Echinocereus websterianus

Echinocereus websterianus
In bloom
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Genus:	Echinocereus
Species:	E. websterianus
Binomial name
Echinocereus websterianus G.E. Linds

Echinocereus websterianus, commonly known as the San Pedro Nolasco hedgehog cactus or Webster's hedgehog cactus is a species of cactus. It is named after American philanthropist Gertrude Webster, who cofounded the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.^[1]

Description[]

Webster's hedgehog is a short barrel cactus growing up to 60 cm (24 in) tall (though usually specimens are shorter) and 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in) in diameter. It may grow in a clumping fashion, with up to 50 other basal branches forming the clump. Golden yellow, brown, or white spines grow about 1 cm (0.39 in) long from closely spaced areoles. The pink, violet, or white flower blooms during the day. Flowers are small for the genus, only about 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) in diameter and 6 cm (2.4 in) long from where it branches off the cactus. Flowers do not readily detach once pollinated, which can lead to stem rot. Blooming occurs in the hot months of June and July, once the plant reaches maturity at between 7 and 10 years old. Blooms stay open for 2 or 3 days.^[2]

Taxonomy[]

It is very similar to and may be the same species.^[2]

Distribution[]

It is likely native to San Pedro Nolasco Island in the Gulf of California, though it may have some distribution in mainland Baja. It occurs on other islands in the Gulf of California, including Isla San Lorenzo Sur and Isla Las Ánimas.^[2]

Cultivation[]

This cactus is easily propagated, but its slow maturation complicates cultivation. It fetches a high price due to its showy flowers. In cultivation, it should be watered regularly between March and October, and given a deep pot to ensure adequate drainage. Strong sunlight overwinter is necessary to ensure flowering. It requires a greenhouse in cold climates, as it can only survive to −5 °C (23 °F) for short periods of time. It is very difficult to repot and shows handling marks with even a ginger touch. Instead it is preferable to simply cut off pups or the top of the plant and propagate those.^[2]

References[]