Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Planting Information
Cactus

Argentine Hedgehog, Echinopsis huascha

Argentine Hedgehog Or Red Torch Cactus, Echinopsis huascha

Argentine Hedgehog Echinopsis huascha	Red Torch Cactus, Echinopsis huascha

Argentine Hedgehog Echinopsis huascha, Cactus family ( Cactaceae ), Red Torch Cactus. Also called Trichocereus huascha, Red Torch Cactus. Echinopsis huascha is a medium sized clumping, basally branching, columnar cactus, growing from 18 inches to 36 inches tall. It can be used as a grafting stock for smaller cactus species. It has beautiful large red flowers that open in the evening and last 1-3 days. It is native to Argentina. Echinopsis huascha used to be named Trichocereus huascha. Basally branching, up to 3 feet tall, with each stem 2 to 3 inches in diameter; with 12 to 18 ribs; whitish brown areoles; 1 to 2 centrals, up to 2 1/2 inches long; and 9 to 11 brown radials, up to 1 3/5 inches long. Height: About 18 inches to 36 inches tall. Flowers: Red-violet or fuchsia colored flowers; Cup Shaped, 2" - 3" long and wide. Blossoms last for about three days. Stems: Cylendrical and Green, from 2 to 3" in diameter. with 12 to 18 small ribs. They often grow together in a base of a loose cluster of stems which can spread out as large as 3 feet in size. Spines: Straight 4 to 6 yellow or brownish central spines, 2 to 3 inches long ; 9 to 11 radials, 1 3/5 inches long. Blooming Time: Late March - April. Fruit: Red, Up to 1" long and 3/4" in diameter fruit which is edible. Found: Native to Argentina. Elevation: 0 - 3,000 Feet. Habitat: Desert; sandy slopes, flats, and rocky hillsides. Will grow in a full sun/part shade position. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 31, 2003 at Glendale.