Xerophyte

Habit

It is a low growing, scrubby cactus, that grows solitary or slowly basally branching.

Central Spines

Absent.

Flowers

Funnelform, from near the top of plant, rather large, 6-8 cm in diameter, purple-violet and delicate, inner perianth segments, few, about 14, loosely arranged, relatively broad, obtuse 3 cm. long and strongly toothed above. Ovary bearing conspicuous red scales, spiny. Style longer than the stamens.

Blooming Season

Spring ( in habitat April to June).

Distinguishing Characters

Echinocereus fendleriSN|7149]]SN|7149]] var. hempelii is distinguished for its lack of central spines, the strongly tubercled ribs and the very loosely arranged perianth-segments.

Ribs

8 to 10 strongly tuberculate.

Stem

15-20 cm tall, 6-7 cm in diameter, dark green, soft, with a flabby surface.

Radial Spines

Few (3 to 6) about 1 cm long or less, spreading white needle-like, thick, angular, flattened, e radials with brown or blackish tips.

Fruits

2,5-5 cm long, 12 mm in diameter, turning scarlet, less often orange-tan or purplish orange, pulp magenta or red. All varieties have delicious edible fruits.

Areoles

Circular, white, 8 to 17 mm apart.