Xerophyte

Habit

Plants solitary at first, later forming clumps of 2 or 3 stems (occasionally of as many as 30 individual stems).

Central Spines

1-5 (Usually 3), lower ones longest (8-)10-12(-15) mm long.

Description

Echinocereus bristoliiSN|16478]]SN|21864]] is a compact species very similar in in its general habit to Echinocereus reichenbachiiSN|7575]]SN|7575]], but with much larger flowers and somewhat larger stems covered in thin white spines with dark tips.

Similar Species

It has also been considered conspecific with Echinocereus pseudopectinatusSN|21864]]SN|16478]] a closely related endemic species of adjacent south-eastern Arizona (Cochise County).

Flowers

Large, borne near the stem tips, funnelform, pink, including ovary, 3,8-8,5(-11) cm long, (5,5-)6-10,5(-13) cm in diameter. Receptacular areoles bearing stout spines, perianth parts bright magenta, paler or green near the base.

Blooming Season

Mid- to late-spring

Spines

Whitish or pinkish-white with dark a red tips.

Ribs

15-19(-22), low, acute, somewhat tuberculate.

Stem

Cylindrical, tapered toward the tips, light green, 10-20(-30?) cm long and 5-6 cm in diameter (in cultivation up to 10 cm across), surface totally or partially concealed by spines.

Radial Spines

(7-)15-22(-24), lying against the surface, to 5-10 mm long.

Fruits

Subglobose, somewhat depressed, brownish, opening at the tip.

Areoles

Elliptical about 5 mm long and 5-7 mm apart