Xerophyte

Description

Echinocactus texensis cv. Anayami MonstrSN|2231]]SN|29855]] is an odd monstrous plant with narrow felt-like areoles derived from the well known Echinocactus texensisSN|29855]]SN|2231]] (also known as the "Horse-crippler Cactus"). This form is rare and very different and has many irregular, more or less prominent “warts” or small supplemental monstrous ribs between and on the true ribs surface. Both the true ribs and the smaller “warts” on them bears very elongated, felty areoles filled by more or less pectinate spines. With the exception of the long spiny areoles and irregular ribs, all the other characteristics are identical to the standard species, namely size of stem, flowers and fruit. However it is a few chance of flowering but the character of monstrosa is transferred through seeds. By the way "Ayanami" is just Japanese name of texensis, which means twilled waves.The standard form is very popular and widely grown, while the beautiful monstrous variant is still rare in cactus collection. This plant can also get big making a spectacular specimen.