Xerophyte

Central Spines

4, awl shaped, forming a crucifix shape, the lowermost 3 near equal, the uppermost one conspicuously longer, to 4 cm long, very stiff, brown becoming ash-grey as they age.

Description

Echinopsis huotiiSN|31121]]SN|8137]] is a subcylindrical cactus species, solitary at first, later branching basally to form small clumps. The pure white flowers, which last only about 24 hours, are up to 14 cm high and sweetly scented. Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate form and subs. vallegrandensis.

Similar Species

Echinopsis huotiiSN|8137]]SN|8137]] is strictly related to Echinopsis bridgesiiSN|8137]]SN|31121]] and often considered merely a local variant of the latter (if not the same).

Note

The epithet 'huotii' has been bestowed in honour of Mr. Huot, cactus horticulturist working in the Monville collection.

Flowers

Borne laterally, white, 17-20 cm long, scented.

Ribs

9-10(-11), swollen around the areoles, furrows deep to 1.2 cm high.

Stem

Globose to subcylindrical, erect, suckering at the base, pale to dark green, to 35 cm tall, and 8 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

9-11, needle-like, divergent, radiating, to 2 cm long unequal, the uppermost the shorter. All spines with black tips.

Areoles

Prominent wider than long, at first with long yellowish white tomentum, then ash-grey.