Xerophyte

Central Spines

3 to 10 central spines, up to 15 mm long, straight, spreading in all directions.

Description

Echinocereus dasyacanthusSN|8509]]SN|5533]] is a low growing cactusunbranched or branching from the base, forming loose clumps of fewer than 20 stiff branches in old age, with its stem completely obscured by a layer of spines that can vary in colour depending on growing conditions. On some individuals, each year's new spines make a distinct band around the plant. The result is a stem with alternating bands of colour, vaguely suggesting a rainbow and similar to, but not as bold as, the Arizona Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimusSN|5533]]SN|8509]]). It is quite variable.

Flowers

7-10 cm wide × 7-12 cm long; inner tepals, either yellow or rarely orange-yellow, salmon -pink to magenta with age, basal portion green in either case, tips relatively thin and delicate; The outer petals often have a darker or reddish midstripe. Anthers are yellow. The stigma has 16-20 lobes.

Blooming Season

April-May.

Spines

The stem is completely covered with short spines presenting a relatively bristly appearance. They are pink to pale yellow, white, or tan, less often dark brown or purplish. Annual growth increments are marked (often vaguely) by rings of spines with contrasting colours (depending on growing conditions) that grey with age.

Ribs

Straight, approx 15-20, crests rather sharply undulate.

Stem

Ovoid, becoming cylindrical with age, 10-20 (40) cm tall × 4-7 (10) cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

Appressed, 16 to 24, up to 10 mm long.

Fruits

Dark, dull, purplish to maroon (sometimes remaining green), 2-3.5 cm, pulp white to purplish pink. The spiny fruits are edible, although acid.

Areoles

3-5 (11) mm apart.