Strawberry hedgehog cactus
Echinocereus engelmanni

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus which forms clumps. There can be 3-60 stems from the base. It can be 25 cm high. The stems are 5-7 cm thick. They have 10-14 ribs. The spine spots are large and round. They are about 1 cm apart. The spines are of various colours. There are 10-12 spines which radiate out and they are about 1 cm long. There are 2-6 spines in the centre which are 6 cm long. The flowers are 5-8 cm long and 7 cm across. They are pinkish-red. The fruit are red and juicy. They are 3 cm long.

There are about 60 Echinocereus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs a sunny position. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh and served with cream and sugar. They are also used for jam and sauces.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Calico cactus, Dagger-spine hedgehog, Engelmann's hedgehog, Howe hedgehog, Indian strawberry cactus, Munz's hedgehog cactus, Needle-spine hedgehog, Purple-spined hedgehog cactus, Varied-spined hedgehog

Synonyms

Cereus engelmannii Parry; Cereus engelmannii var. chrysocentrus Engel. & Bigelow; Echinocereus engelmanii var. chrysocentrus (Engel. & Bigelow) Rumpler; Cereus engelmanii var. variegatus Engel. & Bigelow; Echinocereus engelmanii var. variegatus (Engel. & Bigelow) Rumpler; Cereus munzii Parish; Echinocereus munzii (Parish) L.D. Benson; Echinocereus engelmanii var. munzii (Parish) P. Pierce & Fosberg; Echinocereus engelmanii var. acicularis L.D. Benson; Echinocereus engelmanii var. armatus L.D. Benson; Echinocereus engelmanii var. purpureus L.D. Benson; Echinocereus engelmanii var. howii L.D. Benson;