Xerophyte

Central Spines

0 or 1 central spine.

Description

Echinocereus pentalophusSN|1587]]SN|1587]] is a matforming cactus with many crowded finger-like stems. Established plants can reach a height of 20 cm and width of 100 cm. It is a very fine sight in bloom, having few equals within the genus Echinocereus.

Flowers

Huge, up to 12 cm long lilac, brilliant pink or magenta with a distinct white throat can almost hide the plant, blossoms in mid April-may.

Ribs

4 to 6, with low tubercles.

Stem

Erect or prostrate, branched above ground, sprawling and decumbent, reddish-purple to dark or yellowish-green. Stems are weak, 2,5 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

4 or 7, short, brown, yellowish, tan or ashy white, usually very stiff and straight.

Fruits

Green with white pulp. Fruiting 3-4 months after flowering.