Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment;
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Cactus

Cardon Grande Cactus, Echinopsis terscheckii

Cardon Grande Cactus, Echinopsis terscheckii Photos Taken Boyce Thompson Arboretum Superior, Arizona. August 25, 2008
Cardon Grande Cactus, Echinopsis terscheckii Photos Taken Boyce Thompson Arboretum Superior, Arizona. August 25, 2008

Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii	Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii
Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii	Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii
Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii	Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii

Cardon Grande Cactus Echinopsis terscheckii, Cactus Family ( Cactaceae ), Cardon Grande Cactus. Also called: Echinopsis terscheckii, Golden Saguaro, Argentine Saguaro, San Pedro Cactus, or Cardon Santo “sacred cactus.” . The Cardon Grande is probably the largest Echinopsis. It is occasionally used in landscaping as a faster growing substitute to the Saguaro. It is a columnar cactus branching above ground, reaching over 25 feet tall. Its branches are about 10 inches in diameter with 8 to 14 ribs. It has large brownish areoles about 1 inch apart. They also have 8 to 15 yellowish spines, 3 1/4 to 4 inches long. The outer half inch of skin and flesh was used traditionally by the indians for religious purposes. Can take full sun but does best in some shade in Phoenix. Height: Up to 15 feet tall. Most are about 8 feet. Flowers: Its flowers, are white, nocturnal, up to 8 inches long Blooming Time: Southern Arizona, March - April. Phoenix Area, April - May. Fruit & Seeds: The fruits, round or oblong blue fruits that are about 1/2 inch in diameter. Leaves: Gold colored thorns. Found: Native Northern Argentina. Elevation: 0 - 3,800 Feet. Habitat: Lower elevations where water is available. It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Not salt tolerant. Photos Taken Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Superior, Arizona. August 25, 2008.