Xerophyte

Description

Echinoceres maritimus is a much branched, mounding cactus, forming colonies of cylindrical stems to 30(-40) cm high and 0.6-2 m wide with as many as 20(-300) stems (joints). In spring it displays its clear yellow flowers to the sun, but hides them from the moon. Echinoceres maritimus is variable throughout its range. The population on Natividad Island is sparsely spined and small, while a very robust and heavily armed form, which was described as Echinocereus hancockiiSN|21831]]SN|21833]] (Echinocereus maritimus subs. hancockiiSN|21833]]SN|21831]]), occurs at San Hipolito Bay. Giant forms occur also on Cedros Island.

Flowers

Small, arising below the stem tips, funnelform, light to bright yellow, including the ovary 3-4(-6) cm long and in diameter, usually not opening broadly because of interlaced spines of the plant. Inner perianth-segments oblanceolate, rounded at apex; ovary not very spiny.

Blooming Season

The plants blossom occasionally over a long flowering season from spring to autumn ( in habitat April through November, with a peak in May)

Spines

Bright red when yong, becoming dirty yellow or or horn colour fadingto grey. Central or upper spines 4 (or more), stout, strongly flattened and angled, erect, 2.5-6 cm long. Radial or lower spines, spreading, 7-10, 1.5-5 cm long.

Ribs

8-10 (or more), acute.

Stem

Individual joints globose to cylindrical, light to dark green, 5-16(-30) cm high, 2,5-7 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Globose, green, becoming red, spiny, about 3 cm. in diameter.

Areoles

10 to 12 mm apart.