HEDGEHOG CACTUS (Echinocereus species)
There are many species and varieties of hedgehog cacti, all belonging to the genus Echinocereus. They typically produce clusters of erect stems, up to 30 cm high. The ribs that run up the stems have areoles that produce long, sharp spines, which stick out like the spines of a hedgehog. Most of these cacti produce bright, showy flowers from short flowering branches that emerge behind the growing tip of the stem. The individual species are difficult to tell apart because they hybridise. The most widespread species is the claret cup (Echinocereus triglochidiatus), which is variable but always recognisable by its bright red flowers with rounded petal margins. This species occurs mainly in upland and mountain zones rather than in the deserts. In contrast , Engelmann's hedgehog (Echinocereus engelmannii) is a true desert dweller, being found mainly in south-central Arizona and westwards into southern California. Several other types of hedgehog cactus are found in the Chihuahuan Desert. The flowers of hedgehog cacti have a structure typical of cactus family (Cactaceae). In the image below note that there are several stigmas (green-coloured, receptive female organs) which are joined to a single tube at the base, leading down to the ovary. The stigmas are surrounded by many stamens with pollen-bearing anthers at their tips.
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