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Echinocereus rigidissimus

Echinocereus rigidissimus (Engelm.) hort ex F. Haage

Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus

Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Synonym(s): Cereus pectinatus var. rigidissimus, Echinocereus pectinatus var. rigidissimus

USDA Symbol: ECRI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

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
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: A globular to cylindrical plant usually to 1 foot high, 1 1/2-3 1/2 inches thick.
Flower: Flowers 2 1/2 to 3 inches long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal flowering.

Distribution

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

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.

Bibliography

Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles Glass

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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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