Xerophyte

Central Spines

1 main central stout, rigid, porrect, and straight, 12-38 mm long; accessory centrals 6-18 mm long.

Description

Echinocereus fendleriSN|7149]]SN|7149]] is a wide ranging and variable species with an indefinite number of geographic races. The var. rectispinus is a low growing, scrubby cactus, forming small clumps of up to 6-10, columnar stems to 20 cm tall. These stems have 8-11 ribs, which are narrower than the typical form and not tubercuate. The spines are rigid and stout, with a main porrect, straight central spine, with 1-2 upper accessory centrals.

Flowers

As the species, except 10-13 stigma lobes. Close to the stem tips, funnelform, 7 cm in diameter purple-violet throat sometimes darker or purplish maroon, tips relatively thin and delicate. The stigma is green, and there is a very large number of stamens.

Blooming Season

Spring (April).

Ribs

8-11 , narrower than typical form, not tuberculate.

Stem

Comparatively firm, columnar stems to 20(-25) cm tall.

Radial Spines

8-12, usually lighter in colour than typical form.

Fruits

As the species. 2,5-5 cm long, 12 mm in diameter, edible, bright red or purplish maroon, pulp magenta or red.

Areoles

As the species. Circular 8 to 17 mm apart.