baskets. In early summer, 41/2-inch, yellow flowers with red centers are produced.

VARIETIES: E. coccineus & var. neomexicanus; E. papillosus; E. pentalophus; E. rigidissimus & var. rubrispinus; E. poselgeri; E. pulchellus; E. reichenbachii; E. subinermis; E. viridiflorus; E. schmollii; E. chloranthus (Cylinder Bells); E. stramineus (Porcupine Hedgehog); E. knippelianus; E. scheeri; E. cinerascens; E. triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Hedgehog); E. subinermis; E. enneacanthus & var. conglomeratus (Strawberry Cactus); E. engelmanii; E. pectinatus & var. neomexicanus, rigidissimus; E. reichenbachii (Lace Cactus) & var. albispinus.

Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species from the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny rocky places. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible.

The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echinos), meaning "hedgehog," and the Latin cereus meaning "candle." They are sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, a term also used for the Pediocactus and Echinopsis.

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