Xerophyte

Habit

Echinopsis formosaSN|48]]SN|48]] is a massive growing barrel cactus with a solid and spiny presence, solitary at first, later branching basally to form wide colonies.

Central Spines

2-9, acicular, brown, of variable length which, in some cases, can reach the 20 cm.

Description

Echinopsis formosaSN|48]]SN|48]] subs. rosarioana is probably one of the many geographical forms of the extremely variable Echinopsis formosaSN|48]]SN|48]]. The dense golden or amber coloured spines would protect them from the extremes of cold and sunshine. The new spines are actually dark brown and appear in the spring.

Flowers

Fire yellow to orange-red to red, funnel-shaped, diurnal, originating in the apical zone and are about 6-9 cm long and broad.

Blooming Season

Open in the day in the spring.

Ribs

15-35(-50) vertical with remarkable notches and tubercles.

Stem

Globose to columnar, multiply- ribbed, pale green or blue-green, up to 0,5-1(-2) m tall, 20-35(-50) cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

8-16, needle-like, spreading, straight or slightly curved, colourful yellowish, amber or reddish brown, up to 3 (or more) cm long

Fruits

Globose, 3-4 cm of diameter, acid green, covered by scales and down; the pulp is white, edible, and contains several black seeds. It usually reproduces by seed.

Areoles

Elliptic, initially covered by a dark-brown down and about 1 cm apart.