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Echinocereus rigidissimus (Engelm.) Haage f.

Rainbow hedgehog cactus

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonyms: Echinocereus pectinatus var. rigidissimus

USDA Symbol: ECRI3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Horizontal bands of pink and white on the stems give rise to the common name. The purplish-lavender flowers seem too large for the squat stems which rarely reach 1 1/2 ft. in height. A large, juicy fruit follows.

The typical phase of the species, chiefly Mexican, has been collected in the Perilla Mts. of Cochise Co., AZ. It is characterized by the presense of central spines - absent on the variety.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Size Notes: A globular to cylindrical plant to 1ft high, 1½-3½in thick.
Flower Size: 2½-3in long

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: diurnal blooms

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM
Native Distribution: NM, AZ & adjacent Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora).
Native Habitat: Rocky plains; 4000-6000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Rocky or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: The typical phase of the species, chiefly Mexican, has been collected in the Perilla Mts. of Cochise Co., AZ. It is characterized by the presense of central spines - absent on the variety.
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Bibliography

Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles Glass

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Echinocereus rigidissimus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Echinocereus rigidissimus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Echinocereus rigidissimus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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