Claret cup cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It forms clumps or clusters. It grows 30-40 cm high and spreads 20-50 cm wide. The stems are cylinder shaped and can be 15-20 cm long. They are 5 cm wide. They can occur singly or in clumps. They have about 10 ribs. They have short spine in a ring around a central spine. This central one can be 7 cm long. The flowers are red and long tubes. They can be 5 cm across. Some different varieties occur. The fruit is round and pink or red. It has spines which fall off.

There are about 60 Echinocereus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. Desert. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 6-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or made into preserves. The fruit pulp is sliced and baked like squash. It can be baked in sugar to make a sweet pickle.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Clear-up cactus, Black-spine claret-cup cactus, King's crown cactus, Red hedgehog-cactus, Robust claret-cup hedgehog, Rose's claret-cup cactus, Rose's hedgehog, Spineless hedgehog, White-spined claret-cup hedgehog

Synonyms

Cereus gonacanthus Engelmann & Bigelow; Echinocereus gonacanthus (Engelmann & Bigelow) Lemaire; Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. gonacanthus Boissevain; Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. inermis G.D. Rowley;