Xerophyte

Central Spines

5-10 with 1-2 much longer than the others, 1.5-7 cm long.

Seeds

Shiny black, slightly pitted.

Description

x Pacherocactus orcuttiiSN|8449]]SN|8449]] (x PachgeroSN'>8451' alt='8574'>Cereus orcuttii#SN#8450'>Pachgero[[Cereus orcuttiiSN' style='border

Flowers

Funnelform, light yellow, 6-7 cm long, 6 cm in diameter; pericarpels and floral tubes covered with scales and numerous areoles bearing white wool and bristly spines.

History

Cereus orcuttiiSN|8574]]SN|8450]] Brand, was named in 1900 on a single plant collected by Orcutt in 1886 and grown in his garden. For many years no one knew the actual locality of this distinctive cactus, but in 1950 it was rediscovered by Charles Harbison. Considerable searching, however, yielded only three individuals. Its origin remained a mystery until Moran pursued the idea of hybridity. Subsequent studies have shown that Orcutt's cactus is, in fact, a naturally occurring hybrid between PachySN'>8572' alt='8450'>Cereus pringlei#SN#8574'>Pachy[[Cereus pringleiSN' style='border

Spines

Not clearly differentiated as centrals and radials, light yellow, becoming darker with age.

Ribs

14-18, obtusely toothed.

Stem

Yellowish green, (5-)7-10(-12) cm in diameter, constricted at the end of each year's growth.

Fruits

Globose, 5 cm in diameter, dehiscing irregularly, with dense wool and spines.

Derivation of Name

The species, named for Charles Russell Orcutt, an early 20th century American plant collector in western deserts.

Blooming Season

The plants flower during the day in spring. (in habitat from April to June)

Radial Spines

As many as 20 or more, 0.5-1.5 cm long.

Areoles

Usually distinct, 2-9 mm apart.