Xerophyte

Habit

Echinocereus engelmannii var. variegatusSN|7982]]SN|7982]] is a small mound-forming cactus with nearly black clusters of 2 to 12 erect stems.

Seeds

c. 4 mm wide, black.

Description

Echinocereus engelmannii var. variegatusSN|7982]]SN|7982]] is a local or morphological form of the widespread and variable Echinocereus engelmannii. It differs from the type variety mainly for its lowermost central spines mainly 2.8-4.5 cm long, often markedly differing in colour from other spines and varying from white to brown often mottled with black. However the distinguishing characteristics of Echinocereus engelmannii var. variegatusSN|7982]]SN|7982]], appear to fall within the natural variation of Echinocereus engelmannii and it should be synonymized with the latter, but it still has a value for a collector because they identify plants with particular characters.

Note

'variegatus' Lat., mottled, variegated; for the variable spine colours.

Flowers

varied in colour from pink to purple to magenta. 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter, 5 cm (2 inches) long.Blooming season. Spring (April).

Spines

Highly variegated (variable) in colour, being either white, horn-colored, dark-red or black; lower central 3.75 cm long, straight, stiff; other centrals shorter, darker in colour. The three upper centrals often curved.

Stem

Sark green 10 to 20 cm tall, 2 to 5.5 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Spiny, 3.75 cm long, red when ripe.