Xerophyte

Central Spines

1 to 3 yellowish, 12 mm long, stronger and longer than the radials; all the spines later becoming grey.

Description

The classical Echinopsis spachianaSN|8648]]SN|8648]] (a.k.a. Golden Torch Cactus) is a multi-stemmed columnar cactus at first simple, later profusely branching at the base. The rare variegated form has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow. A very few variegated plants sprout unpredictably time by time among normal green seedling and are very rare. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized.

Flowers

Nocturnal, white, about 20 cm long and 15 cm in diameter lasting about 24 hours from one sunset to the following one.

Blooming Season

Late spring.

Spines

Radial spines 8 to 10, 6 mm to 1 cm long, spreading, stiff, sharp, amber-yellow to brown.

Ribs

10 to 15, obtuse, rounded.

Stem

Stem upright up to about 2 m tall, but usually smaller, 5 to 6 cm in diameter, columnar. Epidermis green and yellow.

Areoles

About 1 cm apart, large, covered with curly yellow wool, turning white or grey as they age.